Vocal embellishments, colloquially known as “vocal licks”, can enhance or detract from a vocal performance. When used correctly they: Make the sound of the singing more interesting Heighten emotional connection and response Make the voice feel better, not worse, by throwing off tension. When used incorrectly they: Make the delivery of the song sound fake… Read More » about Techniques for Vocal “Licks”
Vocal Technique
Your “One Thing” For Better Voice
I want to thank my friend, singer/songwriter Robert Anderson, for something he said in a phone conversation that has led to this blogpost. Robert is also a master of martial arts and one of my blog readers. He said that his method of digesting one of my posts is to apply a Bruce Lee principle… Read More » about Your “One Thing” For Better Voice
Over-thinking Vocal Training… “Trying” instead of “Letting”
When training, don’t let your brain flame burn out of control Some of my most eager vocal students paradoxically sabotage their progress by over-thinking their vocal training. This is a common saboteur in other kinds of training as well…musician, sports, acting, crafts, etc. As vocal coach and producer I find it particularly vexing because I know my client is getting frustrated “trying”… Read More » about Over-thinking Vocal Training… “Trying” instead of “Letting”
Taking Too Much Breath for Singing
When you seem to have a problem with breath for singing, you might want to check for a weird problem…maybe you’re taking too much breath! I’ve noticed myself that if I take too much of an inhale for a power note, I create tension that keeps me from holding back air pressure properly (this is… Read More » about Taking Too Much Breath for Singing
For Your Vocal Stamina, Physically Train Your Core
It’s morning and I’m looking at a physical training session in my schedule today. Why do I do this to myself? Partly for my VOICE! My recommendation to all singers and speakers is that you do some physical activity which strengthens your body’s core muscles. Without this strength, you cannot apply enough breath support and… Read More » about For Your Vocal Stamina, Physically Train Your Core
What Is Power Path and Performance Vocal Training?
This post is for those of you curious about my vocal training method “Power, Path and Performance”, and how it was developed. Power, Path and Performance (PPP for short) was many years in the making. The kernel of the method began to form when I tried to figure out a system where I could put… Read More » about What Is Power Path and Performance Vocal Training?
Running Out Of Breath Singing?
Are you running out of breath when you sing or speak? Do you get to the ends of your phrases and have to barely squeeze them out? Is your inhale inadequate to allow control of tone and pitch all the way to the last word? It’s highly unlikely that your lungs aren’t big or healthy enough. More likely… Read More » about Running Out Of Breath Singing?
Vocal Control Problems? Check Your Upper Back
Whenever I am working with someone having slight vocal control problems, I check what is happening in their upper back as they sing. It is almost always quite rigid, even if they are bending at the waist. Why do I look at the upper back? Well… The back is connected to the ribcage, which is… Read More » about Vocal Control Problems? Check Your Upper Back
The Dance of The Melody: Secret To Memorizing Vocal Technique
When we singers change our modus operande of singing to give us more ability, there’s a bit of a paradox involved. It takes a great deal of thought and conscious focusing to learn new breath, open throat and communication. We are after all, resetting our defaults as to how our voice operates. BUT… we can’t… Read More » about The Dance of The Melody: Secret To Memorizing Vocal Technique
Soft Palate Stuck? Check The Jaw
A quick tip today for a common vocal problem… if you can’t accomplish your “sweet spot sound” on a sustained note, there’s a strong possibility your soft palate is not lifting enough. If that’s the case… check to see if you’re freezing your jaw as you hold the note. Drop jaw tension, allowing a subtle… Read More » about Soft Palate Stuck? Check The Jaw