Pitch problems can be frustrating… especially subtle ones that are not quite a half-step off. Here are my thoughts on the matter. I often find pitch issues to be directly related to physical tension. This unnecessary tension can act like someone tugging on the arm of a person playing a fretless instrument. There would be… Read More » about Pitch Problems: Tips To Fix Them
Vocal Technique
Vocal lessons In Reverse: Focus On The Buzz
At a certain point in vocal training, my students reach new plateaus in vocal improvement by starting at their voice’s end result first. I have them consciously focus on creating buzz! Buzz is not just a music promotion term, you see. It’s a synonym for vibration, and for the voice it is all important where… Read More » about Vocal lessons In Reverse: Focus On The Buzz
Singing In Color vs Black & White
I have heard many technically amazing singers who wonder why they don’t have record deals or much of a devoted following. Very often, it’s because they are singing in black & white instead of color. It makes me sad to hear a technically great vocalist who leaves me numb, and I fear has wasted a… Read More » about Singing In Color vs Black & White
Vocal Training: Reasons Not To Do It
There are many reasons people choose not to take vocal lessons. In the spirit of good-faith debate, I’d like to offer my rebuttals for some of these reasons I’ve encountered. REASON NOT TO: It costs too much and I’d rather use the money to hire another musician/mixer/soundman/get hair extensions. REBUTTAL: I would suggest the prime… Read More » about Vocal Training: Reasons Not To Do It
Payoffs for bad vocal technique
We do things for reasons. Singing badly is no exception to this psychological fact. A useful tool in changing a behavior habit is to discover the “payoff” bad behavior is getting you, and then finding a better way to get that payoff met. Take cigarette smoking. We don’t do it to give ourselves lung cancer…. Read More » about Payoffs for bad vocal technique
Singing with others: A time to blend, a time to stand out
In singing as in all else… “There is a time for everything under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) It is as irritating to hear a group of singers singing with individual voices sticking out like wild hairs as it is to hear a soloist sounding they could disappear into the wallpaper. When you do what would otherwise… Read More » about Singing with others: A time to blend, a time to stand out
Singing with your eyes closed
I got an email from someone recently who said they thought they sang better with their eyes open instead of closed and wondered why. Well, actually you CAN sing just fine with your eyes closed.Or not. What matters is what else you’re doing with your eyes closed. It WON’T work if: You are going too… Read More » about Singing with your eyes closed
4 Steps of Vocal Training
I believe that there are four steps to vocal training. These are the steps I take: 1. ACCESS THE VOICE It’s important to discover your vocal strengths and weaknesses because only by becoming aware can you change or keep doing things on purpose that work. As part of an assessment, you should also explore your… Read More » about 4 Steps of Vocal Training
Things I’ve learned from other vocal coaches
I went to a workshop last week in Nashville taught by veteran vocal coach Jeannie Deva who came in from LA. I was so happy I went, because she is delightful and I learned some things. I never want to stop learning. When I expose myself to others in my field, I come away with… Read More » about Things I’ve learned from other vocal coaches
The Ribcage Stretch for the Voice
I recently happened to find a great stretch for the upper back for singers and have been asked what it was, so here you go! Why we need this stretch: In the middle of your upper spine is a point which is very important to the voice because of what it does for your breath… Read More » about The Ribcage Stretch for the Voice