I had an interesting studio trick occur to me tonight. I had a late background vocal session and I am TIRED. I had a phrase that I needed to sing in a high “middle” voice (head voice wouldn’t have been the right blend). Normally that’s no problem if I use “studio hands”, but tonight I… Read More » about The “two-fingers-at-larynx” vocal recording trick
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Vocal training – Who needs it?
How do you know if you need vocal training? To help you decide, I put the following questions together: Breath – can you get enough breath in; can you control that breath when it is directed at your vocal cords? Open throat – Do you EVER experience throat tightness resulting in a feeling of vocal… Read More » about Vocal training – Who needs it?
Vocal importance of Spinal position and movement
The position and movement of the spine makes an enormous difference in the breath support and breath control issues of a vocalist, as well as resulting tone, pitch, range and degree of vocal strain. The position of the spine: If a habit of slouching or being a guarded postural stance (chest closed in) is changed… Read More » about Vocal importance of Spinal position and movement
Should singers lift weights?
Lifting weights can be helpful or hurtful to the voice; it all depends on how and when you do it. How weight lifting can help? If done right: Physical stamina— just like any other physical workout, it builds strength and endurance, increases blood flow and in general is good for physical health – always good… Read More » about Should singers lift weights?
Voice lessons… How many should you take?
So you decide to take voice lessons . How many should you take? The short answer: as many as it takes to get you where you want to be. The longer answer: it depends: If you are looking for a vocal assessment as to how you are singing right now: One. At this assessment lesson… Read More » about Voice lessons… How many should you take?
Singing and Eating Disorders – Part Two
Jenni and me This is the second of two posts on eating disorders and the voice. We’ll continue where we left off with the story of Judy and her student, Jenni Schaefer… Judy… Little by little, as Jenni got help, she got stronger. However, voice lessons became even harder. She developed a diaphragmatic spasm of… Read More » about Singing and Eating Disorders – Part Two
Singing and Eating Disorders – Part One
Jenni Schaefer and me This is the first of two posts on eating disorders and the voice. You can now listen to the audio version of these posts on All Things Vocal Podcast. Eating disorders are now epidemic. Singers and others in the entertainment business with its requisite media exposure are, I believe, especially vulnerable… Read More » about Singing and Eating Disorders – Part One
Singing in extreme heat
Here in Nashville it was 100 degrees today. I was withering in the heat under a tree on the sidelines, watching my son Peter race around the asphalt in his “Crit 3” bike race. It had to have been 115 on that road track (whew!) Anyway, I began to think about how important it is… Read More » about Singing in extreme heat
The changing adolescent male voice
There is a rite of passage adolescent boys must travel called the “voice change”. It’s a strange and sometimes embarrassing time for them. What should they do vocally during this awkward time? I believe, and have witnessed in my young male students, that unstrained singing and wise vocal training through puberty can help boys develop… Read More » about The changing adolescent male voice
Keep the Critic out of the Vocal Booth!
When you are in the vocal booth in the process of recording, there is a part of you that you must keep out: Your inner critique. This is the part of you that says things like: I’m flat on that note… no, I’m sharp… I’m not feeling it right now I got this track in… Read More » about Keep the Critic out of the Vocal Booth!