Singing is a lot of things … it is athletic, it is biological, it is psychological, it is spiritual, it is technical and above all, it is art. Because of all these things, the voice changes as we age. And because of these things, aging is a good news/bad news balance we can tip in… Read More » about Singing While Old: How Vintage Voices Can “Rock”
Vocal Health
Songwriter Vocal Strain: Hazards of Singing While Writing Songs
Unless the song is an instrumental, the act of songwriting requires a lot of singing during the creative process. Many times your passion for the piece will take you the extremes of your vocal range. If you are a songwriter or co-writer who creates melody lines, you may have experienced vocal fatigue while writing. It’s… Read More » about Songwriter Vocal Strain: Hazards of Singing While Writing Songs
Speaking Voice Mistakes = Talking Trouble!
Have you assessed your speaking voice lately? Hmm… you could be missing one of the most important tools you have to impact your world… your ability to talk! Here’s how I define a successful speaking voice: It communicates clearly, creates the desired response in the listener (at an emotional, not just surface, level) and you… Read More » about Speaking Voice Mistakes = Talking Trouble!
Review of David Aaron Katz’ book “Superior Vocal Health”
For today’s post, I’m going to review an important book for you. David Aaron Katz’ book “Superior Vocal Health” (Amazon #ad) should be on the shelf of every serious singer, public speaker, vocal coach or director. In fact, it really should be kept as a reference source for anyone interested in alternative remedies for good health…. Read More » about Review of David Aaron Katz’ book “Superior Vocal Health”
How My Damaged Voice Came Back
I know about vocal damage. I have researched and consulted with voice specialists and doctors about it. And years ago I came close to losing my own voice — permanently. Here’s my story of recovery. Listen and Subscribe… At a previous post on this blog with tips about recovering from laryngitis, I get many fearful… Read More » about How My Damaged Voice Came Back
Singing Multiple Sets? Beware What You Do Between Shows!
photo by Pete Rodman If you have multiple long sets to perform, be careful to take care of your voice between sets! Here are some tips to keep vocal cords from swelling during your break. OH… and these tips work for you background vocalists and studio singers, too… anytime you need to sing for hours… Read More » about Singing Multiple Sets? Beware What You Do Between Shows!
Avoid Vocal Cord Injuries… Touch Base with your Vocal Coach Between Tours!
… surgical lamps are probably not the kind of ‘lights’ you’d like to be under… Sadly I’ve noticed a growing number of vocal cautionary tales. Stories seem to be abounding of recording artists who’ve sustained serious vocal injury from singing with bad technique onstage. Here is a short list of artists who recently had… Read More » about Avoid Vocal Cord Injuries… Touch Base with your Vocal Coach Between Tours!
How to Get Mucus Off Vocal Cords – updated 2023
If you’re a singer, you have probably experienced the feeling: You start vocalizing and notice it’s ominously more difficult than usual. It doesn’t feel like your vocal cords (folds) are inflamed, sore or swollen.. it just feels like something is gunking them up. You, my friend, most probably have too much mucus (commonly known as phlegm) on… Read More » about How to Get Mucus Off Vocal Cords – updated 2023
Advice About Cancelling Shows from Vinny Ribas
My supportive friend Vinny Ribas and me at my gig For this post, I invited my great friend Vinny Ribas, founder of ‘Indie Connect‘ and wellspring of practical music business wisdom, to give us his thoughts about cancelling gigs when we find ourselves suddenly sick. I don’t know about you but I never anticipate… Read More » about Advice About Cancelling Shows from Vinny Ribas
A Vocal Coach Gets Laryngitis (It Happens!)
I’m not in pain… I’m pulling back pressure- and it worked! I just got a fresh reminder of the depression, angst and abject fear laryngitis can give a singer or public speaker. That’s because I, your trusty vocal coach, caught a cold! It’s amazing the research I do for you guys, you know?! I started… Read More » about A Vocal Coach Gets Laryngitis (It Happens!)