I went to a workshop last week in Nashville taught by veteran vocal coach Jeannie Deva who came in from LA. I was so happy I went, because she is delightful and I learned some things. I never want to stop learning. When I expose myself to others in my field, I come away with… Read More » about Things I’ve learned from other vocal coaches
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Finding Your Voice – how it can help psychologically
The human voice communicates from the inside out. As a vocal coach, I have discovered that when I help someone “find their voice”- the full instrument – this is often accompanied by a fullness and wholeness in the human psyche. Many times it is psychological blocks that keep the voice small, thin, strained and weak…. Read More » about Finding Your Voice – how it can help psychologically
The Ribcage Stretch for the Voice
I recently happened to find a great stretch for the upper back for singers and have been asked what it was, so here you go! Why we need this stretch: In the middle of your upper spine is a point which is very important to the voice because of what it does for your breath… Read More » about The Ribcage Stretch for the Voice
Need to learn a different vocal style?
Sometimes our musical hearts are not where our vocal training is. Sometimes a classically trained singer or musical theater performer wants to find a more contemporary sound so they can sing pop, country, jazz, r&b, rock, or alternative in a way that fits the genre. Other times, a contemporary genre artist may wish to explore… Read More » about Need to learn a different vocal style?
Sounding Our Political Voices
As a vocal instructor, I am always looking for ways to be of service and offer helpful guidance to my students. Given the state of our economy, country and the volatility in the world right now, I would like to share a ‘powerful and positive path’ to facilitate your political voice as we move toward… Read More » about Sounding Our Political Voices
Performance: How to make your next one masterful
Performance is an art, not a science. But as in all art, there are techniques to learn, especially the subtle ones, which can bring it into the realm of masterpiece. First you must learn to sing well. Duh. It matters… if you are screaming, if you have a weak “spread tone” or you don’t articulate… Read More » about Performance: How to make your next one masterful
Power, Path & Performance seminar goes to El Paso
I gave a Power, Path & Performance vocal seminar to a drama group at “Center Stage” theater in El Paso, Texas this last weekend. Judging by the sound of their voices at the end of the seminar, and the after-seminar comments, it was a smashing success! Some of the comments from attendees: “She (Judy) was… Read More » about Power, Path & Performance seminar goes to El Paso
Diaphragmatic breathing.. a dangerous thought
I got an email in this week asking about help with diaphragmatic breathing. The question itself is dangerous. Here’s the question: Hi Judy, I am coming to visit the states for a week (I live in London)… I have an eleven hour flight and I thought it would be perfect to practice on strengthening my… Read More » about Diaphragmatic breathing.. a dangerous thought
Singers: Wipe that smile out of your voice…
…unless you’re singing a smiling song! A hallmark of a master vocal stylist – whatever the genre – is that the emotional color of the tone of voice chosen matches what the heck the lyric is saying. Can you imagine Bonny Raitt singing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with a big smile on her… Read More » about Singers: Wipe that smile out of your voice…
Breath for the long notes
Long notes can be challenging to hold, and to hold in tune and with resonance instead of just being eeked out. I had an interesting question emailed to me about breath for long notes and got permission to share his question and my answer here for your benefit, too. Andrew’s question: My name is Andrew… Read More » about Breath for the long notes