I have been thinking a lot lately about the music instructors I had in college who believed in me, who saw the talent that I sometimes doubted. The musician and teacher that I am today is result of their encouragement and tutelage. My piano teacher Barbara Cunningham and theory professor Dwight Davis supported my decision to switch my major to music. Mr. Davis even gave me additional sightsinging/ear-training lessons for free!!! He also really thought a lot of my singing voice and gently chided me for not joining his vocal ensemble. Barbara pushed me to participate in the Piano Guild auditions so that I could be heard and critiqued by her peers. It allowed me to get further confirmation that I was indeed on the right path.
At Columbia College Chicago, I was blessed to get Brad Nitschke as my first voice teacher. It was life-changing!! I learned so much from watching him work with my fellow vocalists in our Techniques in Singing class. I discovered things about my voice I never knew I was capable of, to be honest. He not only had great belief in me as a singer, but also nurtured me as a future teacher of singing. The awesome Bobbi Wilsyn taught several of my vocal courses and was so inspiring to my developing artistry. She had great technique and incredible style. She pushed me to expand my repertoire base. Pete Scheiner and Laura Hoffman were my keyboard harmony teachers. They took me seriously as a piano player and helped me gain more confidence.
I would not be where I am without the knowledge they shared and their votes of confidence. I try to respect the work they put into me by putting my heart and soul into my teaching today. I believe it is my responsibility to continue the tradition of the serious artist/teacher alive, uplifting the students who trust me to help them reach their own musical goals.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Vocal Tip: Ping Pong Practice
Vocal tip- When working on a difficult passage of music, temporarily take the words out and vocalize it on one of your favorite exercise sounds. For me, I use 'bub', 'wun', 'ng', or the lip trill to get the notes more securely in my voice. Then once it feels like I can hang on, I go back to singing on the text. Go back and forth as much as you need to until you can sing the passage without strain. This ping-pong practice is very helpful and is one of the ways in which we merge technical practice into song work.
Look out for a YouTube clip elaborating on this concept coming very soon.
HAPPY SINGING!!
Earl
www.harvillevoice.com
Skype lessons are available
Look out for a YouTube clip elaborating on this concept coming very soon.
HAPPY SINGING!!
Earl
www.harvillevoice.com
Skype lessons are available
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I Love To Sing!!!
Hello all!!
I've recently added some fun exercises to my toolbox as a vocal trainer. The primary focus is on agility, the ability to sing fast or intricate passages cleanly and accurately. In addition, this patterns are good to use to prepare students for work on stylistic runs and licks in contemporary music. I took the phrase "I love to sing" from the traditional classical arpeggio exercise and placed it in a 5 note diatonic pattern with a couple of twists. Check out this video clip as I demonstrate and explain how to approach these exercises. They are effective AND fun,so have at it!!!
As a bonus, here's a clip of me singing a bit of one of my favorite hymns. I show you a bit more of my gospel influence in this one. Not a perfect performance, but full of heart.
Happy March and Happy Singing!!!
I've recently added some fun exercises to my toolbox as a vocal trainer. The primary focus is on agility, the ability to sing fast or intricate passages cleanly and accurately. In addition, this patterns are good to use to prepare students for work on stylistic runs and licks in contemporary music. I took the phrase "I love to sing" from the traditional classical arpeggio exercise and placed it in a 5 note diatonic pattern with a couple of twists. Check out this video clip as I demonstrate and explain how to approach these exercises. They are effective AND fun,so have at it!!!
As a bonus, here's a clip of me singing a bit of one of my favorite hymns. I show you a bit more of my gospel influence in this one. Not a perfect performance, but full of heart.
Happy March and Happy Singing!!!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Welcome to 2013!!!!
2013!!! Another new year has dawned. I don't know about you, but I am very excited about this one. I believe this year will bring amazing growth and progression.
2012 was a year of great blessings. I released my first two singles to the public. "Meant To Be" and "For The Longest Time" became available to the public in July on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. That was a big step for me as a 43 year old artist. I continued to receive very positive feedback from my voice teacher peers as I shared my vocal training articles and began posting my vocal training clips on YouTube. I was asked to contribute guest blogs and began writing a new column on singing for Long Beach Independent. I taught some awesome clients who have continued to sharpen my skills as a vocal trainer, who make me very proud of their accomplishments consistently. I got to head out to Long Beach to celebrate my birthday in June as well as my best friend's in November. I did the Beachbody Challenge starting in July and lost 14 pounds. I gained new friends, supporters, and mentors who I appreciate greatly. I saw loved ones being blessed, which made my heart very glad. I even brought home a new partner in crime- a new digital piano!
There was also frustration and loss last year, though. I had really hoped to be back in California by 2012. Being patient is not always easy. To be honest, Gary, IN is not the most inspiring, energizing place to live. It can really have a dampening effect on one's spirits. I definitely had to deal with some serious homesickness. There was the loss of an amazing person to a senseless crime. She showed me so much kindness and love while living in SoCal that I so needed while being away from my family during holidays. My heart ached for her wonderful family that she adored. I will never forget her or her generosity. The world could use more people like her.
Now I find myself at the start of a new year, thankful for the growth in the past one. I am filled with great expectation for 2013. I was blessed to have a prophetic word spoken over me late last year that has helped to get me geared up for this year.
I don't do resolutions anymore. I am simply setting goals and working on the best way to reach them.
*GET BACK TO LONG BEACH!!!!!!!! - Getting back to that great city WILL happen this year!!!!
*Tied to that is the growing of Harville Vocal Studio in SoCal. I just launched my new www.harvillevoice.com website to start building the momentum. I am also continuing to develop relationships with well-established vocal coaches in LA to broaden my teaching opportunities.
*I plan to release a couple more singles this year and finally get my album completed. I just launched my new artist site www.earlharvillemusic.com and will focus on building up followship through my email list.
*I will continue my fitness journey with passion. I love the Les Mills Pump program that I started doing on the Beachbody Challenge and am continuing with that before going into the next program. Earl needs to get California-ready!! I have also become an Independent Beachbody Coach and will be working to share what I am learning with others who are looking to get healthier and fitter.
*I want to continue to grow in my intimacy with God. I feel that it took major steps forward in 2012 and I will continue to nurture that. I also look forward to more regularly attending services once back in LB, particularly at Open Door Ministries.
*I will write more consistently. This applies to my music as well as writing articles and more regular blog entries.
*I will work on being less anxious and staying in a peaceful place even when in the midst of uncertainty.
*Finding a husband would be nice. :-)
These are the things that are on my mind and heart as we start this new year. I resolve to put my passion to work for me and to see the fruits of my seed-planting manifest.
Here are my three theme songs for 2013!!! ENJOY!!!
2012 was a year of great blessings. I released my first two singles to the public. "Meant To Be" and "For The Longest Time" became available to the public in July on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. That was a big step for me as a 43 year old artist. I continued to receive very positive feedback from my voice teacher peers as I shared my vocal training articles and began posting my vocal training clips on YouTube. I was asked to contribute guest blogs and began writing a new column on singing for Long Beach Independent. I taught some awesome clients who have continued to sharpen my skills as a vocal trainer, who make me very proud of their accomplishments consistently. I got to head out to Long Beach to celebrate my birthday in June as well as my best friend's in November. I did the Beachbody Challenge starting in July and lost 14 pounds. I gained new friends, supporters, and mentors who I appreciate greatly. I saw loved ones being blessed, which made my heart very glad. I even brought home a new partner in crime- a new digital piano!
There was also frustration and loss last year, though. I had really hoped to be back in California by 2012. Being patient is not always easy. To be honest, Gary, IN is not the most inspiring, energizing place to live. It can really have a dampening effect on one's spirits. I definitely had to deal with some serious homesickness. There was the loss of an amazing person to a senseless crime. She showed me so much kindness and love while living in SoCal that I so needed while being away from my family during holidays. My heart ached for her wonderful family that she adored. I will never forget her or her generosity. The world could use more people like her.
Now I find myself at the start of a new year, thankful for the growth in the past one. I am filled with great expectation for 2013. I was blessed to have a prophetic word spoken over me late last year that has helped to get me geared up for this year.
I don't do resolutions anymore. I am simply setting goals and working on the best way to reach them.
*GET BACK TO LONG BEACH!!!!!!!! - Getting back to that great city WILL happen this year!!!!
*Tied to that is the growing of Harville Vocal Studio in SoCal. I just launched my new www.harvillevoice.com website to start building the momentum. I am also continuing to develop relationships with well-established vocal coaches in LA to broaden my teaching opportunities.
*I plan to release a couple more singles this year and finally get my album completed. I just launched my new artist site www.earlharvillemusic.com and will focus on building up followship through my email list.
*I will continue my fitness journey with passion. I love the Les Mills Pump program that I started doing on the Beachbody Challenge and am continuing with that before going into the next program. Earl needs to get California-ready!! I have also become an Independent Beachbody Coach and will be working to share what I am learning with others who are looking to get healthier and fitter.
*I want to continue to grow in my intimacy with God. I feel that it took major steps forward in 2012 and I will continue to nurture that. I also look forward to more regularly attending services once back in LB, particularly at Open Door Ministries.
*I will write more consistently. This applies to my music as well as writing articles and more regular blog entries.
*I will work on being less anxious and staying in a peaceful place even when in the midst of uncertainty.
*Finding a husband would be nice. :-)
These are the things that are on my mind and heart as we start this new year. I resolve to put my passion to work for me and to see the fruits of my seed-planting manifest.
Here are my three theme songs for 2013!!! ENJOY!!!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Gotta Be Me
I am so thankful to be fully out of the closet at this point of my life. Not only personally, but also professionally.
As a vocal coach, I want to be a positive image of an openly gay man to those I teach who may really need that affirming influence. Maybe even fellow teachers could be encouraged. And as a singer/songwriter, I want to share music that is very honest- no using female pronouns when that is not my experience. It’s important for my songs to positively represent love between two men in an unflinching, natural way. I want there to be music released that I would have loved to hear when I was younger and afraid of my feelings. Tunes that could have validated me as a young gay man and musician.
In these ways, my being out is not only for me but also helps to make things a bit better for those GLBT folks who come after me, empowering them to live more authentically. ♥
As a vocal coach, I want to be a positive image of an openly gay man to those I teach who may really need that affirming influence. Maybe even fellow teachers could be encouraged. And as a singer/songwriter, I want to share music that is very honest- no using female pronouns when that is not my experience. It’s important for my songs to positively represent love between two men in an unflinching, natural way. I want there to be music released that I would have loved to hear when I was younger and afraid of my feelings. Tunes that could have validated me as a young gay man and musician.
In these ways, my being out is not only for me but also helps to make things a bit better for those GLBT folks who come after me, empowering them to live more authentically. ♥
Monday, November 5, 2012
Fueling The Voice
In my teaching studio, I can often be heard reminding students that we singers are like elite olympic athletes. The same driven, focused attention to training and proper technique that is required of the leading jocks is also a must for the modern vocalist. Likewise, attention to how we fuel our bodies is of major importance. Daily maintenance goes hand in hand with technical skill for success in vocal longevity and health.
Here is some insight into how I now maintain my own voice on a daily basis. I am increasingly sharing this knowledge with my students as well.
First, let’s talk hydration. It can never be overstated how important it is to keep our voice’s moisture level up high. The delicate vocal folds need to stay lubricated to work most efficiently. I can be found drinking a lot of room temperature water throughout the day. Health experts have proposed that we should be ingesting half of our body weight in ounces of water. So for me, that means taking in more than 100 ounces per day. I must admit, that is not always easy- it really takes work to stay on target. But it is crucial! Needed hydration also comes by way of long, hot showers before I teach or perform. The moisture is inhaled and can get to the vocal folds more quickly.
Though I was never a fan of black tea, I have come to love some herbal and green teas in recent years. I find peppermint tea very soothing for the throat (let’s remember that nothing we drink actually touch the cords or we would start to choke) and love it both after breakfast and at night before bed. Lemon ginger tea is also a favorite. Teas that contain licorice root or slippery elm are fantastic. These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat and vocal folds. Throat Coat made by Traditional Medicinals has them both and tastes fantastic!! I most often use honey as a sweetener. I have recently read that is also has some antibiotic and antiseptic properties.
The food we eat has a definite effect upon our voices. Some singers can tolerate dairy products with no ill effects but most of us have to deal with excess mucous if we partake. Spicy foods are the kiss of death for many while some can eat them and perform without a problem. It can take time to find what you can tolerate and what won’t work well for your voice. Even though my lactose intolerance has improved as I’ve gotten older, I know that I will have to deal with excess phlegm, which can hinder vocal cord vibration. Therefore, I limit dairy to lowfat or nonfat yogurt....and the occasional pizza. But on a performance day, I won’t have any dairy whatsoever.
As a result of doing the Beachbody Challenge for the past three months, my eating habits have been changing quite a bit. For protein, I am having a lot of chicken and turkey and very little pork. I am eating leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin for burgers and choosing flank or skirt steak, which don’t have much fat marbling. Foods higher in fat are harder to digest and can lead to heavy phlegm production. On performance days, I stick to the poultry. I don’t do a lot of spicy food but stay clear of them completely on performance days.
I am eating much more fruit nowadays. They are great for all the vitamins and some contain a lot of fiber. But there are some fruit which I love because they very voice friendly. Watermelon is very high in water content so it is great for getting extra moisture into our system. Strawberries are also heavy on my menu these days. Apples, too, are great for us singers. These fruits can be great pre-show foods because they are not hard to digest and can keep energy levels up.
Singers have a very high incidence of acid reflux disorder, which can be very problematic. So I make sure to have a couple of Tums after a meal if I am going to be teaching or singing sometime afterwards. I also make sure to sleep with my head elevated to prevent acid from coming up from the stomach and burning the delicate vocal fold mucosa.
Of course, daily vocal exercises are part of my daily routine. I warm up for no less than 15 minutes before starting to teach and generally 20 minutes before a show. On long teaching days or after a performance, I am sure to do a vocal cooldown before going to bed. It is the equivalent of a dancer or runner’s post-activity stretches. It is very important to get the folds back to neutral, speech-like state before sleeping so the voice will have a healthy start the next morning.
Singers, actors, public speakers, and all heavy voice users must make the daily care of their instrument seriously enough to adopt habits that will lead to health, consistency, and longevity. It takes discipline but the rewards will be great.
Here is some insight into how I now maintain my own voice on a daily basis. I am increasingly sharing this knowledge with my students as well.
First, let’s talk hydration. It can never be overstated how important it is to keep our voice’s moisture level up high. The delicate vocal folds need to stay lubricated to work most efficiently. I can be found drinking a lot of room temperature water throughout the day. Health experts have proposed that we should be ingesting half of our body weight in ounces of water. So for me, that means taking in more than 100 ounces per day. I must admit, that is not always easy- it really takes work to stay on target. But it is crucial! Needed hydration also comes by way of long, hot showers before I teach or perform. The moisture is inhaled and can get to the vocal folds more quickly.
Though I was never a fan of black tea, I have come to love some herbal and green teas in recent years. I find peppermint tea very soothing for the throat (let’s remember that nothing we drink actually touch the cords or we would start to choke) and love it both after breakfast and at night before bed. Lemon ginger tea is also a favorite. Teas that contain licorice root or slippery elm are fantastic. These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat and vocal folds. Throat Coat made by Traditional Medicinals has them both and tastes fantastic!! I most often use honey as a sweetener. I have recently read that is also has some antibiotic and antiseptic properties.
The food we eat has a definite effect upon our voices. Some singers can tolerate dairy products with no ill effects but most of us have to deal with excess mucous if we partake. Spicy foods are the kiss of death for many while some can eat them and perform without a problem. It can take time to find what you can tolerate and what won’t work well for your voice. Even though my lactose intolerance has improved as I’ve gotten older, I know that I will have to deal with excess phlegm, which can hinder vocal cord vibration. Therefore, I limit dairy to lowfat or nonfat yogurt....and the occasional pizza. But on a performance day, I won’t have any dairy whatsoever.
As a result of doing the Beachbody Challenge for the past three months, my eating habits have been changing quite a bit. For protein, I am having a lot of chicken and turkey and very little pork. I am eating leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin for burgers and choosing flank or skirt steak, which don’t have much fat marbling. Foods higher in fat are harder to digest and can lead to heavy phlegm production. On performance days, I stick to the poultry. I don’t do a lot of spicy food but stay clear of them completely on performance days.
I am eating much more fruit nowadays. They are great for all the vitamins and some contain a lot of fiber. But there are some fruit which I love because they very voice friendly. Watermelon is very high in water content so it is great for getting extra moisture into our system. Strawberries are also heavy on my menu these days. Apples, too, are great for us singers. These fruits can be great pre-show foods because they are not hard to digest and can keep energy levels up.
Singers have a very high incidence of acid reflux disorder, which can be very problematic. So I make sure to have a couple of Tums after a meal if I am going to be teaching or singing sometime afterwards. I also make sure to sleep with my head elevated to prevent acid from coming up from the stomach and burning the delicate vocal fold mucosa.
Of course, daily vocal exercises are part of my daily routine. I warm up for no less than 15 minutes before starting to teach and generally 20 minutes before a show. On long teaching days or after a performance, I am sure to do a vocal cooldown before going to bed. It is the equivalent of a dancer or runner’s post-activity stretches. It is very important to get the folds back to neutral, speech-like state before sleeping so the voice will have a healthy start the next morning.
Singers, actors, public speakers, and all heavy voice users must make the daily care of their instrument seriously enough to adopt habits that will lead to health, consistency, and longevity. It takes discipline but the rewards will be great.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Influences
Hey everybody!!
I decided to talk about the singers, players, and writers who have had such a huge impact on me as musical artist. I find it hard to say who I think I sound like but I can share who helped to shape my sound and style. Check out the new video. ENJOY!!!
I decided to talk about the singers, players, and writers who have had such a huge impact on me as musical artist. I find it hard to say who I think I sound like but I can share who helped to shape my sound and style. Check out the new video. ENJOY!!!
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