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 Technique
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
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?
The changing adolescent male voice
There is a rite of passage adolescent boys must travel called the “voice change”. It’s a strange and sometimes embarrassing time for them. What should they do vocally during this awkward time? I believe, and have witnessed in my young male students, that unstrained singing and wise vocal training through puberty can help boys develop… Read More » about The changing adolescent male voice
Vocal Impact: The Paradox of Power
A publisher of music instruction once told me that my Power, Path & Performance vocal training course should be re-named. He had a problem with the word “power, which he interpreted as pushing the voice too hard, over-blowing the vocal cords. That word makes some voice teachers see red. I understand. It’s a paradox. Let… Read More » about Vocal Impact: The Paradox of Power