When somebody asks, “what key you sing in?” What do you say? The best response is a question of your own: What key do I sing WHAT in? Let me explain: There is no “right key” for you to sing EVERY song in! The key you sing best in depends on the melody of the… Read More » about What Key Do You Sing In? Why That’s A Dumb Question
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Choir Singing: Does Your Choir Know How To Control Vocal Volume?
I got a great question about controlling choir singing volume from a caring choir director named Tim Ingersoll. With his permission, I’ll share our discussion: “Hi Judy … There is a perception I’ve formed over the years that I’m hoping you’ll either confirm the correctness of, or point me down a different path. That perception… Read More » about Choir Singing: Does Your Choir Know How To Control Vocal Volume?
Vocal Training: Why Your Audience Shouldn’t Hear It
I got a very interesting comment about over-trained singers at a vocal forum on The Modern Vocalist.com: “What I strive for: no two voices are the same. It’s that unique strong signature characteristic that separates people who can sing from people who become icons in music. Take Sting for example… not the greatest vocalist, but… Read More » about Vocal Training: Why Your Audience Shouldn’t Hear It
Tone deaf? Try Target Practice
Someone asked me this week if I had any suggestions for training people who are considered “tone deaf”. First we need to agree on a definition of what “tone deaf” is. I like this one from Webster’s Dictionary– “…relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch.” Other names for chronic pitch problems are: “being pitchy”,… Read More » about Tone deaf? Try Target Practice
Spasmodic Dysphonia: What Treatment Options Are Working?
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?
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