Vocal Tip: Be Patient

I know, I know.  You’ve started taking voice lessons or have been working on your voice and you think, “Why am I not improving faster?”  No matter what the Internet tries to sell you, getting better takes time.  The first step to accelerated technique and improvement is the desire to get better and the drive to practice.  The second is good advice and solid instruction.  The third is...

Vocal Tip: Choosing a Voice Teacher

So you want to take voice lessons?  You are in a good place to find the right teacher.  Most reputable teachers will have a website for their business.  Finding the right teacher for you will take some time but it will be well worth it.  A good teacher/student fit is priceless and you’ll know when you found it.  You and your teacher will “click”. Here are a couple of questions to ask...

Vocal Tip: Find Your Own Style

It’s not easy to find your own voice.  That too takes time.  Here are a few ways to start: 1) Copy all your favorites.  If you copy just one, you’ll end up being a copy cat.  If you copy all, people will say, you sound a little like so and so and kind of like so-and-so.  That’s a good thing. 2) Listen to yourself sing.  Most of my students, even though I encourage it, don’t...

Vocal Tip: Stay Hydrated

So you should drink water while performing right? Well, kind of.  When preparing for a show, it is important to be hydrated.   Your vocal cords and throat are moist and need to be lubricated to function well.  However, don’t expect to drink water during the performance to stay hydrated.   If you want to be hydrated, drink two hours before a performance.  If your voice is a little scratchy, try...

Vocal Tip: Listen to your Body

How do you know if you are over-singing?  If you are singing too much or with poor technique, your body will tell you. There are a couple of signs to watch.  The most severe is if it hurts.  If it does: stop singing!  Your throat/vocal cords should NEVER hurt.  Singing is natural and most of the time it shouldn’t really feel any more strenuous than talking. 1)If the strain on your voice is more...