Water is a voice’s best friend! From experience, I know there is a ton of difference in my vocal ability – in the sound as well as the feeling – if I am well hydrated or not. Here’s how to get more water in your tissues for optimal operation of your voice: 1. Drink a… Read More » about The Power of Hydration for a Vocal Performance
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
A Conversation With …Your Voice
Have you had a conversation with your voice? I know. Sounds funny. But let me give you a mental exercise that might reveal things to you and possibly increase your vocal health and ability. You see, your voice is like a finely strung horse which runs on subtle instinct and honesty. Your conscious mind is… Read More » about A Conversation With …Your Voice
Authenticity: Lesson from the Hummingbird
I was watching my hummingbirds today and thought about how much they are like an audience. They may investigate you to see what you are about. If you have a red shirt on they may look for a flower opening for a few moments (which can startle you!). But since you don’t have one they… Read More » about Authenticity: Lesson from the Hummingbird
Speaking with Power of Resonation
I just got off a phone lesson with a wonderful sportscaster (Coach John Bunting- and no, that’s not a pic of him, hehe). He has a great voice and great energy and has some fabulous gigs coming his way. We talked about many things but one I wanted to share with you is how… Read More » about Speaking with Power of Resonation
Singing and Chewing Gum
Chewing gum and the voice… who knew? Just a quick tip for you today: Xylitol can help make the voice feel less dry! Found in such chewing gums as Trident, it might make an interesting addition to your vocal kit. However, I don’t recommend singing AND chewing gum at the same time. It’s hard… Read More » about Singing and Chewing Gum
Vowel Modification: Practical Cure for Tight Throats
Have you ever noticed how some verses are harder to sing than others? That some words are harder to sing a particular note that is easy with another word? That sometimes you seem to luck into a way to make it easier after you sing it a while and you’d like to know what you… Read More » about Vowel Modification: Practical Cure for Tight Throats
Assessing Vocal Coaches
If you are trying to find a vocal coach that can help you obtain the vocal healing, improvement and mastery you want, there are things you can look for to help you figure out who you want to work with. Credentials There are three types of credentials: academic, professional and student success. First of all,… Read More » about Assessing Vocal Coaches
My Latest Performance Mistake
I did a recent performance for a SallyCat show benefit for The Dance Theatre of Tennessee. (I love these people so much… Sally and Cat are fantastic personally and professionally, and the new DTT is a magical company exploring, nurturing and performing the art of dance. I thank them for uploading the video they took!)… Read More » about My Latest Performance Mistake
When Drummers Sing
Got a great question from Phil Smith: Do you have any tricks to get me, a drummer, to make it easier to play and sing ,,and remember lyrics?? Here are some thoughts for you drummers that sing: 1. write the lyrics out a few times longhand… a great memory tool. 2. Make sure your mic… Read More » about When Drummers Sing
Vocal Resonation Zones
Someone suggested I do a post about resonators (physical woofers, tweeters and other frequency eq creators) for the voice. I have to point you to a great, comprehensive and well-written article about vocal resonation in Wikipedia, and I highly recommend that article and a short accompanying discussion there. So that is the science of vocal… Read More » about Vocal Resonation Zones