Dancer taking a load off at rehearsal for Swan Lake Tribute to Elaine Thomas, Nashville, Tn I went to a rehearsal for the Swan Lake Tribute to the 75th birthday of the amazing ballerina Elaine Thomas. The Dance Theater of Tennessee, where Elaine teaches now, hosts the event at Harpeth Hall Auditorium, Nashville. I… Read More » about Getting To Effortlessness in the Performing Arts
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
5 Tips for Breathing in the Vocal Booth
How you breathe in the vocal booth will determine your degree of vocal control- affecting pitch, tone, volume, vocal licks and your susceptibility to vocal strain. As is true for all singing, breath during vocal recording includes three areas… Read More » about 5 Tips for Breathing in the Vocal Booth
How Long Should You Warm Up Before Singing?
I’m warming Bridget Lappert up for a “We The People” performance Doing vocal warmups is as vital before vocal performance as it is to an athlete before a game. How long should you do it? … As long as it takes to be warmed up! That means if you’re singing regularly and in good… Read More » about How Long Should You Warm Up Before Singing?
How You Know If Your Performance Works
Fred Knoblock performing at JAM Pro Round, pic by Thom King There’s lots of us critics critiquing artists’ performances these days. From American Idol and other talent show judges and audiences, choir directors, school teachers, industry insiders, family and friends, TV talking heads, radio DJ’s, bloggers, mag news reporters and other media mavens as… Read More » about How You Know If Your Performance Works
The Power of Hydration for a Vocal Performance
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
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