We usually think of our ears as information RECEIVERS. But, really they GIVE just as much information to the voice as they get. Your ears and voice are part of the same neurological loop. So, changing what you hear changes how you sound. In fact, the voice can only produce what the ears can hear! This is known as the Tomatis Effect, named for Dr. Alfred Tomatis, a pioneer in music therapy who showed how the ear "builds, organizes, and nourishes the nervous system.” How does this apply to you? Incredible singers HEAR incredible singers! To be a top-notch vocalist, it's critical to seek out the vocalists who are pushing the boundaries of vocal limits. Instead of your ears always listening to your VOICE, it's time for your voice to listen to your EARS!
Any TRACHEA fans out there? Well, fun fact! It has been shown in studies that a deep breath will often cause what is known as “Tracheal Pull”! This is a chain reaction that occurs when the diaphragm flattens out during a large inhalation. As the diaphragm flattens downward, it pulls the lungs, the trachea (windpipe), and the larynx downward as well. They are all connected! The common benefits of Tracheal Pull for singers include a lowering of the larynx and a loosening of the vocal folds. So, Tracheal Pull can be a very effective strategy for singers wishing to explore deeper and looser sounds in their voices. All you’ve got to do is breathe DEEPLY and also remain aware that your breaths are truly interconnected to the opening of your throat. Isn’t it time you became a FAN of your Trachea?
What is your Vocal DEFAULT Setting? There are constantly new musical trends and styles emerging that require singers to ADAPT. Adaptability requires a balanced, reliable, and healthy “Vocal Default Setting”. For example, if we always sing too loudly, then it's hard to move gracefully to softer sounds. Or, if we always sing too softly, then it's difficult to find the power we need. Ideally, our Default Setting is a moderate volume that allows us to sing comfortably and also transition into softest and loudest extremes. Optimal Default Settings aren't just about volume though. You’ll also want a neutral larynx, vocal registration that’s not too heady or too chesty, and tone that's not too bright or dark. By spending some time building a Vocal Default Setting that lives in the middle, you’ll have the easiest time accessing the full spectrum of what your voice can do!
Is there a difference between breathing for singing and breathing for everyday life? YES! In everyday life, our vocal folds generally stay apart, allowing air to enter and exit the body with ease. During singing, our breath is constantly flowing and our vocal folds are constantly vibrating. Great singing requires a balance of airflow and compression. Airflow from the lungs and muscular compression between the vocal folds interact to help create pitch, volume, vocal registers, and timbre. Lots of airflow and very little compression could result in a wispy or “breathy” vocal quality. On the other hand, lots of compression and very little airflow will likely result in a "pressed" or harsh tone. There are infinite gradations in between these two examples that can be explored! You will never run out of possibilities as you breathe, experiment, and master your singing voice everyday!
Unwanted vocal tension can appear in many ways. AURALLY - the voice may sound unstable or crack, the vibrato may be too fast or too slow, or the voice may sound constricted or tight. VISUALLY - you may see a tight or shaking jaw, bulging in the neck, or excessive tension in the face. KINESTHETICALLY - you may feel tight in the throat, restricted in the tongue, or rigid in the rib cage or abdominal region. Whatever the signs of tension may be, it’s important to determine the SOURCE. Work with your voice teacher to target the origin of the tension so it can disappear! Then, in your practice sessions, work to cut it off at the ROOT!
Atten…TION! Standing at attention with “perfect” posture can conjure images of rigid, tight muscles constricted in a frozen state - not the ideal conditions for singing. Great singing requires “tension” to be sure, but tension that’s supple and ready to move. Imagine your singing posture NOT as a "set" position, but instead as a combination of energies moving in opposing directions. For instance, let your spine have an upward momentum out of the crown of your head AND a downward motion into the floor. Or, keep your ribcage and abdomen expansive AND free to move inward. Keeping your posture at ease AND intentionally in motion will help keep your singing free and agile. Don’t let your posture command a tension. Let it command Attention!
Practice the PROCESS - not the product! Everyday we are new and different human beings. Our bodies and minds shift slightly. So do our voices. It’s part of the beauty of being human. This is the same reason that delivering a perfect performance is an impossible challenge. Even if you ever gave one, it would need to change immediately. So, when you’re feeling down before a show or audition, keep in mind that the process is always more beautiful than the product. Strive for your ideal performance, but remember that true art is created in the soulful and audacious efforts you give each day. Falling slightly short may be the very thing that makes you a lovable performer... and a lovable human being.
“WOOHOO!” and “YAY!” are more than just ways to cheer for your favorite team. They also help us understand the relationship between HARMONICS and FORMANTS. When your vocal cords produce a pitch, they aren’t producing one pitch, but a series of pitches known as Harmonics. Formants are resonances of the vocal tract that amplify Harmonics. Think of blowing over a bottle. The bottle vibrates at a particular pitch depending on how much liquid is in it. In singing, different shapes in the throat cause different frequencies to be amplified. Formant 1 relates to vocal strength. “YAY” makes use of Formant 1 and encourages chestier resonances. Formant 2 relates to the brightness or darkness of the voice. “WOOHOO” encourages a lower Formant 2 and causes darker resonances. Harmonics and Formants truly make a great team. GO TEAM!
There is an enormous amount of confidence that comes from playing a role that you’ve performed numerous times. Or, from performing an audition piece that you use on a consistent basis. But how do you keep your acting FRESH? One great way is to take a deliberate and disciplined approach to your BREATHING. In rehearsal, try taking a breath after a different word each time you read a line. This will change the rhythm of your speech. The rhythm of your speech will then change the meaning of the line. This will have an effect on your gestures and body language that support the line. Your acting will become richer in nuance and subtlety just from the breath alone. You can literally BREATHE new life into each and every character you play - even characters you've played many times before!
Practice makes perfect! Right? Well, for singing perhaps it’s better to say, “Perfect practice makes skillful singers”. When practicing, focus on targeting a SPECIFIC skill and ensure that you are doing so in a healthy way and an intentional way. Just imagine if every day you practiced increasing your range, you strained and tensed your muscles to hit the high notes. You would actually be practicing BAD habits that may lead to vocal problems in the future. So, the next time you practice, focus on healthy technique and specific new skillsets - make THOSE your habits! While we may never be perfect singers, we can become perfect practicers!
SPECIFIC goals are important when it comes to vocal improvement and practice. Generally speaking, the further along on your vocal journey you are, the more SPECIFIC you may need to be with your practice. When working on an exercise (or song), be mindful about what exactly you are aiming to do in your practice session. Are you focusing on resonance, breath, or alignment? Are you trying to maintain awareness of a certain sensation, sound quality, or visual cue? These are important questions to ask yourself at any level, so that you can direct your attention to the most effective aspects of your vocalisation. Being mindful of the SPECIFICS will optimize your chances for success and fastest progress!
SPECIFIC goals are important when it comes to vocal improvement and practice. Generally speaking, the further along on your vocal journey you are, the more SPECIFIC you may need to be with your practice. When working on an exercise (or song), be mindful about what exactly you are aiming to do in your practice session. Are you focusing on resonance, breath, or alignment? Are you trying to maintain awareness of a certain sensation, sound quality, or visual cue? These are important questions to ask yourself at any level, so that you can direct your attention to the most effective aspects of your vocalisation. Being mindful of the SPECIFICS will optimize your chances for success and fastest progress!
The music industry can be competitive and tough, especially as a new singer trying to get your first gig. To increase your chances of getting performance work, it can be useful to have auxiliary skills that COMPLEMENT your singing. Playing a musical instrument so that you can accompany yourself is one great skill. Dancing and acting skills can be valuable even if you don’t do Musical Theatre. Learning to sing harmonies can help with backup vocals or with singing in a choir or ensemble. You could also explore Music Theory skills, such as composing and arranging music for yourself and other artists. Even technical skills like operating a sound board or recording demos can help. Whatever the complementary skills you choose to develop, your versatility as an artist will help lead you toward success!
AUDITION!!! This word has the potential to make any singer nervous! But, instead of getting nervous, practice simulating every step of the audition. This can be done with your Vocal Coach or in the comfort of your own home. Practice walking into the room, taking your place, introducing yourself and saying what you will be singing. Hand your music to the pianist, calmly explain your music, and set your tempo. Take a breath and get into your character. Simulating the Audition as if it’s REAL helps prepare the mind and the voice for the big day. You may even try inviting a “casting panel” of a few friends or colleagues. Too often we rehearse all the details of the song, but then neglect the Audition experience. So, practice these details, so that you can be excited when you hear the word… AUDITION!!!
Remember your ROOTS! Why did you start singing? Were you inspired by a performance as a child? Was there an album you played on "repeat" as a teen? Maybe a certain vocalist left you in awe? No matter the reason, it’s important to reflect on what drew you to singing. It’s quite easy amidst constant practicing, rehearsing, auditioning, and performing to lose sight of your JOY. Yet, Joy will help you conquer the technical, musical, and performance challenges we sometimes face. To give the gift of voice to others, you must occasionally allow yourself to be blessed by the voices that inspired you. Think back and listen back to those who originally led you to singing. This practice will heal you when you’re feeling broken and energize you when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember your ROOTS and reach for the SKY!
Musical Theatre has some of the most emotionally electric songs that are immensely rewarding to perform and hear! - Cue the tears and the teeth gnashing! - Those songs are wonderful for the stage with lights, costumes, orchestra, and context. However, they don’t make the greatest audition songs. As fun as they are, when taken out of context they can read as unintentionally comical or simply deflated. In an audition, you don’t have the time to establish the necessary imaginary world for the adjudicators to appreciate your tour de force. So save the intense, emotional songs for your bedroom, car, or – hopefully - the actual stage! Focus on finding sincere songs that elevate you as a performer, instead of songs that are nearly impossible to live up to under harsh audition room lights.
Are ALLERGIES affecting your voice? Common symptoms of allergies are coughing, a runny nose, and congestion. This congestion can change or limit the way we use our vocal resonators - particularly Nasal Resonance. One solution to this problem is the use of a Neti Pot to keep the nasal cavity clean and clear. Another solution can be allergy medications. However, many allergy medications are antihistamines and that have a drying effect on the mouth, throat, and vocal folds. So, the best solution possible is to learn what triggers your allergies and to avoid those circumstances whenever possible. Consult a doctor to learn what those triggers are for you. And, work with your Voice Teacher to make sure that your technique can carry you through any allergy issues you may have!
Everyone knows that certain songs are unfailing crowd-pleasers. You sing one line and the whole room joins you. It’s helpful to have songs like this in your repertoire to pull out on a whim. However, don’t limit yourself to crowd favorites! It’s ideal to be able to perform not only sure-fire hits, but lesser known melodies as well. When you sing a piece that's unfamiliar to the listener, they won’t be distracted by wanting to join in and can focus their attention on the singing itself! Your audiences will become even more interested in your performances simply due to the VARIETY of your repertoire alone. You may also introduce them to a new artist or style of music in the process. This is a crowd-pleaser in itself!
Happy Easter singers! Today we celebrate Rebirth, Rejuvenation, and New Beginnings! As singers, we are a conscientious group of people who often strive for perfection. We keep record of our flaws and mistakes with brutal detail. So much so that we can sometimes stymie our growth and fail to recognize all the wonderful strides we have taken. Let Easter be the day to wipe the slate clean. Forgive yourself. Make a promise to let go of your shortcomings. After all, the mere thought of your flaws is probably holding you back more than any actual flaw ever can. Remember that no one is perfect. No. Not even one. And, with an Easter Spirit - celebrate the Rising of your music, your voice, and your New Beginning!
A repertoire book should be both SCARY and SAFE at the same time! When choosing most audition material, keep it on the safe side. In other words, make sure that your go-to songs are well within your comfort zone in terms of range, style, and emotion. On the other hand, no repertoire book is complete without songs that scare you! It’s important to have songs that stretch you outside your comfort zone and develop your artistry. Be brave and try to learn a new song that you never thought you could do. You’ll find your audition material having greater diversity than you ever thought possible. And, you’ll find yourself becoming more and more FEARLESS!
The voice is the one instrument that you carry everywhere you go. Your voice is used when you’re at work, at a loud restaurant, with friends, at home with family and, of course, when singing! Often singers wonder why their voices sometimes get tired even though they’re not doing excessive amounts of practicing and performing. Usually the cause is the EXTRA use on top of the singing. Moreover, factors like diet, stress, sleep, and physical fitness also affect the way our voices function. So, if you’re wanting to preserve, protect, or prepare your voice for a big performance, take into consideration the BIG vocal picture! Find ways to spare your voice from any unnecessary extra wear and tear. If you do, your best voice will be with you anytime, anywhere!
Sometimes we get to choose the songs that we sing. Other times we don’t. You might be asked to sing a song for a wedding, a new musical, or a recording session that just doesn’t seem to suit your voice. Maybe the tessitura isn’t right for you. Perhaps it contains many vowels that aren’t your favorites. Or, maybe you don’t feel completely at home in the song’s style. Don’t get frustrated that the song isn’t a perfect fit. All songs inherently have assets and liabilities. Identify the challenging spots right away. Work to develop your technique and style in those specific areas. Don’t expect the process to come as easily as usual. But, DO expect it to open up something new in your voice. You will be surprised how often repertoire that initially intimidates you, later becomes your very best work!
Try the Vocal INTENSITY Scale! Eliminating vocal tension can be far simpler than we often believe. But, this involves adjusting the way we THINK about the voice. Most difficult vocal tasks don’t require the intensity and force that we assume that they will take. Use a scale from 1 through to 10 to self-monitor your Vocal Intensity. On this scale, 1 is your lowest physical energy and 10 is your fullest force. If you notice that you feel tense or vocally tired after singing a song or exercise, ask yourself - “What number on the Vocal Intensity Scale am I singing at?”. If you find you're at 9 or 10 most of the time, then try singing between 4 and 6. Likely, you’ll still be able to achieve what you were aiming for, but in a much easier way. In fact, it will probably come out better using a more moderate Vocal Intensity!
Are you LISTENING to yourself when you sing? If so, then STOP! “Wait. What?!” Yes. It’s true! You can’t LISTEN to yourself and sing well at the same time. This doesn’t mean to sing off-key or to throw pitch and musicality out the window. It means that listening to ourselves puts us in a physical and mental state that isn’t conducive to our best sounds. Physically - the body and breath lock up when we listen really hard. Mentally - we get into a judgmental, critical, and analytical mindset when we’re listening really hard to ourselves. Singers who listen too hard to themselves often sound contrived, planned, and stiff. Instead of listening - try trusting your ears. Your audience will do the listening! You can do the TRUSTING!
Your body is a Wonderland… of RESONANCE! Try to feel your resonance as you sing with different components of your voice. Place your hands on your chest and feel the vibrations when you sing with a strong Chest Voice. Switch registers to Head Voice and place a hand on the back of your head. You'll likely feel some vibrations there as you move to the upper part of your voice. Next, place your fingers on the front of your nose and try an M, N, or NG. You should now feel the vibrations move to the nose and the front of your face. As a singer, it’s much more important to understand how your voice FEELS than how it sounds. Let US appreciate the beauty of your sound. You can just focus on your body. After all, it’s a Wonderland!
Have you ever wondered why the way you STAND affects your singing? For example, leaning your body weight back into your heels makes vocal production more DIFFICULT. Sitting back in the heels causes muscle contractions in your legs, hips, and lower back to help keep your balance and stand upright. This kinetic chain of muscle contractions eventually leads to an increased need for abdominal pressure. Excessive abdominal pressure usually leads to excessive subglottal pressure which can cause a “pushed” or “squeezed” sound. Keep your weight distributed evenly into the floor, making sure to not lock the knees, torque the hips, or press the abs. These subtle adjustments to the way you carry yourself will put you in alignment with greater flexibility and freedom!
Don’t be a One-Style Wonder! Many singers start to feel confident in one style and then IDENTIFY with it. This is quite natural and ultimately positive. However, many of us then become afraid to move away from this style for fear of not sounding our best. Staying in our comfort zone robs us of countless opportunities to grow. Even if you never plan on performing more than one style, it is essential to practice several. You’ll find your technique, confidence, expressiveness, and artistry all improving almost as if by magic. The best part is - your preferred style will also improve simply by practicing something very different. So, never wonder what could have happened if you’d gotten out of your comfort zone. Try something NEW. Don’t be a One-Style Wonder!
The LYRICS are the obvious way to find out what a song is about, what action you should be playing, or who you are singing to. However, what many singers forget is that the ACCOMPANIMENT gives clues too! Often the composer offers extra insight into the character and acting through the music. The next time you're listening to a song - listen to the Accompaniment exclusively. See if you can find the emotional journey of the character via the music. Ask yourself: how does the Accompaniment enhance the journey? What do the rhythm, dynamics, harmonies, and flow tell you? Chances are - it’s A LOT. Next time you're singing a song, take the time to listen to how every part of the song works together to tell a story. Your performances will be richer, more honest, and more exciting!
Less is MORE! When it comes to having confidence in our performances, LESS goes much further than we think! When we don’t feel confident, we tend to do MORE. We look around a lot, we gesture with hands and arms, or we pace. But movement is about quality, not quantity. Trust that your acting and singing choices can speak for themselves. Even if you don’t feel that trust yet, you can fake it by lingering a bit. Keep your eyes where they are for at least 3 seconds before moving them. Move your hands 5 times slower than you think they should move. Don’t move your feet more than once per verse. Take a long pause physically somewhere in the song. Your audience will start to feel the importance and the GRAVITY of your acting choices. And that’s what confident performing is all about! … more or less...