One of the most important things I learned about co-writing was when NOT to say anything! Silence is so important to the process of allowing thoughts to form. However, too many times a novice songwriter thinks they need to be sure and throw in everything that goes through their minds so they will “do their… Read More » about Co-writing: How you figure percentages
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Tips to better breathing for the voice
Can’t seem to get enough breath for singing or speaking? Run out of breath too soon to complete your phrases? Here are some tips from my Power, Path & Performance vocal training: Change your posture! Sing or speak at the wall with your head and heel against the wall. Because your ribcage is wider at… Read More » about Tips to better breathing for the voice
Kim Rushing’s comment on correcting forward head posture
Thanks to Kim Rushing for the following comment: “I can’t find the comment link so here is my comment [on my recent blogpost]… Great info! Many of us have “forward head posture”, especially those of us who do the following: work at a computer, read a lot, are future focused, play piano (i learned that… Read More » about Kim Rushing’s comment on correcting forward head posture
Getting the magic of live performance in the studio
There is a frustrating disconnect with many people who are great in live performance but can’t seem to get that same great vocal in the recording studio. Here are some tips to help you bring your live sound into your recorded sound: Create the ambiance you need to “do the scene” as you deliver the… Read More » about Getting the magic of live performance in the studio
What would I do as producer of your project?
I got a new request recently to explain what I do in my role as producer or vocal producer. If you are a new artist and are contemplating recording a project, the following may help you know what to expect, or what questions to ask of the producer you are working with or considering. As… Read More » about What would I do as producer of your project?
Ways to mend a pesky vocal break – part 3
OK, this will be Part 3 in this series of posts on vocal breaks. If you haven’t read them yet, check out Part 1 and Part 2. I’m going to wrap this subject up by letting you in on one of the core secrets of my teaching method. Before I developed the concepts of Power,… Read More » about Ways to mend a pesky vocal break – part 3
Loosening a tight jaw: two specific tips
I wanted to add this information today for Nav’s benefit – Two specific tips for loosening the jaw: 1. Let the jaw open like a monkey wrench, not like pliers. Put your knuckle between your molars on one side and try to sing like that until the jaw loosens. 2. Let the jaw move SLOWLY… Read More » about Loosening a tight jaw: two specific tips
Ways to mend a pesky vocal break – part 2
This is a continuation of my post series on the subject of vocal breaks. I had a great question emailed (thanks, Nav!) to me today about the jaw’s function in singing. Oddly enough, incorrect jaw actions are among the things that will cause and/or exacerbate a vocal break. Vocal register breaks, as indicated in my… Read More » about Ways to mend a pesky vocal break – part 2
Ways to mend a pesky vocal break – part 1
Pesky, dreaded, dratted vocal breaks. At one point, I had one of the worst. Here is the problem as defined by Wikipedea, …The frequency of vibration of the vocal folds is determined by their length, tension, and mass. As pitch rises, the vocal folds are lengthened, tension increases, and their thickness decreases. In other words,… Read More » about Ways to mend a pesky vocal break – part 1
Pop Quiz… Got vocal issues?
Time…It’s time for me to do an inventory on my focus in this blog. It takes time to write each post and time for you to read it. To keep it worth our time, I’d like to increase its usefulness to you. And I’d like to ask you to take a few moments of your… Read More » about Pop Quiz… Got vocal issues?