This post is for those of you curious about my vocal training method “Power, Path and Performance”, and how it was developed. Power, Path and Performance (PPP for short) was many years in the making. The kernel of the method began to form when I tried to figure out a system where I could put… Read More » about What Is Power Path and Performance Vocal Training?
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Vocal Performance: Different Venues, Different Body Language
I got a question that has to do with live performance techniques. The person wanted to know if these change for different venues, audience types and situations. Short answer… yes. Be aware of your surroundings… find the fine line between what makes the audience uncomfortable and feel energized/engaged by you. Remember singing is, at the… Read More » about Vocal Performance: Different Venues, Different Body Language
Songwriter Voice vs Performance Voice… Do You Know The Difference?
I work with a lot of songwriters, and I love helping them deliver their songs through their voices authentically. To do that, you have to know the difference between your songwriter and your performer voices- which are NOT the same thing. Here’s the short answer: Songwriter voice is internal. Performance voice is external. What do… Read More » about Songwriter Voice vs Performance Voice… Do You Know The Difference?
Singing Authentically: Participant Instead of Spectator
My old friend and songwriting mentor, hall-of-fame songwriter Dave Loggins, once chided me that I was writing like a spectator instead of a participant. He was right. I took his advice, dove down deeper and came up with a song I wrote from the center of my soul. It was like automatic writing… I wasn’t… Read More » about Singing Authentically: Participant Instead of Spectator
Vocal Warm Ups: What They Should Accomplish
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
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