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
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
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
Separating Music and Business
For recording and performing artists who are in or want to be in commercial music business, meaning the making and selling of music, I have a suggestion for you: Separate music and business in your mind and in your actions. Why? Because unless you do, you will not do either as effectively or successfully. What… Read More » about Separating Music and Business
When Not To Take Vocal Lessons
I had a blast performing on the Ronnie McDowell show. When it was time to do the interview, Ronnie asked me a very interesting question. He said when he recorded “Older Women Make Beautiful Lovers” he did it in one take, and it of course became a hit. So, he asked me, what would I,… Read More » about When Not To Take Vocal Lessons
Where/When To Squeeze For Vocal Power
To power your voice requires effort. It is not a passive thing. Air must move and air must be held back (breath support/breath control must be applied and balanced). This compression (squeeze) effort can be subtle or quite strong. And there is a catch-22: Squeeze at the wrong place, at the wrong time or for… Read More » about Where/When To Squeeze For Vocal Power
5 Differences between classical and contemporary voice
Both classical and contemporary are brilliant and beautiful… just make sure you are ‘singing in the right language’ for your song! (Post updated 2017) NOTE: The audio player should appear below, if not, please click on the title of this post and go online to hear. Available also on iTunes , Google Play, TuneIn Radio, Android apps It can… Read More » about 5 Differences between classical and contemporary voice
Two Ways to Rehearse for Best Vocal Performance
Rehearsal for vocal performance can accomplish little- or can prepare you for the vocal event you want to have next time your voice hits the stage. Here are the two ways you need to practice… Technically: learning the melody, lyrics, rhythms and structure of the song while practicing with perfect form; working out trouble spots… Read More » about Two Ways to Rehearse for Best Vocal Performance
Vocal Technique: Why Know Why
When you venture into the world of vocal training as student or teacher you can be quite overwhelmed with all the different methods, systems and approaches… even with vocal teachers, trainers, directors and coaches seeming to teach opposite techniques! This is why you, as student or teacher, should know the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ is… Read More » about Vocal Technique: Why Know Why