The modern singer is a vocal athlete. Dancers and elite sports professionals know the importance of preparing the body correctly for performance. Vocalists need to be the same way! Just like the skeletal muscles should be systematically stretched before demanding usage, so should the muscles of the larynx that are involved in phonation. The principle of veisel dilation is the same- blood needs to nourish the muscles with oxygen to increase flexibility and decrease the chance of injury. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR VOCAL WARMUP!!!!
A singer should NEVER go into a lengthy rehearsal, recording session, or performance without a thorough warmup. It should last somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes to make sure that all the musculature is properly coordinated, with the head and chest registers easily connected and the full range engaged. Physical stretches are also helpful as are stretches for the tongue.
I begin the vocal warmup with glissandi, or slides, either on a hum, 'oo', lip trill, or tongue trill. Either starting lightly in head voice and descending or sliding up easily from chest voice work well. The first scales will be on sounds that serve to stretch out the voice- lip trills, tongue trill, and the 'ng' sound. I use the octave and a half pattern and then into the mixed octave scale. These exercise sounds allow for a very effective warmup over a wide range without undue pressure and unwanted muscular interference. And they can be revisited throughout the day to keep the voice fresh.
Now we move on to the dumb or crying sounds. These exercise syllables will help you balance good cord closure with efficient air flow- not too much, not too little. Use syllables such as 'mum', 'goog', 'bub', or 'wun' with a slightly exaggerated goofy sound. This will keep the swallowing muscles from pulling the larynx up and constricting the throat. Then change the sound from the dumber approach to more of a whimper or cry, bringing the larynx to a more natural, neutral position. This is not supposed to be a pretty sound. Its job is to deactivate those overactive swallowing muscles that interfere with easy tone production.
Then, the ugly but invaluable pharyngeal sounds are employed. They were referred to as 'the witch's voice' in times past and that's exactly how you should sound!! No sounding pretty here!! With a bratty, witchy tone, we will use the syllables 'nay' and 'naa'. These sounds will allow again greater air flow and a produce a tone that is deceptively powerful but actually quite easy to make- no strain needed. The exercise allows a very easy, effiecient connection of the chest and head registers, creating the much needed middle voice or 'the mix' that is so important for most modern vocal styles. Remember, the goal is not prettiness. The ugliness in the exercises is helping to build a solid technique, so enjoy the chance to sound like a looney as you build a killer voice!!
Once you have gotten through this portion of the warmup, you may move onto exercises that work on agility, sustains, and dynamics, but only after the voice feels loose and the cord closure is well coordinated with the breath.
This is a map of the basics of the daily warmup. It will vary according to many factors, such as energy level, time of day, amount of sleep, the size of the voice, and many others. But this is a general approach that we will use as the core of regimen. It is very imporant to find a knowledgeable voice teacher to help you develop the proper routine for your voice and its unique demands.
Remember, you are a vocal athlete and you must train with that idea in mind.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Dealing With a Rising Larynx
A common problem for vocalists is the rising of the larynx, or voice box, which houses the vocal cords. For the most part, your larynx should not move up much when singing higher. The vocal folds stretch and thin to create higher notes and that's most efficiently done if the larynx stays more neutral or slightly lowered for classical singing. When it rises, the lifter muscles responsible for moving it for swallowing purposes are engaged. This is not very efficient for most singing and can lead to fatigue and other unwanted problems.
When practicing, monitor the voice box by lightly placing a finger over the larynx and pay attention to any tendency of it to move too much when ascending. To combat a rising voice box, add a pouty or dumb approach to your sound. Use syllables such as 'mum', 'goog', 'bub', or 'wun' with a slightly exaggerated goofy sound. This will keep the swallowing muscles from pulling the larynx up and constricting the throat.
So here goes!! Using 'goog', we will phonate on the following pattern. Make sure it is produced with a Bullwinkle or Rocky Balboa dopey sound or as if saying 'duh'.
goog goog goog goog goog goog goog goog goog goog
1 3 5 8 8 8 8 5 3 1
This is not supposed to be a pretty sound. Its job is to deactivate those overactive swallowing muscles that interfere with easy tone production. Remember to keep a finger placed lightly on your larynx and you should notice it staying down even as the pitch rises. It may also helpful to do the exercise with your fist lightly on the chin to make sure your jaw stays loose. One you get the hang of it, you can move on these patterns:
1 3 5 1(next octave) 3 5 4 2 7(in original octave) 5 4 2 1
1 5 3 8 5 3 1
This is an extremely effective exercise......and its silliness makes it fun!!!
When practicing, monitor the voice box by lightly placing a finger over the larynx and pay attention to any tendency of it to move too much when ascending. To combat a rising voice box, add a pouty or dumb approach to your sound. Use syllables such as 'mum', 'goog', 'bub', or 'wun' with a slightly exaggerated goofy sound. This will keep the swallowing muscles from pulling the larynx up and constricting the throat.
So here goes!! Using 'goog', we will phonate on the following pattern. Make sure it is produced with a Bullwinkle or Rocky Balboa dopey sound or as if saying 'duh'.
goog goog goog goog goog goog goog goog goog goog
1 3 5 8 8 8 8 5 3 1
This is not supposed to be a pretty sound. Its job is to deactivate those overactive swallowing muscles that interfere with easy tone production. Remember to keep a finger placed lightly on your larynx and you should notice it staying down even as the pitch rises. It may also helpful to do the exercise with your fist lightly on the chin to make sure your jaw stays loose. One you get the hang of it, you can move on these patterns:
1 3 5 1(next octave) 3 5 4 2 7(in original octave) 5 4 2 1
1 5 3 8 5 3 1
This is an extremely effective exercise......and its silliness makes it fun!!!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Vocal Resources- Volume 1
Hello all-
I've decided to post a list of great resources for the contemporary singer. They mostly cover vocal technique training but some also address style, performance skills, vocal health & maintenance, and creativity. These are among the products and sites I most highly recommend.
-"Singing For The Stars: A Complete Program for Training Your Voice" by Seth Riggs. This is a classic written by one of the biggest vocal teachers of the last 30 years who has trained the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Tamia, Deniece Williams, Angela Winbush, Bernadette Peters, Bryan Adams, Luther Vandross, Ricky Martin, Cher, and Tina Turner. This is one of the 2 books that inspired me to teach voice.
-"The Rock N Roll Singer's Survival Manual" by Mark Baxter. The other of the 2 books that inspired me to become a vocal trainer. This is a unique book that is very detailed in its explanation of vocal anatomy and physiology but presents it in a way this is not intimidating. He does a great job of explaining breathing, support, resonation, and phonation for modern singers. There is also a complete section dealing with the psychological and emotional issues that we singers face. This is an awesome book that all non-classical vocalists and teachers should have!!
-www.singingsuccess.com. This is the website of the leading company for vocal training programs founded by leading Nashville coach Brett Manning. The flagship "Singing Success" set includes 12 CDs, a DVD showing Brett at work in his teaching studio, and the concise booklet. The fantastic follow up program, "Mastering Mix", also has 12 CDs and is a powerful advanced tool. There are several other great products offered that I highly recommend. I am an affiliate and endorse these products. http://singingsuccess.com/how-to-sing-singing-success-program
-"The Ultimate Voice Training for Singers" by Billy Purnell. This 4 CD set is a top-notch vocal technique program created by the Riverside, CA based vocal teacher who, like Manning, was trained by Seth Riggs. Very thorough and highly effective! It is available through Billy's website- www.voicetraining.com.
-"The Total Singer" by Lisa Popeil. This set was put together by a leading vocal teacher and researcher based in Southern California. It is an innovative approach to teaching both technique and style. The program includes 2 CDs, one dedicated to exercises for pop voice technique and the other with classical vocalises. The DVD addresses the elements of singing such as breathing, support, registers, larynx positions, and vibrato as well as tips for various musical styles. A worthy investment!
-"Basics For Vocal Technique" by Cathy Segal-Garcia. This is a great little 28 page booklet that is easy to understand while being very detailed in its content. It's available at www.cathysegalgarcia.com.
-"Vocal Technique: A Guide to Finding Your Real Voice" by Dena Murray and "Advanced Vocal Technique: Middle Voice, Placement, & Styles" by Dena Murray & Tita Hutchison. These are the first 2 books in Dena's trilogy of books geared to the modern singer. This work is based on materials she used when she served as head of vocal technique instruction at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. She takes some of the mystery away from the workings of the voice and then gives exercises to strengthen it and expand range.
-"The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique by Anne Peckham. This comprehensive book is based on the curriculum of the Voice Department of the illustrious Berklee College of Music, which produced such singers as R&B/jazz phenom Lalah Hathaway (one of my favorite vocalists in the world), passionate singer/songwriter Paula Cole, and in-demand backing vocalist Stacy Campbell(Janet Jackson, Pink, Tina Turner, Lalah Hathaway). It covers the anatomy of the voice, how to practice, registers, diction, vocal health, and performance tips. The CD gives vocal workouts for high and low voices as well as demonstrations of certain exercises. A well done book that should be in the library of the modern singer.
-"SING! The Vocal Power Method" by Elisabeth Howard. This is the updated version of the original "Born To Sing" program from Elisabeth and Howard Austin. It is very thorough set which clearly explains the elements of breathing & support, phonation, resonance, and registers before tackling the various vocal style: classical, jazz, pop, gospel, etc. Available with 4 CDs and a DVD, it is a worthwhile course to have.
Now before leaving you,let me remind of his point: NOTHING replaces the importance of having one-on-one training with a qualified voice teacher!! Every person is different and it is vital to have educated ears and eyes present to pinpoint the areas that need to worked on in each singer's technique. With that being said, the resources listed above can be of great benefit to those who are looking for tools to lead them to greater knowledge of their instrument.
ENJOY!!!!!!
I've decided to post a list of great resources for the contemporary singer. They mostly cover vocal technique training but some also address style, performance skills, vocal health & maintenance, and creativity. These are among the products and sites I most highly recommend.
-"Singing For The Stars: A Complete Program for Training Your Voice" by Seth Riggs. This is a classic written by one of the biggest vocal teachers of the last 30 years who has trained the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Tamia, Deniece Williams, Angela Winbush, Bernadette Peters, Bryan Adams, Luther Vandross, Ricky Martin, Cher, and Tina Turner. This is one of the 2 books that inspired me to teach voice.
-"The Rock N Roll Singer's Survival Manual" by Mark Baxter. The other of the 2 books that inspired me to become a vocal trainer. This is a unique book that is very detailed in its explanation of vocal anatomy and physiology but presents it in a way this is not intimidating. He does a great job of explaining breathing, support, resonation, and phonation for modern singers. There is also a complete section dealing with the psychological and emotional issues that we singers face. This is an awesome book that all non-classical vocalists and teachers should have!!
-www.singingsuccess.com. This is the website of the leading company for vocal training programs founded by leading Nashville coach Brett Manning. The flagship "Singing Success" set includes 12 CDs, a DVD showing Brett at work in his teaching studio, and the concise booklet. The fantastic follow up program, "Mastering Mix", also has 12 CDs and is a powerful advanced tool. There are several other great products offered that I highly recommend. I am an affiliate and endorse these products. http://singingsuccess.com/how-to-sing-singing-success-program
-"The Ultimate Voice Training for Singers" by Billy Purnell. This 4 CD set is a top-notch vocal technique program created by the Riverside, CA based vocal teacher who, like Manning, was trained by Seth Riggs. Very thorough and highly effective! It is available through Billy's website- www.voicetraining.com.
-"The Total Singer" by Lisa Popeil. This set was put together by a leading vocal teacher and researcher based in Southern California. It is an innovative approach to teaching both technique and style. The program includes 2 CDs, one dedicated to exercises for pop voice technique and the other with classical vocalises. The DVD addresses the elements of singing such as breathing, support, registers, larynx positions, and vibrato as well as tips for various musical styles. A worthy investment!
-"Basics For Vocal Technique" by Cathy Segal-Garcia. This is a great little 28 page booklet that is easy to understand while being very detailed in its content. It's available at www.cathysegalgarcia.com.
-"Vocal Technique: A Guide to Finding Your Real Voice" by Dena Murray and "Advanced Vocal Technique: Middle Voice, Placement, & Styles" by Dena Murray & Tita Hutchison. These are the first 2 books in Dena's trilogy of books geared to the modern singer. This work is based on materials she used when she served as head of vocal technique instruction at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. She takes some of the mystery away from the workings of the voice and then gives exercises to strengthen it and expand range.
-"The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique by Anne Peckham. This comprehensive book is based on the curriculum of the Voice Department of the illustrious Berklee College of Music, which produced such singers as R&B/jazz phenom Lalah Hathaway (one of my favorite vocalists in the world), passionate singer/songwriter Paula Cole, and in-demand backing vocalist Stacy Campbell(Janet Jackson, Pink, Tina Turner, Lalah Hathaway). It covers the anatomy of the voice, how to practice, registers, diction, vocal health, and performance tips. The CD gives vocal workouts for high and low voices as well as demonstrations of certain exercises. A well done book that should be in the library of the modern singer.
-"SING! The Vocal Power Method" by Elisabeth Howard. This is the updated version of the original "Born To Sing" program from Elisabeth and Howard Austin. It is very thorough set which clearly explains the elements of breathing & support, phonation, resonance, and registers before tackling the various vocal style: classical, jazz, pop, gospel, etc. Available with 4 CDs and a DVD, it is a worthwhile course to have.
Now before leaving you,let me remind of his point: NOTHING replaces the importance of having one-on-one training with a qualified voice teacher!! Every person is different and it is vital to have educated ears and eyes present to pinpoint the areas that need to worked on in each singer's technique. With that being said, the resources listed above can be of great benefit to those who are looking for tools to lead them to greater knowledge of their instrument.
ENJOY!!!!!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
And Now.....
July 1st......
For the past 2 years, this has been an important date. Big changes happened. In 2009, my roomie and best friend Eric flew to Chicago from Long Beach, CA to begin Operation: Move Earl to Cali. 4 days later, we would embark on the roadtrip from the only city I had known as home to my new life in SoCal. A major chapter for this then-40 year old.
Last year on July 1st, we moved out of the house we were renting with another friend to a great apartment on Redondo Avenue. It was my first taste of apartment living. We had a balcony facing in the direction of the ocean, giving us an incredible breeze. We had a garden which yielded tomatoes, rosemary, and basil. We lived across the street from a great rib/sandwich place- YUM!!!
Those who know me well know that I hated to leave Long Beach. I loved the people...the energy...the ocean...the opportunities. They also know how much I long to return. I truly feel that it's where I belong at this point in my life. There's much left undone. While I was there, I returned to my identity as an artist and fully accepted myself as a singer/songwriter. I started recording my CD. I started a community show choir. I got work with my roomie's nonprofit. I worked on the planning committee for the Long Beach Dance Festival. I got to be a part of great conversations for the purpose of building bridges between evangelical leaders and openly gay Christians. So many wonderful experiences, and I feel like I left so much unfinished.
My goal is to return to California by fall. Now, this is a bold desire, being that this is now July already!! But I'm learning to live life more boldly. I'm taking a chance on God!! There is much to get figured out. But I truly feel like I am called to be there to fulfill my destiny. I have gifts, abilities, and ideas that are uniquely Earl 4.2 and are needed out there. Gary is my hometown and I love it, but I feel like my home is out west.............
For the past 2 years, this has been an important date. Big changes happened. In 2009, my roomie and best friend Eric flew to Chicago from Long Beach, CA to begin Operation: Move Earl to Cali. 4 days later, we would embark on the roadtrip from the only city I had known as home to my new life in SoCal. A major chapter for this then-40 year old.
Last year on July 1st, we moved out of the house we were renting with another friend to a great apartment on Redondo Avenue. It was my first taste of apartment living. We had a balcony facing in the direction of the ocean, giving us an incredible breeze. We had a garden which yielded tomatoes, rosemary, and basil. We lived across the street from a great rib/sandwich place- YUM!!!
Those who know me well know that I hated to leave Long Beach. I loved the people...the energy...the ocean...the opportunities. They also know how much I long to return. I truly feel that it's where I belong at this point in my life. There's much left undone. While I was there, I returned to my identity as an artist and fully accepted myself as a singer/songwriter. I started recording my CD. I started a community show choir. I got work with my roomie's nonprofit. I worked on the planning committee for the Long Beach Dance Festival. I got to be a part of great conversations for the purpose of building bridges between evangelical leaders and openly gay Christians. So many wonderful experiences, and I feel like I left so much unfinished.
My goal is to return to California by fall. Now, this is a bold desire, being that this is now July already!! But I'm learning to live life more boldly. I'm taking a chance on God!! There is much to get figured out. But I truly feel like I am called to be there to fulfill my destiny. I have gifts, abilities, and ideas that are uniquely Earl 4.2 and are needed out there. Gary is my hometown and I love it, but I feel like my home is out west.............
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tunesmithing
Howdy!!!
OK, coming up in the Missionary Baptist Church tradition, Lent was not heavily stressed in my experience. So I've never really obsessed about giving up some specific for the 40 day period. But this year, I've decided to give something up. No, it's not one of my favorite foods or TV shows. What I'm giving up is something that I have toted around for a very long time unnecessarily. It's something that has held me back from pushing forward as a musical artist for too long.
So, you ask, what is it already?!
Wait for it.........
It is FEAR. Specifically it is the fear of my inadequacy as a songwriter. Though at this point in my life and career I have come to finally really like my singing voice(and let me tell ya, that took a mighty long time) and my playing style on the piano(though I still fight occasional insecurity ). But I have continued to wrestle with self-acceptance as a songwriter. I started seriously writing my freshman year of college as I was playing in my first band and starting my formal musical training. I got positive feedback early on. But that little voice in my head still wasn't totally convinced that I was any good. As with my singing and playing, I kept pushing forward. But this was the area that I had the most insecurity with.
Fast forward to 2010. I finally left Gary, IN and was living in Long Beach, CA (I can't wait to go back but that's another blog). My roomie and great friend Eric Leocadio asked me to perform at some functions associated with his non-profit organization, the Catalyst Network of Communities. As he prepared publicity posts, he asked a question that was pivotal for me. He asked me if I considered myself a singer/songwriter. Hmmmm.....I had never really used that label before. But the truth was that I am a singer who was just starting to embrace his own songs that would be a staple of my show. It would be me singing and accompanying myself. I realized right then and there that I was in fact worthy of that identification. I had just gotten to the point where I ceased to compare my songs to those of the folks who inspired me and learned to look at my own songs as equally valid. This was a major breakthrough!!! Thank God for that and for my pal Eric for being the 'catalyst' for my progression!!
2011 has found me reassessing and planning anew for the next step in my career as a voice teacher and as an artist. As Lent approached, I knew that I wasn't going to delude myself with giving up pizza or M&Ms. I had watched a sermon by Joel Osteen where he talked about 2011 as a year of resurrection- for dreams, callings, careers. That stayed with me. It was a couple of days ago I realized that I have limited myself by not looking at my writing as an equal part of my journey with my singing, playing and teaching. What potential opportunities would I possibly be blocking by not fully exploring my role as a songwriter? So, I made the decision that I would finally silence that little voice that has tried to stifle Earl the writer. I am going to more fully explore where that aspect of my artistry can take me.
So, there you have it. For me Lent is not about giving up something that I enjoy like french fries and M&Ms(hmmmm-that's a recurring theme)but instead ridding myself of something that keeps me from soaring as high as I possibly can. Isn't that more of what God would want for me?
I have to thank Cari Cole, NYC based voice teacher and artist development coach, for the great articles and blogs she has written that helped challenge me to let go of the blockages.
OK, coming up in the Missionary Baptist Church tradition, Lent was not heavily stressed in my experience. So I've never really obsessed about giving up some specific for the 40 day period. But this year, I've decided to give something up. No, it's not one of my favorite foods or TV shows. What I'm giving up is something that I have toted around for a very long time unnecessarily. It's something that has held me back from pushing forward as a musical artist for too long.
So, you ask, what is it already?!
Wait for it.........
It is FEAR. Specifically it is the fear of my inadequacy as a songwriter. Though at this point in my life and career I have come to finally really like my singing voice(and let me tell ya, that took a mighty long time) and my playing style on the piano(though I still fight occasional insecurity ). But I have continued to wrestle with self-acceptance as a songwriter. I started seriously writing my freshman year of college as I was playing in my first band and starting my formal musical training. I got positive feedback early on. But that little voice in my head still wasn't totally convinced that I was any good. As with my singing and playing, I kept pushing forward. But this was the area that I had the most insecurity with.
Fast forward to 2010. I finally left Gary, IN and was living in Long Beach, CA (I can't wait to go back but that's another blog). My roomie and great friend Eric Leocadio asked me to perform at some functions associated with his non-profit organization, the Catalyst Network of Communities. As he prepared publicity posts, he asked a question that was pivotal for me. He asked me if I considered myself a singer/songwriter. Hmmmm.....I had never really used that label before. But the truth was that I am a singer who was just starting to embrace his own songs that would be a staple of my show. It would be me singing and accompanying myself. I realized right then and there that I was in fact worthy of that identification. I had just gotten to the point where I ceased to compare my songs to those of the folks who inspired me and learned to look at my own songs as equally valid. This was a major breakthrough!!! Thank God for that and for my pal Eric for being the 'catalyst' for my progression!!
2011 has found me reassessing and planning anew for the next step in my career as a voice teacher and as an artist. As Lent approached, I knew that I wasn't going to delude myself with giving up pizza or M&Ms. I had watched a sermon by Joel Osteen where he talked about 2011 as a year of resurrection- for dreams, callings, careers. That stayed with me. It was a couple of days ago I realized that I have limited myself by not looking at my writing as an equal part of my journey with my singing, playing and teaching. What potential opportunities would I possibly be blocking by not fully exploring my role as a songwriter? So, I made the decision that I would finally silence that little voice that has tried to stifle Earl the writer. I am going to more fully explore where that aspect of my artistry can take me.
So, there you have it. For me Lent is not about giving up something that I enjoy like french fries and M&Ms(hmmmm-that's a recurring theme)but instead ridding myself of something that keeps me from soaring as high as I possibly can. Isn't that more of what God would want for me?
I have to thank Cari Cole, NYC based voice teacher and artist development coach, for the great articles and blogs she has written that helped challenge me to let go of the blockages.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Singing Success
Brett Manning's Singing Success company has released some of the best home study materials for vocal training to date. From the flagship 'Singing Success' package to the powerful 'Mastering Mix' set, solid vocal pedagogy is presented in a clear, concise, and practical manner. The offerings have expanded to include 'Singing Success TV', which a subscription service complete with video lessons and blogs from the vocal coaches at Brett Manning Studios.
As a SS affiliate, I make a commission on any products purchased by way of any link or banner that I post. I have purchased a number of their products and stand behind them both as a singer and voice teacher. I highly recommend that you check out the offerings from this cutting edge company!!
As a SS affiliate, I make a commission on any products purchased by way of any link or banner that I post. I have purchased a number of their products and stand behind them both as a singer and voice teacher. I highly recommend that you check out the offerings from this cutting edge company!!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Why Study Singing?
Singers-
The point of developing a strong vocal technique is to free you up to communicate more clearly through your singing. When your voice is freed up from undue tensions and blockages, singing so much more fulfilling for both you and your audience. It is sooo much fun!!!! So, learn your instrument!! Study with a knowledgeable and skilled vocal teacher who can guide in mastering your voice....like me!!
The point of developing a strong vocal technique is to free you up to communicate more clearly through your singing. When your voice is freed up from undue tensions and blockages, singing so much more fulfilling for both you and your audience. It is sooo much fun!!!! So, learn your instrument!! Study with a knowledgeable and skilled vocal teacher who can guide in mastering your voice....like me!!
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