Comments on: Is My Vocal Coach Wrong?

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:17:06 +0000

Happy to help!

By: Music Lessons

Music Lessons — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:51:48 +0000

Although I landed here lately, the points you shared here are really very helpful and in need of sharing more and more. It can be used as a checklist for understanding possible progress of any learner If continued with the present instructor. Thank You

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 12:28:02 +0000

Thank you… always good to hear from another vocal coach, Sally!

By: Sally

Sally — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 11:26:13 +0000

Really great post Judy!

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:12:05 +0000

Kim; are you the coach in Franklin, Tn? I'm honored to have you comment here! My very best to you… your site is wonderful, btw:)

By: Kim Franca

Kim Franca — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:07:56 +0000

Great concept and Very nice unique post. I really glad to found you. I recommend this page to my all friends. Thanks.

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 22:53:33 +0000

First of all, 'true country music' is in the ear of the beholder. Are they talking about bluegrass, traditionalists like Emmy Lou or Loretta, soft voices like Allison Krauss, hard hitters like Gretchen Wilson? Or the 'true country music' females that are winning ACM and CMA awards, which are as diverse as Carrie Underwood to the girls in "Little Big Town"? And then there's Kasey Musgraves. Hmm.

Here's the thing, what matters is what you are communicating with your voice (not just 'I'm a great singer, didn't I hit that note dead on?!" . If you are communicating messages that reach the heart of the object of the lyric, you win. If however you've bought into the 'sing good' goal instead of the 'make somebody understand something at an emotional level', you might do well to have a short vocal lesson:) Questions to ask yourself include 'who are the people who are telling me they get goosebumps?' In fact, ask one of those people WHY they are getting goosebumps... are you in American Idol extreme singing mode and they are awed by your power or are you in artist mode and they are awed by your songs and the way you make them real?

IN the end always remember... everybody's got an opinion. Always consider the source:) My very best wishes to you!

By: nadinenadine!

nadinenadine! — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 22:44:31 +0000

Hey Judy!
I'm not sure if this fits here... I just got told that my voice is too pretty/clean for singing 'true' country music. My voice is too much in tune, I am too 'trained', which sounds 'unreal/Fake'. At least that is what I got told. I don't understand that this person hires bad singers with no technique and then tells me, I am too good. It's a bit frustrating and does not make any sense. People keep telling me they get goosebumps when I sing, so it looks like my 'too clean' voice does reach them. Any ideas?
Thank you!

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:49:24 +0000

Sara.. so happy to see your comment here! Yes, I've found your tactic of asking students to explain something back. I've also asked them what THEY would tell themselves to be able to repeat a technique they just did correctly. AND... funny, I almost added that very phrase about the cat, haha! Thanks for adding your thoughts!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 23:50:19 +0000

Thank you for sharing this, Judy! I've run into "conflicting advice" many times during my vocal career, both as a student and as a teacher. This is a great reminder for students to ask questions when things are unclear, or if they feel that a technique is not working. Likewise, teachers need to remember to ask their students to explain new techniques *back to them* -- I've found this to be a great way to test if communication is clear.

As the old (and kind of awful) saying goes, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." As long as vocalists listen to their sound and pay attention to physical feedback, they'll find many ways to produce healthy, beautiful sounds.