Just as in any athletic endeavor (and yes, using your voice optimally IS an athletic endeavor), it makes all the difference to get your thinking right. If you intend to do it, and then expect to be able to do it, you are going to be a lot closer to actually DOING IT. If you… Read More » about Intention and Expectation – Bookends of Vocal Magic
All Things Vocal Blog & Podcast
Vocal techniques for lifting the soft palate and opening the throat
I recently received this question: “…What can I do to lift my soft palate, as well as expand my throat so it can remain effortless throughout my singing?” Here are some suggestions: First of all, you can use the ‘inner smile’, a time-tested technique which feels like the beginning of the yawn. This is not… Read More » about Vocal techniques for lifting the soft palate and opening the throat
Singing and golf
I had never played golf in my life. My husband, an avid golfer, decided this week it was time to teach me. To my surprise, I found it to be like … singing! I truly didn’t know one end of the putter from the other, but with his patience and skill I learned a great… Read More » about Singing and golf
Your vocal coach’s poke for posture
Your vocal coach is BACK!! Well, not quite… still traveling home from my wonderful vacation in St. Augustine, Florida, with my husband. Oh my, what a wonderful thing it is to be back at my precious ocean. I have been happily singing under my breath for the first time in a long time. Vocally speaking,… Read More » about Your vocal coach’s poke for posture
The “two-fingers-at-larynx” vocal recording trick
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
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