Mother’s Day Sale
We have special savings in our store right now for Mother’s Day. So if you have a Mom in your life who loves to sing head over to our store and get her started on her way to doing what she loves with greater proficiency and more enjoyment.
Posted in Notes from the Vocal Coach Store | No Comments »
SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME
DALLAS WORKSHOP May 12th
There are only a few seats left for the May 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Plano TX. This small-group, personal training format (max of 15 people) will be taught via live, interactive audio/video from our Nashville studio. This is a completely interactive, powerful and economical way ($75) to get great teaching and personal feedback on your voice. There are also private coaching times available that afternoon. To sign up visit the VOICE KITCHEN voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.
SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME
Serious singers need to “stay in the game” even in non-singing times. The way you live your daily life heavily impacts your singing voice. Many singers are very surprised at how little they consider their voices during non-singing times. But if you’re a real singer, one who is looking for the most from your instrument you will keep your head in the game all day, every day. Why? Because all parts of your life are intertwined.
A Sobering Truth
Most serious students-in-training are very focused during their lessons, practices, rehearsals and performances. But, the minute they leave the training environment they pay little attention to posture, vocal tone quality and speaking diction.
The other area of abuse is the lack of attention and discipline in the areas of eating, exercise and rest. High school and college age singers in particular seem to live life to the fullest and try and squeeze in some vocal disciplines “as needed.” And guest what? If you’re a casual singer there is nothing wrong with that. You can’t focus on all things all the time. But know that the way you schedule and use your time shows your real priorities. If you are set on making your voice the best, most consistent instrument it can be, you need to put in the work and pay the price.
Put In the Work
The mental and physical work required to become an excellent singer are substantial. You not only have to develop the voice, you have to become more knowledgable in the things of music.
Pay The Price
Developing any skill to the point of excellence requires sacrifice in the areas of time, energy and often, finances. Many times it’s not inconvenient or easy. This is true for academics, sports and, not surprisingly, singing. That’s just the way most things work.
Start Where You’re Planted
Begin, by taking full advantage of the people and situations around you. If you’re in school that means get in every singing group you can, whether school or church to develop your ear and musical disciplines. Even if that’s not the style you are heading for it can still help lay the foundations of ear training, tone, blend and the mechanics of posture, breathing and diction. If you’re a bit older look for local community college classes or personal training. Larger churches may have Fine Arts departments with training available. You might be surprised at the level of teaching available in your community.
Other Options
Somewhere along the way you may want to invest in training materials from Vocal Coach. For many, this may even be where you start, but I wanted to make sure your eyes were open to all the options available to you.
Need Feedback Along The Way?
Throughout the process, whether working on foundations or getting a song ready for performance or recording Vocal Coach is here with our Online two-way coaching. Check the web site for details.
Summary: Get In The Game and Stay In The Game.
Don’t just think about. Don’t just dream about it. If you really, really want to sing in public, and do it well then do the work. Pay the price. Make the sacrifice. Get the training. Then carry what you’re learning into your daily life.
If you have questions for vocal coach Chris Beatty just email moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
Tags: chris beatty, performance training, singing, singing help, singing lessons, vocalcoach.com, voice training
Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »
SPRING TRAINING FOR SINGERS
They're not waving. They're stretching!
NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE, YOU NEED ONGOING TRAINING & COACHING
Having just returned from yet another month of Major League Baseball Spring Training in FL I am again reminded of this: We all need on-going training, no matter how good we are. In fact, it was the big name superstars that were the first on the field before every game with their trainers. And these guys were already partially warmed up and in extremely good shape.
We, singers need to take our craft just as seriously. We need to stop being satisfied with just acceptable singing and push to be all we can be. Singing up to your potential is more satisfying in every way. Plus, it makes you more valuable to those you sing with and those who hear you. That being said, consider these training opportunities:
GOOD TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
ANOTHER DALLAS AREA WORKSHOP MAY 12, 2012 9:00-Noon
Due to the success of our last Online Video Workshop at the Voice Kitchen in Plano TX we’re doing it again! I’ll be live in our Brentwood TN studio connected to the Voice Kitchen video studio. This class is limited to the first 15 who sign up and is a great way to get small group training at an exceptional price. There are also two slots remaining for 30 minute one-on-one sessions that afternoon.
To sign up go to voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.
VOCAL COACH PACKAGES – Physical product or Download.
If you’ve visited the Vocal Coach Online Store Recently you know we are constantly offering new packages and bundles and special pricing. Being able to master the foundations in the convenience of your own home, when it works for you is just part of what Vocal Coach is all about. You can download Vocal Coach training CD’s in a matter of minutes and be on your way to better singing.
FACE-TO-FACE PERSONAL TRAINING
Online training is getting more and more popular. It allows us (you and me) to see and hear each other without anyone having to drive or fly anywhere. You’re at home; I’m in my studio. If you have Internet and a webcam on your computer you’re good to go! Check out details by clicking here
Hope to see you soon in an Online session.
Chris
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, performance training, singing lessons, voice lessons
Posted in Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Workshops, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF VOCAL PRACTICE
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOCAL PRACTICE
Your Body Soul & Spirit are involved when you use your voice. None of the three can be force-fed, and all are more receptive and effective when you take a few minutes to prepare your practice and rehearsal times.
As You Prepare to Practice Consider These Principles
- Being casual about practice and rehearsal may lead to performance casualties.
- Practice makes permanent, so don’t practice using wrong technique.
- Muscles have memory, so think “mechanics” until things become more natural.
- You are more likely to reach your goals if you have some. Make a plan before you begin. Write it down!
- You are a vocal athlete and have physical limits. Athletes who never learn to warm up, work smart and cool down have more injuries and shorter careers. It’s the same for singers.
How Long To Practice?
You need the right quality and quantity of time. For a normal vocal practice session, allow 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half. If you’re doing a lot of non-vocal, mental work (thinking through gestures, expression, lip-syncing etc.), you can go longer as long as you remain focused. When you stop making positive progress it’s time to stop. Be sensitive to your physical voice as well as what you are accomplishing . . . nor not accomplishing.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals, as apposed to working technique, may take much longer, especially when others are involved. The key is to go into it warmed up and prepared and pace the use of your voice.
When Working With Vocal Coach Training Materials
If you have the Singer series, you can get tips from the Getting Started CD on how to most effectively work through it. Whether you have the series or a variety of other CD’s the key is to decide what you want to accomplish. If you’re building or reinforcing the foundations start with Complete Breathing, Warm-Up, Tone and Expanding Your Range. Spend some time in the introductory teaching to get in the right mindset. Take notes and replay sections that jump out at you. Then, move on to the exercises, repeating as necessary until your mind and mechanism both “get it.”
Don’t be in a rush, or expect to suddenly have it all working. As all the parts learn to work together, it will be well worth the investment in time and effort. Use the form below as a practice tracker.
VOCAL WORKOUT TRACKER FORM
Copy/Paste the Workout Tracker into Word or Pages and print as many copies as you need. It will help you track what’s working and what’s not and make you a smart singer.
Name:_______________________Date:_____________________
Objectives/goals for this session: (Technique goals, songs to work on etc.) Use as much space as you need.
Reflecttions On The Session: Take all the room you need:
- What worked as planned, what is getting better/easier and what is still an issue? (Include questions, thoughts etc. so you know the areas in which you need more information etc.
- Did you end up using different materials or songs that you originally planned on?
- Are you encouraged or frustrated? Describe.
As you see patterns emerging you will know where to focus and where you may need extra help.
Have questions or comments? Let me know at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal training, voice training
Posted in From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »
CAN YOU TEACH ME TO SING?
Every few weeks I get asked that question so I thought I’d respond to it here.
NOW, WHAT ABOUT SINGING? Here are the elements that need to be working well and working together in order for you to sing with good quality, accuracy and consistency.
- THE DESIRE AND WILLINGNESS to open your mouth in front of others and sing. Seem obvious? I work with some singers who have enormous desire and passion but are literally terrified to sing in public, which is rather limiting. Why this fear? They don’t know what will come out under real-life pressure.
- THE MECHANICS of posture, breathing, tone and expression are all part of what makes a singer effective. If any of those areas are weak, you will lose quality and consistency.
- A MUSICAL EAR (ear, brain, larynx connection) is a must. Without it you won’t have good pitch center (be on the right note), dynamics (loud, soft) and phrasing (what you “do” with the phrase). With decent training, someone with reasonable pitch accuracy can usually develop a good musical ear, but it takes time.
- THE DESIRE TO COMMUNICATE A MESSAGE is what separates those who just “sing” from those who “CONNECT” with the audience, which is the ultimate goal. That means analyzing the message (lyrics and musical style) and coming up with a game plan that includes expression, gestures, meaningful dynamics, phrasing and more. It’s a real effort, that when done well comes off as easy and natural. That’s what allows the listener to relax and take it in, rather than nervously wondering if you will hit the high notes.
Now, it’s time to list your strengths as well as the areas that need some work. Then, make the time to get the tools necessary to turn those weaknesses into strengths. It may be one of the most satisfying things you ever do.
If you need guidance regarding which tools will serve you best explore the vocalcoach.com web site or email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc We are here to help you be your best and get the most enjoyment out of singing possible.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, coaching voice, performance training, singing lessons, vocal training, voice lessons
Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Songwriting, Teaching Teens To Sing, The Senior Voice, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Singing Turns Your Breath Into Music
I just saw a great cartoon from the old Family Circus series. The older brother is holding a trumpet and educating his younger sibling. He says,
“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”
That’s EXACTLY how a child would summarize the workings of a trumpet. He doesn’t need to know all the details. Someone else has taken care of that, and it works.
Well, guess what? In many ways we should think of our voices the same way. You move air from the lungs up through the mouth and it turns it into music. In fact, when performing, that’s about all you have room in your brain to think about. The rest of your attention should be on being an expressive communicator to the listener.
Don’t get me wrong. I am fully aware of all the mechanical and acoustical events going on as well as the preparation it takes to become a good singer. I’m just reminding us all that it’s easy to over-think the whole vocal process to the point of sounding and looking like a vocal robot.
Learning the mechanics in order to not have to think about the mechanics is the goal, and it is a process. But oh the joy of being able to just stand there and let your mind, body and spirit turn moving breath into a powerful and clear message.
Remember, it’s easy:
“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”
Have an amazing week, and let me know how Vocal Coach can help you do what you do, better.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training
Posted in Breathing, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Teaching Kids To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »
IS SINGING IN THE CAR OK FOR THE VOICE?
WANT TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS BLOG? Click here: Blog-WarmingUpInCar_011612
Great Email Question
I got a great email question that asked this: “Chris, I bought the Vocal Coach series from you at a workshop you gave. You mention warming up while driving to rehearsal/gig. I thought I had heard not to do that. Is it ok to do that so long as posture is correct?” This is a super question because it deals with real life for a singer.
Ideal vs Reality
Let’s start with this: The “ideal” warm-up/practice scenario would have you peaceful and quiet, undisturbed. You are rested, have eaten well and have just read something relaxing. Maybe even had a string quartet playing during your meal. I’m not being sarcastic. Superstars like Luciano Pavarotti and Michael Jackson traveled with their own chef’s, food supply and, in the case of Pavarotti, entertainment.
Muscle Memory
Most singers who wait, and only warm-up and practice in perfect, ideal situations often just don’t do it. The result is that they don’t develop the muscle memory necessary for good singing.
Is Warming Up in the Car Ok?
I have sung all over the world and sometimes the only place I knew I could really “get away” to think and warm-up was in a rental car. Pavarotti and Jackson I am not, but I do know what my voice and mind and emotions feel like when I’m fully ready to perform and I’ll do about anything to make that happen. If you’re a choir or worship team member and the car is your only time to focus, put in a Vocal Coach Warm-Up or Daily Workout CD and go for it. The goal is to be ready.
If you do end up warming up in a car:
- Make sure the rear-view mirror is positioned comfortably high requiring you to sit tall to see out the back window.
- Keep your hands at the One and Three O’clock positions on the steerting wheel. It will stabilize your chest and ribs in a comfortably expanded position.
- Have a goal of physically feeling a free, rich tone since road noise, air conditioning etc. may make accurate hearing challenging.
- Don’t try to out-sing the car noise. Instead, sing smart. If you begin to strain, back off and recheck posture, breathing and tone. If you aren’t solid in those foundations make a plan, get some materials personal training and learn to do it right.
Ten Minutes Is Much Better Than Nothing
What it your schedule or situation doesn’t allow for a good warm-up? That’s where muscle memory and experience kick in and get you through, but it’s not something to get comfortable with. Those who do ultimately pay the price of sloppy, unpredictable performances. There is always some time to do humming and lip-trill exercises even if it’s while you’re in the shower and getting ready.
Summary
Do all you can to assure regular warm-up and practice times in ideal surrounding. When that can’t happen, make sure to still prepare your voice and heart even if you need to hide in the janitor’s closet or a car to do it.
Got a Question You Would Like Answered?
Just email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc and put “Question” in the subject.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training, voice training, worship leader
Posted in Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Audios, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | No Comments »
WANT TO SING BETTER THIS YEAR THAN LAST?
If you want to sing, SING! But, because muscles have memory, and will memorize what you’re doing, right or wrong, I suggest the following:
MAKE SOME DELIBERATE PLANS.
Don’t get stuck in the rut of just thinking about it and wanting it. You don’t have to know the entire path from where you are to where you want to be, but you do need to take the first step. That requires writing down your vocal strengths and weaknesses. “But,” you might say, “I don’t really know what those are.”
By admitting that, you’ve actually taken the first step, and the second step is to get some feedback and evaluation from someone with training. That can be a current or former choir director, a neighbor with some musical/vocal training or even a visit to your local community college music department. You can also schedule an Online video session with me by signing up on the Vocal Coach site. Let whoever it is know that you are wanting their opinion on how you do with the the basics, or, if you’re more experienced with the more advanced areas of singing.
IF YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED SINGER
If you know you need to improve your breath management and pitch accuracy you’ve got a good start. Maybe you need to add to that list the ability to smoothly move from lower notes (chest register) to higher ones (head register) smoothly. Or, are you trying to figure out how to go from just singing a song to really mastering it with full, creative expression.
IF YOU’RE A NOVICE
Get feedback on the basics include the ability to accurately match pitch, rhythm patterns, imitate simple and complex phrases etc. The more advanced areas include how you treat phrasing, diction, dynamics and expression.
IF YOU’VE STARTED YOUR LIST HERE ARE SOME TRAINING OPTIONS
- Self-Training. If you are a motivated, disciplined person you can accomplish quite a bit yourself assuming that you have good foundations like good posture, breathing and a musical ear. You also need to have had some musical experience be it in a choir or perhaps you’re part of a family who does music together. Your tools should be a good set of training CD’s or videos along with getting feedback from those around you with some experience and training.
- Local Voice Teacher/Coach. The key here is to find someone who has had systematic training. Not just someone who happens to be a good singer. Doing it and teaching it are two different things. What works for one may not work for another. That’s why teachers are trained. You also need someone who relates to your age, culture and musical goals at least to some degree. Sometimes a local college can help with suggestions and their staff might well teach outside of school.
- Live, Personal Online Training. We have found this to be a powerful tool. I regularly teach students from around the country and even as far as 8 time zones away. Skype, FaceTime, iChat etc are great tools and any webcam system works. (Check the web site for details.)
So, depending on your goals, budget and where you live you can find a way to take the next steps to being a better singer. And, I can tell you from personal experience as well as from watching lots of students that using your voice the right way is a lot more satisfying than just getting by.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW your thoughts and questions at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
I’ll be answering your questions on the blog and in videos throughout the year.
Tags: chris beatty, singing lessons, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
I am His, & He is mine.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
New Year Thoughts from Carole
2011 has been a year we all would like to forget because of the economy. But my Father owns all the cattle on a thousand hills & He has never failed to provide over & above what I could ever think or ask. As we enter 2012, I know the thoughts that the Lord thinks towards me are thoughts of peace and not of evil, but to give me a future & a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. How I rejoice in knowing I am His, & He is mine.
May this be a year of victory and of peace in your life.
Carole
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Carole Cares | No Comments »
GIFTS FOR THE SINGERS IN YOUR LIFE
Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code.
WHAT TO BUY FOR THE SINGERS IN YOUR LIFE?
HOW ABOUT SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM BETTER SINGERS?
1. A personal Online training & coaching session with Chris Beatty. All you need is a webcam and Skype, iChat or FaceTime. It’s the perfect way to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and get on a path to being your best.
2. Vocal Coach Singer 12 CD training series. A complete, systematic program to help you be all you can be.
3. Our Teaching Kids To Sing pack is the perfect gift for kids and grandkids! The two DVD’s and one CD set cover the foundations of singing in a fun, practical and very user-friendly way.
Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code.
Tags: choir, chris beatty, sing better, singing lessons, vocal training, voice lessons, voice training
Posted in Choir Directors, From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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