Got a great question in this morning about singing while you are seated. This is the reality when doing certain singer/songwriter rounds, parts of performances where for looks you want to change from standing to sitting for a song, or when you are physically incapacitated from back, leg or other pain and can’t stand without… Read More » about Singing While Seated: 5 Things You Need To Do
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Singing High Notes: 3 Quick Fixes To Make Them Easy
Straining and squeaking on high notes is a common malady for singers. Here are a couple of tips to rescue you from high note frustration. They not only can make your high notes doable… but also sound better: 1. Stand tall with flexible upper spine …instead of crunched, shoulders up, neck tight, upper spine stiff…. Read More » about Singing High Notes: 3 Quick Fixes To Make Them Easy
11 Things You Don’t Think Your Voice Can Do (It Can!)
I have the most wonderful job. I get to hear miracles take place with people’s voices. These breakthroughs happen because of the team of teacher and student. It takes both, as any good teacher knows. Just this week a happy Power, Path & Performance vocal student told me she wished everyone knew what was possible…. Read More » about 11 Things You Don’t Think Your Voice Can Do (It Can!)
Pop Style Trick: Suspend Vocal Technique Momentarily
Some of the most amazing AND emotionally powerful contemporary vocalists out there have something in their bag of tricks you’d never guess could come from a trained singer. This pro trick is an illusion… the singer temporarily suspends and deliberately drops “vocal technique” out of their performance, giving the sense of quite casual and intimate… Read More » about Pop Style Trick: Suspend Vocal Technique Momentarily
Why Singing On Mic is Hard For Opera Singers
I just got a great question about classically trained singers having trouble using mics. I am a classical/operatic soprano who is starting to do live radio and studio work. I also play guitar to accompany myself on some original songs. My vocals are fabulous when I’m at home practicing, but when I find myself in… Read More » about Why Singing On Mic is Hard For Opera Singers
The confusion of differing vocal training methods
I’ve had a lot of queries about my vocal lessons which start with the question “what method of vocal training do you use?” A fair enough question, but more complicated to answer than you might think. I teach my trademarked method “Power, Path & Performance”. It is a three-pronged approach to training voices that I… Read More » about The confusion of differing vocal training methods
What A Tight Tongue Can Do To Your Singing
Your tongue is connected to more than you think. Use it the wrong way and it can cause trouble. That sounds like something your mother would tell you, doesn’t it:) Well, here’s how speaking or singing with a tight tongue can affect your voice: A tightness in the root or base of the tongue will… Read More » about What A Tight Tongue Can Do To Your Singing
Why Studio Singing Is Hard For Guitar Players
Singing at a studio mic can be frustrating for guitar players. I will illustrate with a true story: When I first moved to Nashville many years ago, I was singing backgrounds in a “simul-session”. These sessions were where the musicians, background vocalists and lead singers recorded together at the same time. Like live TV- if… Read More » about Why Studio Singing Is Hard For Guitar Players
The #1 Vocal Mistake Made By Musicians In Live Performance
Performers come up in my list of favorites based on one thing: Do they get my emotional attention? There is a reason that Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne and John Mayer don’t move me in live performance like Bono, Sting and Mat Kearney do. The difference is surely NOT in brilliant, creative musicianship.. all six are… Read More » about The #1 Vocal Mistake Made By Musicians In Live Performance
Is Your Voice Too Breathy? Here’s a simple test (very simple)
I have noticed something in many of my students who are overcoming breathiness that I’d like to pass on to you. If you are practicing correctly to eliminate this voice-stealing and possibly damaging habit (speaking or singing too breathy), you will notice this: Your throat will be much less dry so you will find yourself… Read More » about Is Your Voice Too Breathy? Here’s a simple test (very simple)