Oh my, there’s nothing like the stomach bug to destroy your breath support/control for singing. Hard to be stuck on the ‘throne’, not to mention it’s really disconcerting to have to throw up all over your bandmates/ audience! This just happened to my poor fellow background singer for a live show we were doing last… Read More » about Stomach bug and have to sing?
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Should You Play Your Instrument In The Trouble Spot?
So. You are having trouble singing and playing a particular part of a song at the same time. Many times this is caused by the particular rhythm pattern you need to play being different from the rhythm pattern you need to sing. When you perform insecure about getting both right, both your playing and your… Read More » about Should You Play Your Instrument In The Trouble Spot?
Artistic Definition
Many, if not most, of us would like to make money in the music business. There is a very important factor that must be determined: Your artistic definition. In other words, who are you, and why would I want to listen to the music you make? Here are some things that go into your artistic… Read More » about Artistic Definition
Case Studies: Applying Power, Path & Performance Vocal Training
The value of any vocal training is in the gain of vocal ability and the resolution of vocal problems as a result of the lessons. I thought I’d give a few case studies of the three-pronged synergy of Power, Path and Performance vocal training. There are many unique variations of each case, of course, because… Read More » about Case Studies: Applying Power, Path & Performance Vocal Training
Balance For Musicians: Stepping Away From Your Art
Me by the morning ocean People whose art is music tend to live lives immersed in that field. It is human nature to be drawn to those people, places and things which are most like oneself and one’s familiar ground. Paradoxically, in my experience this actually limits the fullness of the music-maker’s life. Here’s… Read More » about Balance For Musicians: Stepping Away From Your Art
Once A Musician, Always…
It has become my firm belief that being creative is not really an option if a human being is to fully thrive. For a musician to stop making music can be dangerous ground, unless the creativity is expressed differently, say, through painting, poetry, sculpture or other art form. And even then… there’s something about sound…. Read More » about Once A Musician, Always…
Voice Sounding Too Nasal? Tips
One of the most frustrating mysteries of some voices is how to get the excessive nasality out. If you don’t know better, you may think that’s ‘just the way that voice sounds’. I’ve actually found it relatively one of the easiest vocal problems to cure. So what causes excessive nasality? If the throat channel (voice… Read More » about Voice Sounding Too Nasal? Tips
17 Performance Tips I Learned The Hard Way
There is no substitute for experience. I’ve done every one of these things wrong… that’s how I know what to tell YOU about giving a great performance… Sing full voice when rehearsing/preparing for a gig, don’t just do vocal exercises. You have to have not just correct form, but also sheer vocal stamina to perform… Read More » about 17 Performance Tips I Learned The Hard Way
How Brave Is Your Voice?
Using your voice requires something you may not have considered: courage. Here is a list of questions to help you determine your level of courage. Are you brave enough to: 1. …commit to the connection to your audience? This means you would actually “look em in the eye” so to speak — not just go… Read More » about How Brave Is Your Voice?
Techniques for Vocal “Licks”
Vocal embellishments, colloquially known as “vocal licks”, can enhance or detract from a vocal performance. When used correctly they: Make the sound of the singing more interesting Heighten emotional connection and response Make the voice feel better, not worse, by throwing off tension. When used incorrectly they: Make the delivery of the song sound fake… Read More » about Techniques for Vocal “Licks”