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
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
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
Last Minute Vocal Performance? How To Get Ready
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
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