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
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
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
Well Behaved High Notes Are More Lovable
No matter what style of music you sing, from quiet alternative to heavy metal, there is a basic “etiquette” that your high notes should follow to be accepted and loved. It’s like the stuff we learned in kindergarten. You, as the owner and operator of your high notes, are responsible to ensure they behave: No… Read More » about Well Behaved High Notes Are More Lovable
10 Signs Of Bad Vocal Technique
Whether or not you are studying voice, you are still using certain “vocal techniques” which you’ve learned either consciously or unconsciously from family, friends or music teachers. Here are some signs that your vocal technique is in need of an overhaul. Your technique is bad if: Your throat hurts to talk after you perform. You… Read More » about 10 Signs Of Bad Vocal Technique
PPP Vocal Technique: When Pulling Back, Don’t Lift Your Chin
In my role as your vocal coach today, I’d like to clarify something I teach about head position that people often get wrong when first trying it. My vocal students know that I advise pulling the head back slightly when singing or speaking. Let me be more specific: Don’t lift your chin! Float your chin… Read More » about PPP Vocal Technique: When Pulling Back, Don’t Lift Your Chin
Improving Vocal Ability: How Long Does It Take To Get Results?
In a recent forum subject on The Modern Vocalist website, a question was posed about how long a singer can expect to take lessons and practice in order to gain significant vocal improvement. I suggested the following thoughts: How many lessons you must take before your voice improves? You should notice definite improvement after ONE… Read More » about Improving Vocal Ability: How Long Does It Take To Get Results?
What Can A Free Jaw Do? Artist Video Examples
To get the best tone, control and vocal freedom, the jaw tightness needs to be conquered and the jaw loosed. You don’t have to go overboard, just loosen your jaw so that it can move all around in a slight chewing motion and open wide easily at the back of the molars with no tension… Read More » about What Can A Free Jaw Do? Artist Video Examples
Singing From The Soul
There is a subtle psychological shift you can make to take your next performance out of the ordinary and make it leave a memory in your listener’s heart. I call it “singing from the soul” instead of just from the head. Let me use an old familiar tune to illustrate. How many times have you… Read More » about Singing From The Soul