I got a call yesterday to do fill in for a last minute vocal performance on a TV show (Nashville Late Night with Chris Golden). I’d had to travel out of town on the weekend and had given two vocal seminars yesterday… had been up since 5:30am. For me, usually all that would leave me… Read More » about Last Minute Vocal Performance? How To Get Ready
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Quick Tip For Low Notes
Hey all… I have a quick instant vocal lesson fix for low notes today: Stretch your torso out. Don’t collapse your chest like most people do when going for a low note. Pull your note from above and behind. That’s it!
Suspect Vocal Damage? Vital Tips
This morning I got a call from a friend who is singing background vocals touring with a major recording artist. She casually mentioned that she suspected she had a blister on her vocal cords. I gave her some advice that I will pass on to you here: First and formost, if you think you have… Read More » about Suspect Vocal Damage? Vital Tips
Performance Power Is In The Draw- Not The Push
We all want our performances to be powerful. But just what does that mean? It should mean that you powerfully connect with — and emotionally impact — the heart of your audience. And we do it best when we employ the power of the vocal magnet, not the blowhard! Top mistakes which sabotage your performance… Read More » about Performance Power Is In The Draw- Not The Push
Physical workouts and Vocal Problems
OK friends… another good question in my email this week concerning physical training and vocal issues… thought I’d share that conversation with you: Question: Hello Judy. I’m a classical tenor who’s training at The Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. During this year, I’ve been experiencing a lot of trouble with my voice due… Read More » about Physical workouts and Vocal Problems
Music As Mentor
I’ve been reading a great book a dear friend gave me called “Athena’s Disguises” (thanks, Kim! finally getting to it!) Author Susan Ford Wiltshire, a professor of Classics at Vanderbilt University, published it in 1998. The book uses the multiple disguises of the Greek goddess Athena in Homer’s classic epic “Odyssey”, to show us where… Read More » about Music As Mentor
Why You Should Sing “All Of Me” Without Actually Giving It
Sometimes you need to keep it zipped! A great question was just emailed to me: “Could we discuss more the idea of letting your audience know a part of you without feeling like you have given them all of you. I think this is a problem for me..” OK, lots of times athletes, singers, public… Read More » about Why You Should Sing “All Of Me” Without Actually Giving It
How to Enrich Thin Voice
I got a good question recently… someone asked for tips to strengthen a thin voice. There’s a bit of a catch-22 to watch for. If you try to “strengthen” a thin voice with just a harder application of breath power, you will end up with a harsh (and strained) voice. The real goal should be… Read More » about How to Enrich Thin Voice
Need To Sing Loud? 11 Tips For Doing It Safely
Billy Devereaux and me singing loud Two facts: Unless one only wants to sing for a short while, the voice needs to be protected from strain. However, there are times when a singer wants or needs to sing loud. Here are a 11 tips to do it safely: Understand that volume… Read More » about Need To Sing Loud? 11 Tips For Doing It Safely
My Performance Preparation Routine
I have a gig this weekend… Just 4 song, but I want every performance to be full of magic musical moments where my audience is carted away to where each songs take place. I must do more performance preparation than when I used to perform regularly.. and I thought you might it helpful. A few… Read More » about My Performance Preparation Routine