Fred Knoblock performing at JAM Pro Round, pic by Thom King There’s lots of us critics critiquing artists’ performances these days. From American Idol and other talent show judges and audiences, choir directors, school teachers, industry insiders, family and friends, TV talking heads, radio DJ’s, bloggers, mag news reporters and other media mavens as… Read More » about How You Know If Your Performance Works
Vocal Technique
Speaking with Power of Resonation
I just got off a phone lesson with a wonderful sportscaster (Coach John Bunting- and no, that’s not a pic of him, hehe). He has a great voice and great energy and has some fabulous gigs coming his way. We talked about many things but one I wanted to share with you is how… Read More » about Speaking with Power of Resonation
Vowel Modification: Practical Cure for Tight Throats
Have you ever noticed how some verses are harder to sing than others? That some words are harder to sing a particular note that is easy with another word? That sometimes you seem to luck into a way to make it easier after you sing it a while and you’d like to know what you… Read More » about Vowel Modification: Practical Cure for Tight Throats
Assessing Vocal Coaches
If you are trying to find a vocal coach that can help you obtain the vocal healing, improvement and mastery you want, there are things you can look for to help you figure out who you want to work with. Credentials There are three types of credentials: academic, professional and student success. First of all,… Read More » about Assessing Vocal Coaches
When Drummers Sing
Got a great question from Phil Smith: Do you have any tricks to get me, a drummer, to make it easier to play and sing ,,and remember lyrics?? Here are some thoughts for you drummers that sing: 1. write the lyrics out a few times longhand… a great memory tool. 2. Make sure your mic… Read More » about When Drummers Sing
Vocal Resonation Zones
Someone suggested I do a post about resonators (physical woofers, tweeters and other frequency eq creators) for the voice. I have to point you to a great, comprehensive and well-written article about vocal resonation in Wikipedia, and I highly recommend that article and a short accompanying discussion there. So that is the science of vocal… Read More » about Vocal Resonation Zones
Quick Tip For Low Notes
Hey all… I have a quick instant vocal lesson fix for low notes today: Stretch your torso out. Don’t collapse your chest like most people do when going for a low note. Pull your note from above and behind. That’s it!
Performance Power Is In The Draw- Not The Push
We all want our performances to be powerful. But just what does that mean? It should mean that you powerfully connect with — and emotionally impact — the heart of your audience. And we do it best when we employ the power of the vocal magnet, not the blowhard! Top mistakes which sabotage your performance… Read More » about Performance Power Is In The Draw- Not The Push
How to Enrich Thin Voice
I got a good question recently… someone asked for tips to strengthen a thin voice. There’s a bit of a catch-22 to watch for. If you try to “strengthen” a thin voice with just a harder application of breath power, you will end up with a harsh (and strained) voice. The real goal should be… Read More » about How to Enrich Thin Voice
Need To Sing Loud? 11 Tips For Doing It Safely
Billy Devereaux and me singing loud Two facts: Unless one only wants to sing for a short while, the voice needs to be protected from strain. However, there are times when a singer wants or needs to sing loud. Here are a 11 tips to do it safely: Understand that volume… Read More » about Need To Sing Loud? 11 Tips For Doing It Safely