For my last post in this series on Spasmodic Dysphonia, I will report on treatment options and currently available, controversial alternative viewpoints and will offer my further thoughts as a vocal coach: WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA? The first thing we need to know is that medical treatments now available will only manage… Read More » about Spasmodic Dysphonia: What Treatment Options Are Working?
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Spasmotic Dysphonia: Causes and Diagnosis
So how do you get spasmodic dysphonia? How is it even diagnosed? There are currently unsolved mysteries in the answers to both these questions. WHAT CAUSES SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA? Here’s the current state of research… no one really knows for sure. Somehow improper and inappropriate signals are sent from the brain to the vocal cords that… Read More » about Spasmotic Dysphonia: Causes and Diagnosis
Spasmodic Dysphonia: What Is This Mysterious Voice Disorder
I had the pleasure of attending a conference on Spasmodic Dysphonia (known as SD) sponsored by the Vanderbilt Voice Center this week. Instead of being a dry, boring medical recitation of things I already knew, it was fun, full of kindness and caring… and truly illuminating. I’m so glad I went. This will be the… Read More » about Spasmodic Dysphonia: What Is This Mysterious Voice Disorder
Singing with Bands Unfamiliar With You
I got a great question about singing with musicians in “instant situations” where you sit in with those who don’t regularly accompany you. This situation can happen at big and small events, such as: Bars and clubs who invite new singers to sit in. Contests or auditions where the accompaniest plays for you with no… Read More » about Singing with Bands Unfamiliar With You
No Vocal Competition with Vocal Uniqueness
I have a unique slant on what performance is. This may surprise you in this day of gladiator-style vocal competition. You can quote me: The best voice comes not from competition with othervoices but from a pursuit of its own excellence. I say there is no competition with uniqueness. The REASON we sing will be… Read More » about No Vocal Competition with Vocal Uniqueness
Pitch Problems: Tips To Fix Them
Pitch problems can be frustrating… especially subtle ones that are not quite a half-step off. Here are my thoughts on the matter. I often find pitch issues to be directly related to physical tension. This unnecessary tension can act like someone tugging on the arm of a person playing a fretless instrument. There would be… Read More » about Pitch Problems: Tips To Fix Them
Singing Into a Spotlight
Singing onstage while being blinded by a spotlight can be disconcerting if you’re not used to it. I got a great question from a reader about it; with her permission I’ll post her question and my answer here: Hi, Judy, My gigs are mostly small, in dimly-lit rooms where I can make eye contact with… Read More » about Singing Into a Spotlight
Vocal Rehearsing… Can You Over-Do It?
I got a great question from a rock artist I communicate with on The Modern Vocalist website: …I’m having a heck of a time getting the energy and motivation to work these 11 songs (for my upcoming recording project). I love them (if I do say so myself since I wrote them LOL); they’re good… Read More » about Vocal Rehearsing… Can You Over-Do It?
The Alexander Technique and Singing: by AT Practitioner Ethan Kind
Today I would like to introduce you to Ethan Kind. Ethan is an Alexander Technique practitioner who I met at an Indie Connect meeting here in Nashville. He wrote an article on singing and the Alexander Technique that blew me away, so I asked him if he would write a guest post about what he… Read More » about The Alexander Technique and Singing: by AT Practitioner Ethan Kind
Recording Producer: The Politics and The Money
This is a follow-up post about choosing a recording producer. We’ll also talk about costs. There is one more factor in your choice of producer – the POLITICAL factor. Questions you may wish to explore: Can this person get your project heard by the industry? Who does this person know and are they willing to… Read More » about Recording Producer: The Politics and The Money