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
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
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”
Your “One Thing” For Better Voice
I want to thank my friend, singer/songwriter Robert Anderson, for something he said in a phone conversation that has led to this blogpost. Robert is also a master of martial arts and one of my blog readers. He said that his method of digesting one of my posts is to apply a Bruce Lee principle… Read More » about Your “One Thing” For Better Voice
Over-thinking Vocal Training… “Trying” instead of “Letting”
When training, don’t let your brain flame burn out of control Some of my most eager vocal students paradoxically sabotage their progress by over-thinking their vocal training. This is a common saboteur in other kinds of training as well…musician, sports, acting, crafts, etc. As vocal coach and producer I find it particularly vexing because I know my client is getting frustrated “trying”… Read More » about Over-thinking Vocal Training… “Trying” instead of “Letting”
Taking Too Much Breath for Singing
When you seem to have a problem with breath for singing, you might want to check for a weird problem…maybe you’re taking too much breath! I’ve noticed myself that if I take too much of an inhale for a power note, I create tension that keeps me from holding back air pressure properly (this is… Read More » about Taking Too Much Breath for Singing
Sing In Tune, Whatever Your “Style”
I just read a post at the Lowry Agency blog by artist Sass Jordan titled “Developing Your Own Style”. It’s a good post; however I have one issue with it. She mentions an artist who jokingly quips “I can’t sing in tune. It’s my style!” I beg to differ. No matter what your style, you… Read More » about Sing In Tune, Whatever Your “Style”
When You Wake Up With Thick Vocal Cords
There are lots of things blooming in this area of the world (Nashville). Beautiful, but for a singer sensitive to those particular flowers, scary. What do you do when you greet the morning sounding like a frog? Well, because many allergy and cold medications dry the throat and vocal cords out, I recommend trying these… Read More » about When You Wake Up With Thick Vocal Cords
For Your Vocal Stamina, Physically Train Your Core
It’s morning and I’m looking at a physical training session in my schedule today. Why do I do this to myself? Partly for my VOICE! My recommendation to all singers and speakers is that you do some physical activity which strengthens your body’s core muscles. Without this strength, you cannot apply enough breath support and… Read More » about For Your Vocal Stamina, Physically Train Your Core