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
Vocal Health
Chronic breathiness or hoarseness? Suspect vocal damage!
I was eating lunch when my one of my new students’ mother called. “Hello”, I said. “Well, you were right”, she said. Sadly, I had guessed I would be right. It wasn’t the first time I’d correctly suspected vocal damage. She had taken her little actress daughter to the doctor after my suggestion at her… Read More » about Chronic breathiness or hoarseness? Suspect vocal damage!
Vocal Aerobics- the importance of physical exercise
I have a new understanding to offer you for the phrase “Move it or Lose it!” Think of the word “it” as meaning “voice”. If you sing according to Power, Path & Performance principles, you’ll notice you don’t get vocally tired. You’ll also notice that you do get physically tired! That’s because singing correctly will… Read More » about Vocal Aerobics- the importance of physical exercise
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
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?
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