If you, like so many popular genre singers, have trouble straining in your upper chest My contemporary (non-classical) students have found astounding vocal improvement by using exercises I give them to strengthen their head voice. That’s because of the need to balance the muscle groups that work the head and chest voices… and if one… Read More » about Balancing strength in vocal muscle sets
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Tips on writing music
Ok.. got some great comments on writing lyrics; so on to the next part of the songwriting equasion: here are some tips on writing the music. The Music – should have a memorable melody. should have structured patterns of rhythm. These structures can be more free-form, however it takes experience and study of patterned music… Read More » about Tips on writing music
More on lyric tips for songwriters
Wow, I got some great comments on my last post about writing lyrics. Before going on to writing music, I’d like to post on my commenters’ thoughts about lyrics. Leigh Ann, you ask about my favorite song lyrics and songwriters: There are so many truly great songs now… I can’t think of all but some… Read More » about More on lyric tips for songwriters
Lyric tips for songwriters
I get lots of questions about songwriting. This is, of course your inner voice, and so the subject belongs on “All Things Vocal” (don’t cha think?) I intend to write a 3-part series on songwriting, beginning with my thoughts on writing great LYRICS. In my humble opinion, no matter what the musical genre, a well-written… Read More » about Lyric tips for songwriters
How to get work as a background singer
I still love doing bgvs… for over 40 yrs now! I get asked this question a lot… How does one go about getting started if they are interested in singing bgv’s (background vocals)?” My answer: To sing background vocals you need- vocal training to be able to perform the feats of what I call a “stunt… Read More » about How to get work as a background singer
The beauty of backing off vocal pressure
I just wrote with a wonderful new pop artist, Skye Dyer, today. She was suffering from an allergy attack, with the resulting swelling of the vocal cords. As I watched her sing our song for a worktape cd we made, I noticed something she did to accomplish a good vocal in spite of her compromised… Read More » about The beauty of backing off vocal pressure
Pitch problems in the recording studio
I recently received an emailed question about pitch problems while recording vocals that I’d like to share here. The question:Dear Judy,I’ve just started recording some songs and have run into a problem. When I sing my vocals, I am off pitch. I play in a band and have for a few years and we seem… Read More » about Pitch problems in the recording studio
Teachers: Does Your Speaking Voice Communicate?
This post is to all teachers everywhere. I talked to a young friend, Laura Cambell, at church today who had home for the weekend from college. I asked her how her studies were going and she made a common complaint that got me thinking. She said that many of this semester’s teachers she had did… Read More » about Teachers: Does Your Speaking Voice Communicate?
Audition Cattle Calls and Vocalist Abuse
OK, I’m back and I’m mad! Yes, I’m finally moved into my new digs and will now get back to regular posts on this blog. I hope you missed me- This one is going to be a rant. I have a question for everyone who sets up audition “cattle calls” for these American Idol shows… Read More » about Audition Cattle Calls and Vocalist Abuse
A tip for feeling correct breath support and control
I’m always looking for simplified ways to quickly help you experience correct vocal technique. Sometimes the mind understands but the body feels spastic! The “feeling” of correct breath support and breath control can be elusive. You must at the same time apply the power of the breath AND control that power. If you are familiar… Read More » about A tip for feeling correct breath support and control