Finding Your Natural Voice: Why Healthy Technique Matters More Than Talent
One of the most common things I hear from new students in my Fort Collins studio is, “I’m not really a singer.” That belief usually comes from years of comparing themselves to others or trying to imitate voices they admire. What I’ve learned through decades of teaching is that singing is not about raw talent […]
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #8 of 8 – Smoking
Our last tip involves smoking. In a nutshell . . . don’t! No. 8: Smoking is the leading cause of laryngeal cancer. At the very least, smoking irritates tissues used for singing and talking. Don’t smoke!
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #6 of 8 – Clearing Throat/ Coughing
Next: Clearing your throat constantly, or coughing – like using sandpaper on your vocal folds. No. 6: Repeatedly clearing the throat or coughing may irritate vocal fold tissues. Sipping water, swallowing or sucking on a cough drop may ease the irritation in the throat
Holy Week 2022 – There is Hope
For those of us who are Christians, this is a somber week, as we remember the betrayal, agony, murder, then resurrection of Jesus. “He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” […]
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #5 of 8 – Medications
Next: Medications No. 5: Some medications lead to dehydration of the vocal folds. Antihistamines, taken for colds or allergies, shrink swollen membranes and reduce saliva and mucous production. These medications lessen the discomforts of the cold, but dry the vocal tissues. If you are taking medications that dehydrate, drink lots of water and other fluids. […]
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #4 of 8 – Caffeine & Alcohol
Next: Caffeine & Alcohol No. 4: Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate vocal folds, which can make it more difficult to keep them vibrating. Drink plenty of water to combat their drying effects. For example, for every mug of coffee you ingest, drink at least one 8-oz. glass of water
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #3 of 8 – Stress
Our next tip deals with STRESS! No. 3: Stress can lead to forceful voice production, resulting in possible tissue damage. Relaxation techniques can improve your voice and allow you to speak more effectively and longer. Try stretching shoulder, neck and facial muscles periodically; slow, deep breaths also may help.
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #1 of 8 – Speaking Loudly
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing tips for healthy vocal production from the National Center of Voice and Speech. For those of you who have taken lessons with me, most of these will sound very familiar! Today we start with . . . No. 1: Speaking loudly or over long periods may lead […]
Practice Tip #2: Warm Up
2. Warm up – Stretch-Stand-Breathe-Sing. Singing is physical, and a warmup for body and voice is essential. It’s good to have 4-5 standard vocal warmups – the ones you like best – but make sure you engage your brain as you engage your body so you can be present in your practice! Amy MacKenzie suggests: […]
Essential Practice Tips – #1: Environment
Let’s face it. Even when we love making music, the discipline of practice can be hard! Here are a series of tips, inspired by Amy MacKenzie of ClassicFM radio, to help you keep going and keep growing! 1. Create the best environment. A) Get the right set-up for you and be consistent with your choice, […]
