There are a gazillion different vocal exercises out there you can do. How do you know which ones are best for you? Know what they should and should not do for your voice, and you will be better able to do productive vocal warm ups. 1. They should relax, energize your voice and make it feel good… Read More » about Vocal Warm Ups: What They Should Accomplish
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Running Out Of Breath Singing?
Are you running out of breath when you sing or speak? Do you get to the ends of your phrases and have to barely squeeze them out? Is your inhale inadequate to allow control of tone and pitch all the way to the last word? It’s highly unlikely that your lungs aren’t big or healthy enough. More likely… Read More » about Running Out Of Breath Singing?
Tips For Singing With A Jacked Up Throat
Vocal strain is unfortunately a common issue for active live performers who are not doing good, consistent vocal training. “Jason” emailed me this question: I think that I overused my voice last week. I had a couple of extra gigs I picked up and am just not used to the extra singing and now my… Read More » about Tips For Singing With A Jacked Up Throat
Vocal Control Problems? Check Your Upper Back
Whenever I am working with someone having slight vocal control problems, I check what is happening in their upper back as they sing. It is almost always quite rigid, even if they are bending at the waist. Why do I look at the upper back? Well… The back is connected to the ribcage, which is… Read More » about Vocal Control Problems? Check Your Upper Back
The Dance of The Melody: Secret To Memorizing Vocal Technique
When we singers change our modus operande of singing to give us more ability, there’s a bit of a paradox involved. It takes a great deal of thought and conscious focusing to learn new breath, open throat and communication. We are after all, resetting our defaults as to how our voice operates. BUT… we can’t… Read More » about The Dance of The Melody: Secret To Memorizing Vocal Technique
Pro singers: 9 Crazy Vocal Exercises To Sharpen Skills
Now available as mp3: Listen to this post via “All Things Vocal Podcast” or on iTunes! OK, maybe I shouldn’t have said “sharpen”, lol! But we all need to hone our craft. Here are some fun things you can do to challenge the professional voice. Sing the melody to a familiar song in a different… Read More » about Pro singers: 9 Crazy Vocal Exercises To Sharpen Skills
Soft Palate Stuck? Check The Jaw
A quick tip today for a common vocal problem… if you can’t accomplish your “sweet spot sound” on a sustained note, there’s a strong possibility your soft palate is not lifting enough. If that’s the case… check to see if you’re freezing your jaw as you hold the note. Drop jaw tension, allowing a subtle… Read More » about Soft Palate Stuck? Check The Jaw
Regaining Voice After Time Off From Singing
I have had many singers come to me wondering if it was possible to get their voices back after not singing much… sometimes not performing for years. In short… unless you have some organic damage or disease, and most of the time even then… you can indeed recover your voice. Whether it’s been a few… Read More » about Regaining Voice After Time Off From Singing
Singers: Soft First Verses Need To Deliver Impact
I just worked with a singer who has been asked by her producer to sing the first verse of a song softly but not breathy. I think that’s good direction, and a way to build a song. But she was having trouble knowing how to do it effectively. Here’s what worked for her and can… Read More » about Singers: Soft First Verses Need To Deliver Impact
Learning To Sing From Scratch: A Strategy to Fast-Forward A Beginner
There is an interesting fast forward strategy you can take as a new vocalist, which mimics the way people learn to use their voices as children. 1. First, choose the vocal style you want to sing (rock, pop, country, alternative, etc.) based on particular songs you like. Then choose an easy song in that genre…. Read More » about Learning To Sing From Scratch: A Strategy to Fast-Forward A Beginner