tag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:/blogs/blog-kimsvoice?p=7Blog: Kimsvoice2023-07-19T15:19:49-07:00Kelowna Voice Labfalsetag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/72444332023-07-19T15:19:49-07:002023-10-16T07:44:55-07:00Vocal Strain - What is it and How to Fix it<p>For aspiring singers and seasoned vocalists alike, hitting those high notes can be an exhilarating experience. However, it is not uncommon to encounter challenges while attempting to reach those lofty pitches. One of the most common obstacles faced by singers is vocal strain, which can be a frustrating and limiting factor in their vocal journey. </p><p>As a vocal coach in Kelowna, I have seen this problem many times and there are specific techniques and exercises that can help to overcome it.</p><p><br>In this blog, we will explore the causes of straining when trying to sing high notes and provide valuable insights and techniques to help singers overcome this hurdle.</p><p><br><strong><u>Understanding the Causes of Straining</u></strong><br>Vocal strain typically occurs when attempting to sing notes outside of your natural vocal range or when you lack proper vocal technique. It can manifest as tightness or tension in the throat, a strained or forced sound, and sometimes even pain. Several factors contribute to this issue:<br><strong>1) Lack of Breath Support:</strong> Adequate breath support is essential for singing high notes. When we strain, we often rely on shallow breathing, causing tension in the throat and vocal cords.<br><strong>2) Inappropriate Placement of Sound: </strong>Incorrect vocal placement can lead to straining. High notes require a different resonance than lower ones, and if the sound isn't directed properly, strain can result.<br><strong>3) Tension in Neck and Jaw Muscles:</strong> Tension in the neck and jaw can affect vocal production. When singing high notes, some singers unknowingly tense up these muscles, leading to strain.<br><strong>4) Forcing the Sound: </strong>Trying too hard to reach high notes can lead to pushing the voice beyond its limits, causing strain.</p><p><br><strong><u>Techniques to Overcome Vocal Straining</u></strong><br>Now that we understand the root causes of vocal strain, let's explore some effective techniques to help overcome this challenge:<br><strong>1) Proper Warm-up and Vocal Exercises:</strong> Always warm up your voice before attempting higher notes. Engage in gentle vocal exercises that gradually expand your range and promote relaxation in the throat.<br><strong>2) Breath Control:</strong> Work on developing strong breath support. Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing to ensure you have enough air to sustain high notes without strain.<br><strong>3) Vocal Placement: </strong>Learn proper vocal placement for high notes. Focus on directing the sound towards the front of your face or the mask, rather than pushing it from the throat.<br><strong>4) Relaxation Techniques:</strong> Practice relaxation exercises to release tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulder muscles. Yoga, meditation, and gentle neck stretches can be beneficial.<br><strong>5) Vocal Training and Coaching: </strong>Consider working with a vocal coach or trainer who can identify any technical flaws and provide personalized guidance. They can also help you build a strong foundation for your singing technique.<br><strong>6) Avoid Over-Singing:</strong> Be mindful not to overuse your voice, especially when you're already experiencing strain. Allow your vocal cords sufficient rest and recovery time.</p><p><br><strong><u>Patience and Persistence</u></strong><br>It's important to remember that overcoming vocal strain and mastering high notes takes time and dedication. While it’s tempting to listen to other singers and believe that singing just comes natural them, don’t be fooled… chances are they have done a lot of work to get their voices to that point. Be patient with yourself and avoid getting discouraged if progress seems slow. Keep in mind that every singer's journey is unique, and it's crucial to focus on improvement rather than perfection.</p><p><br><strong><u>Conclusion</u></strong><br>Straining when attempting to sing high notes is a common obstacle faced by many singers and I have many voice students who experience noticeable improvement after only a few voice lessons . However, with the right techniques and consistent practice, it is a challenge that can be conquered. By improving breath control, vocal placement, and releasing tension, you can unlock your true vocal potential and achieve those soaring high notes with ease. Remember to approach your vocal journey with patience, persistence, and a passion for growth. </p><p>Happy singing!</p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/72408722023-07-12T13:46:41-07:002023-07-12T13:46:41-07:00WINNER! BEST MUSIC TEACHER IN THE OKANAGAN<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/51666/526caf07d5240d597df5212bcc4eed4949c91717/original/img-4434.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />June 16th was the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://gonzookanagan.com/gonzo-okanagan-peoples-choice-music-awards-2023/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Gonzo Okanagan Music Industry People's Choice Awards</a> show held at Sunset Ranch Golf Club in Kelowna BC. Awards were presented for several different music categories including bands, individual performers and music teacher.</p><p>Kelowna Voice Lab owner Kim Rhindress was delighted to win the award and brought her husband Jim up on stage with her to accept it. While Kim is the primary teacher at Kelowna Voice Lab, Jim also has a successful guitar teaching practice and accompanies students for a variety of performances throughout the year.</p><p>“Nothing at Kelowna Voice Lab happens without Jim and we wouldn't have won this award without him,” Kim said to the crowd of 200 at the ceremony.</p><p>Kim & Jim's band <a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.rhindress.ca" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Rhindress</a> was also nominated for several awards and made it to the top three for 4 different categories including best album, best country band, best rock band and best songwriters. Their 5-piece band performed at the awards ceremony as well.</p><p>It was a fantastic night celebrating music and creativity in the Okanagan. Thank you so much for your votes and we look forward to providing our students with more exciting opportunities to perform throughout the coming year.</p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/71370912023-01-12T11:38:25-08:002023-01-12T11:42:36-08:00Trouble with Neck Tension when you Sing??<p><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/e1b6d3717905b5578116d54d2a555deb0bd61d7c/original/img-2139.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></span>I see this almost daily: singers who tighten their neck muscles in a misguided attempt to "brace for action". It's completely understandable since most times when we call upon other muscles in our bodies to perform for us, we tend to tense them up. It makes logical sense and is a knee-jerk habit except when it comes to singing, it just doesn't work! In fact, just the opposite result of what we want happens - singing gets harder, not easier!</p>
<p>The moment we tense our shoulders or neck, the muscles surrounding our tiny and delicate vocal folds constrict and make the usable space inside our neck smaller. Smaller space means that our vocal folds have LESS room to vibrate and move against each other. This means less flexibility and less available vocal range. This particularly affects higher notes in the voice.</p>
<p>I often give students an activity to act as a "pattern interrupt" for their habitual neck tension. Sometimes it's trying to juggle scarves, sometime spinning a basketball, sometimes catching juggling balls or balancing a book on their head. I have lots of tricks. </p>
<p>This week, I had a young man with a fabulous voice come into the studio but the second he tried to sing above his break, everything tightened up and got strained. Being a basketball player, just the simple act of spinning the basketball was enough to get him to relax his neck and shoulder muscles and his high notes almost instantly became easier for him to sing. </p>
<p>Obviously, we cannot carry around basketballs to live performances but practicing tricks like this in the studio or at home can help create awareness and awareness is the beginning of creating lasting change.</p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2478162021-07-31T15:21:33-07:002021-07-31T15:30:50-07:00Choosing the Right Song<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/663650e5d9791a01f4449f35ee3439727edc4266/original/Idol-Singer.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="185" width="250" />I’m a singing reality show fan. It started with American Idol when it first came out but now I watch whichever show happens to be on: The Voice, The X Factor, America’s Got Talent…. I’m not fussy. What I LOVE about these shows is that I get the privilege of witnessing someone’s life being irrevocably changed. Unknowns are plucked from obscurity and are given sound advice, training, a make-over and the opportunity to shine. Whether they go on to become a household name in music or not, that raw talent is hewn and polished and molded into something more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">To be absolutely clear... ALL of these contestants already know how to SING. But not all of them know how to front a song with authority or move about the stage with a story to tell.<br><br>As a voice teacher and professional vocal coach, I am always interested to note how often a poor choice of material is ultimately the undoing of these performers. Perfectly talented and capable singers are “voted off the island” because of a bad song choice that did not highlight their talent or showcase their voice to its fullest potential. So what constitutes a great song choice? Most of us will never appear on one of these shows but may have to stand up in a bar and belt out a karaoke song or serenade friends at a family wedding, birthday or anniversary. How do we choose a song that suits our voice?<br><br>For starters, pick a song that resides in a range that is ideal for your voice. All of the notes in the song should be comfortable to sing. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have to work for a note or be lazy about it but all of the notes should easily fit within your vocal range. Second, the “character” singing the song should match who you are or what you can relate to. For example, a 15 year old should not sing a song like “My Way” as there simply isn’t enough life experience for someone that young to draw on to realistically pull off the subject matter. Likewise, a 60 year old shouldn’t attempt a Justin Beiber song about first love…. It just comes off as odd. Third, do NOT choose a song that is a signature song of a famous artist unless you can pull off the vocal gymnastics the original artist did with ease. The audience will expect to hear the song exactly like they have heard the artist do it so many times before and unless you can pull it off, it will only set you up for failure. The only exception to this rule is if you are doing something dramatically different stylistically to the original version of the son. Lastly, it is imperative that you fully understand the words and the emotion of the song you are singing. If you have never known heartache, don’t try and sing about it… if you are a born pessimist; don’t try and pull off "Walking on Sunshine". You need to fully CONNECT with the material on a personal level in order to communicate the song with your audience.<br><br>There are thousands of songs out there to choose from. Take the time to pick ones that feature your vocal assets and that you will have fun sharing. Put the work in to practice it until you can "sing it in your sleep", then just go out and enjoy the experience.</span></p>
<p> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/66892592021-07-15T16:27:24-07:002021-07-15T16:27:24-07:00Reckless Singing<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/175c59e6994b10e65afa489ce4ad01024715917c/original/1358474-orig.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></span>I sat watching a grunge band perform last night. It was the first live performance I've watched in more than 18 months.</p>
<p>The music ranged from The Ramones to Nirvana to originals. Every single song was loud, high and intense and I genuinely could not relax.... all I could think was "Dear God, that young man isn't going to have any voice at all five years from now."</p>
<p>He fronted with all the energy one might get from chugging 6 Redbulls and being in his 20s could pogo on stage endlessly without seeming to lose his breath. While I applaud his enthusiasm, the lack of vocal technique he was demonstrating was real cause for concern.</p>
<p>It wasn't only me. We attended the show with our drummer and bass player in our rock band Cover2Cover - both experienced musicians in their 50s. They asked me what I thought and I told him that if he didn't change the way he was singing, his career would be short lived. They nodded solemnly in agreement as we have all seen this happen to other musicians we've known.</p>
<p>I do not advocate "singing safe" as we need emotional commitment in songs to move our audience but if you are serious about singing for the long haul, you owe it to yourself to go see a vocal coach and get some actual vocal technique and training. Winging it is for the birds!</p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/66017922021-04-12T11:03:31-07:002021-04-12T11:04:25-07:00Seven Self-Tape Tips for Film and TV<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/ce699188bff13206fa541704cfb29120ad52bd5c/original/kim-self-tape.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>In this new era of social distancing, auditioning for film and tv has never been easier or more challenging. Learning how to self-tape well can make the difference between setting you up for success or condemning you to failure. For those who get extremely nervous at live auditions, self-taping is a godsend as you can do as many takes as you like before you get your best version.</p>
<p>Here are a few strategies to make your self-tape as good as possible and an enjoyable experience.</p>
<p><strong>1) Lighting:</strong> Make sure your face is well lit so every expression and nuance is shown on camera. Over or under exposure will doom your tape to the trash before they've even watched it.</p>
<p><strong>2) Framing:</strong> Mid chest to the top of your head is best. Again, it's all about your eyes and facial expression so ensure they can be seen.</p>
<p><strong>3) Facial Expression: </strong>Film is all about the close up so subtle is best. In theatre, your facial expressions need to be seen by the back row, the camera picks up every subtlety so keep your expressions small.</p>
<p><strong>4) Movement:</strong> All movements need to stay within the camera frame so keep gestures small and specific. Too few gestures will make you seem stilted but too many will be a distraction. Let your script determine when and where to gesture.</p>
<p><strong>5) Background:</strong> A plain wall is best and light grey or light blue is ideal - avoid green screen effects. An ironed sheet tacked on a wall can be used. Avoid mirrors and anything that detracts from YOU.</p>
<p><strong>6) Voice: </strong>Rehearse your lines until they flow naturally and make sure every word is adequately projected. Make sure your vocal modulations are appropriate for your character and for the scene. Too few modulations will make you sound robotic, too many will sound like you are trying too hard. Let the scene and the character dictate.</p>
<p><strong>7) Eyes:</strong> Only look directly at the camera when you are slating (saying your name, agency, height etc.). Whoever is reading with you should be behind the camera but off to one side so you are looking at them while you act.</p>
<p>Vocal coaching can help you put your best foot forward but remember, casting is entirely subjective meaning you may or may not get the part for something as random as the colour of your eyes or the shape of your nose. Try not to take rejection personally but do ask your agent for constructive feedback so you can learn from the process. </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/65415112021-02-06T12:16:19-08:002021-02-06T12:16:19-08:00Voice Coaching For Transitioning Students<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/3eb63987b62b1a45985f83d41b946b5c265a97ce/original/lgbtq.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">The voice is such an important factor in our perceptions of gender and Kelowna Voice Lab can help people who are in the process of transitioning from male to female or from female to male. KVL is an inclusive space that has always been a safe and welcoming place for all genders, ethnicities and beliefs. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">My first trans student came to Kelowna Voice Lab in 2015. They were just beginning their journey from feminine to masculine and wanted to know how to move their speaking voice lower in their range. I first assessed where their current natural speaking range was then developed a series of vocal exercises designed to lower their larynx safely and naturally. We worked together for several months until they gained more comfort in moving their voice lower. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Since then, I have worked with three other students who have been transitioning from masculine to feminine; one was a singer and two wanted help developing a more natural "feminine" speaking voice. After assessing where their current "natural" voice was sitting, we determined a realistic higher vocal range that would sound feminine but not affected. I developed a series of exercises to help them gain more control of their vocal pitch without sacrificing expression or resonance.</span></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">It is important to note that there are more limitations when lowering a voice than there are in raising one. To use a guitar string analogy, the length and thickness of a string determines how low it can play - the same is true for the vocal folds. "Absolute lowness" is determined by the length the vocal folds can go and it is impossible to force them to go lower than they are able.</span></em></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As with all vocal training, there is no quick fix; it takes months and sometimes years of work and practice to develop control over your voice. With time and persistence, anyone can learn to alter their speaking voice to make it more masculine or feminine. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Whether the goal is to pass, to use the vocal training for voiceover work or to get a one-time acting job, good vocal training will help you make the most of your speaking voice and achieve your goals.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/65008842020-12-16T11:05:00-08:002020-12-16T11:10:58-08:00Virtual Green Screen Concert<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/2e52f2e7161aa442eb38b384d5877cb577c2e6d6/original/christmas-greenscreen.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">With all live concerts cancelled in British Columbia this most unusual holiday season, we had to get creative at Kelowna Voice Lab and find a way for our vocal students and guitar students to have an opportunity to perform the holiday songs they have been working so hard on. The addition of a ring light and a green screen to the studio has made performance filming possible! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Students performed their holiday songs without the pressure of an audience and have it filmed in the comfort of the studio.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Using a green screen allows Kim to edit the video and insert a fun background as well as titles and credits to the video.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Completed videos are uploaded to YouTube with privacy settings that allow viewing and sharing to people who have received the correct link. This protects the student's privacy but allows family and friends to see their studio performance.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ten students aged 6 to 60 performed their songs on video and we couldn't have been happier with the result! We will be doing more virtual performances in the Spring and can see this tool becoming a permanent part of what we do at Kelowna Voice Lab to help students of every ability hone their performance skills. </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/f0f748ad7b43b377298a9cdee45b2fe1917948b6/original/green-screen-christmas-pics.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/64300292020-09-10T08:48:20-07:002021-07-31T15:19:31-07:00There is No Such Thing as "Tone Deaf" <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/0ddaff0247d47a9ce5b2547a0f9b47610d414816/original/off-key.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">No matter the style, the setting or the performer, pitch is something everyone struggles with from time to time.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">There are many complicated definitions of pitch as it relates to sound frequency but at its simplest definition "pitch" is defined as "the quality that makes it possible to judge sounds as "higher" and "lower" in the sense associated with musical melodies". Now that is a very broad term... "higher" and "lower" and there is a LOT of wiggle room separating one note from another. It is a difficult thing to define but man oh man do we ever know when it isn't on.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Pitch is something a singer must be vigilant about because we are human beings and can all have moments where support, concentration or attention can falter. In one moment a single note's pitch can move either higher than intended (sharp) or more commonly lower (flat). The result is a slight sourness that interrupts the flow of the song and can really break the mood.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I have come to believe in my 25-year singing teaching career that there is no such thing as "tone deaf". I believe that lack of reliable pitch is a fixable problem caused when the synapses that happen almost instantaneously between the ear, the brain and the vocal folds is sluggish in some people. Unfortunately, these same people have most helpfully been told by others that they should just "never sing" and that they can't do it. This belief system is false and sets them up for failure rather than giving them the synapse-building tools they need to correct the problem.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Through a specialized program I've developed over the last several years teaching vocal control, I am confident that I can get anyone to sing on pitch so long as they have properly functioning vocal folds and lungs. No matter the age of the student or the style of music they want to learn, we can achieve success in singing on pitch together.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Don't misunderstand me though... this process takes a LONG time to correct but I have helped several motivated students do it. Time, skill and commitment is what it takes to gain the necessary control for anyone to sing on pitch.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/62893192020-04-21T11:17:03-07:002020-04-21T11:17:03-07:00Virtual Voice Lessons<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/7af20aaa08b4473d6c20144bf824ef11cc06770b/original/img-1206-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">These are strange times to be a professional vocal coach! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">With the new COVID-19 social distancing regulations, it has become clear to me that in-person singing lessons in the studio are just not safe. Kelowna Voice Lab operates in a 12x12 enclosed space and studies have shown that there is a lot of air being shared in small spaces. As we go through our vocal warm-ups and various singing exercises, there just isn't enough ventilation to ensure that no germs are being spread - 6 ft. distance or not. In the interest of keeping all of my voice students safe and myself healthy, I am now only offering voice lessons virtually via Zoom, Messenger Video or FaceTime. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So far, it has been successful and there are currently ten vocal coaching students who are taking advantage of the virtual lesson format. What I have found to be a successful format is that I send (in advance or for new material, during our lesson) a variety of accompaniments or links to the student by email. These will include warm ups, new songs or vocalise exercises and a variety of other backing tracks for them to sing to as they continue to practice throughout the week. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When it is time for our virtual vocal lesson, we connect via Zoom (I have an account and will provide the voice student with a password in advance of our voice coaching session) or one of their other preferred video platforms. Based on what I'm hearing as we warm up and progress, I will ask the student to stop and start their singing exercise or song so we can fine tune what they are doing. Of course, live accompaniment is always preferred but in light of the new distancing requirements, the voice students who have participated in the virtual lessons have gotten real value from them. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The voice can get flabby just like any other muscle in your body if you don't continue to work on it. I'm delighted to help those students who want to continue to exercise and grow their voices. We are all in this together and are doing the best we can! Stay healthy and keep SINGING!!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/62285382020-02-26T09:44:55-08:002021-07-15T16:05:56-07:00I'm Learning... A self-talk habit to foster<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/8c9e948b672e222305e3ceda774c9bdc67a7063b/original/learning.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Sometimes my voice students become great teachers to me. In fact, there is an old saying "if you want to learn how to do something well, teach it to someone else".</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I am currently teaching vocal control and awareness to a lovely teenage girl. The point of our lessons is to help her gain a better understanding of her voice and how to communicate more effectively. The other day, when we were practicing for a speech she had to give, she stumbled over some words. Immediately she said "that's okay, I'm learning". </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This really struck me. How many times do we beat ourselves up for doing something wrong or for struggling to master a new concept, whether it is in music, singing or something else in our day-to-day lives. We say things to ourselves we would never dream of saying to another person. Switching to the simple phrase of "I'm learning" is a real game changer and one that I am now incorporating in my voice lessons.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In the same week in the Kelowna Voice Lab music studio, I had another novice singer who made the deadly mistake of recording her voice after just one singing lesson. She came back the next week disappointed and discouraged. I asked her who she was comparing her voice to: Beyonce? Lady Gaga? Unfortunately, those voices are already taken. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A studio environment is all about perfection - they may spend a month on just one song. There is a team of professional sound engineers dedicated to tweaking every single nuance of their voices to get that "perfect" sound. Difficult notes or moments in a song can be digitally modified or looped to create moments that are impossible to recreate live. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This sets up an unrealistic environment for everyday singers that is impossible to live up to. It's like "Photoshop for the voice". As I say on my Voice Lab credo... "every voice is unique", make the most out of yours and remember, at every single stage of your vocal life, be it beginner or professional... "I'm learning".</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/62026172020-02-03T21:47:03-08:002020-02-03T21:47:03-08:00Kelowna Voice Lab Welcomes Teacher Mark Wells!<p><strong><em><span class="font_large">Introducing Voice Teacher Mark Wells</span></em></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Here are three big secrets to great singing: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>1:</strong> Great singing feels amazing. <strong>2:</strong> Great singing belongs to everyone. <strong>3:</strong> You can unlock the full potential in your voice if you know where to place support, openness, and freedom in your body. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/5c8e9e13205215ca9e74b4527b3461f665e3ea25/original/84357719-1414655498695568-5190689047772659712-n.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />If you feel nervous to sing, if you wonder how to unleash your true voice, if you're preparing for a big role or audition, or if you just want to enjoy healthy, joyful singing for the rest of your life, I'm here to help you discover your full potential. I will guide you in habits to extend the freedom, beauty, and stamina of your instrument. This technique will help you in any genre of music you love. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">What I have to offer: I studied Musical Theatre, Oratorio, and Opera on scholarship at McGill University and Universite de Montreal (B.Mus), and the psychology and science of learning at University of British Columbia (B.Ed, Head of Graduating Class, Medal in Education). As a teacher I follow the model of psychologist Carl Rogers and his conditions for growth: authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard for my students. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As a singer I have performed in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Opera, and Concerts from BC to Quebec, was a guest artist with the Banff Centre for the Arts "Opera as Theatre" Summer intensive program, and I continue to perform locally with Kelowna Actors Studio, Opera Kelowna, and Spectrum Singers. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Putting my focus on the joy of singing, with solid classical technique, has brought me great success, and I'm excited to share these habits with you!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/61486802020-01-22T15:51:54-08:002021-07-15T16:06:17-07:00Vocal Coaching For YOUR Big Moment<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/15501f690e5f797ca1bb38cffcbaf7f5ad0adc39/original/sutton.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">There are certain moments in every singer’s life that are defining moments. Whether it is a small recital performance or a big deal concert debut. Inevitably, the question arises, “do I have what it takes to DO this”? It is moments like these when great vocal coaching can make all the difference. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Here's Broadway star Sutton Foster speaking about her now iconic live performance on the Rosie O’Donnell show in 2002 promoting the new Broadway musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Foster is very candid about her experience: "You know what’s crazy? We did that during previews, and honestly my voice was so fried that I couldn’t even get through the sound check of the song. I didn't have the technique or stamina yet for eight-shows-a-week—I was so green and so new. I remember my voice teacher Joan Lader warmed me up on the phone before because I couldn't hit any of the big notes during sound check. I thought, ‘This is going to be a disaster, I’m going to be flat on national television!’ And everyone was there: Steven Unger, my first agent in New York, Rob Ashford, Michael Mayer. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But Joan warmed me up over the phone—and she’s the best there is —and she was able to get me there. I look back on it and there was so much fear. That was a big old fingers-crossed, please-dear-God, clenched-ass-to-get-me-through-it moment. It’s amazing people talk about it all the time and I’m like, ‘You have no idea!’” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">What would have happened if she had not called her voice teacher out of desperation? What if her vocal coach was unavailable or on vacation? Sutton’s entire musical theatre performance career literally hung in the balance at that moment - her new Broadway show was only in previews and a bad showing on national television would negatively affect ticket purchases. What a tremendous amount of pressure to place on an inexperienced musical theatre performer! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Vocal coaching and sound vocal technique are an absolute necessity whether you are performing here in Kelowna, BC or on the big stages around the world. Invest in good training – you just never know when it might save your bacon on national television!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/58482932019-08-05T14:09:43-07:002020-12-16T11:11:16-08:007 Tips To Stop Oversinging<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/81f0d3577d04fca336886439d16357b3989f92fc/original/s-sing-201027-1920.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Oversinging - We've all done it - and have regretted it. Even as its happening, we know that what we are doing isn't a healthy, sustainable habit for our voice yet we persist... singing and pushing louder, higher, more intense. These days, it seems that the current musical taste is that if we aren't bleeding from our vocal chords, we just aren't giving as much as we should. It's all a recipe for damaged vocal chords and ultimately, every singer's nightmare - vocal nodes.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The hangover effect of oversinging can last for days depending on a few things: 1) how long did you oversing 2) your overall health 3) your age. The older you are, the longer it will take for your vocal folds to heal from oversinging.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As a long time voice teacher and singing coach, I have helped many students avoid the pitfalls of oversinging that can lead to long term vocal damage. Here are some great tips I can share that might help you.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">1) Make sure you can HEAR yourself. Improper vocal monitoring is the number ONE cause of oversinging. It stands to reason that if you can't hear yourself sing, you will be more inclined to sing louder than you should. If you are performing at an open mic or a pro event where there is a sound mixer and cannot hear your vocal, ask the sound mixer to turn you up - it's not vanity, it's self preservation. If you are in a large crowd and no one is using a mic, just self-regulate and back off on your volume. No one will notice or care whether you are heard above the others.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">2) Adjust your singing style according to your own personal vocal range. If the song is in your sweet spot, use your natural voice. If the song goes above your vocal break, either use full falsetto or mixed voice, depending on the song style. Either of these vocal techniques will help you avoid oversinging and undue vocal strain.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">3) Are you breathing properly? Often in the excitement of a live performance or the moment, we can forget all of the good singing techniques we use in the studio. Make sure you are supporting your singing with good abdominal engagement and deep effective breaths.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">4) Are you tensing your neck or shoulders? Tension in either of these places will invariably lead to vocal tension and strain. Make sure your shoulders are back and your neck is relaxed.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">5) Keep an eye on the clock. No one (with the exception of trained professionals) should be singing for more than 90 minutes at a time. Our voices are not designed to be used non-stop for hours on end and require rest. Remember, your vocal folds are small and extremely sensitive, treat them with respect.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">6) Are there air borne irritants? Fragrances, smoke or animal allergens can all cause your vocal chords to become inflamed. If you are prone to allergies, taking anti-allergy medication such as Claritin or Reactin can help avoid vocal fold inflammation that could lead to oversinging.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">7) Do you feel like you want to cough when you sing? This is an immediate red flag that you are pushing on your break and are causing irritation to the innermost region of your vocal folds. Switch to falsetto or mixed voice in that range to avoid further irritation.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Oversinging does not have to become a habit. A little self awareness can prevent long-term vocal damage.Treat your voice well and it will be there for you your entire life.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/58040552019-06-25T20:36:27-07:002019-08-01T10:10:55-07:00June 2019 Concert - Our Biggest and Best Yet!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/0e3899bb1ab2913bcb284ee006ff3bc131a9200e/original/fe371c53-c216-42d5-ae07-b74b238d3956.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On Sunday, June 23, 2019 nineteen students performed in our big end of year show. 38 musical numbers were performed in total. The first act was acoustic with songs ranging from Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story to Sting's Fields of Gold and Tom Petty's Helpless. Kim played for students on keys with several songs also accompanied by Jim on guitar. Two students who study guitar with Jim played for themselves, one for the very first time.</p>
<p>Eighty friends and family members filled DunnEnzies on Lakeshore for the event that lasted 3.5 hours.</p>
<p>The second act was performed with our classic rock band <a contents="Cover2Cover" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cover2coverkelowna.com" target="_blank">Cover2Cover</a>. Songs ranged from Don't Fear The Reaper to Radio Gaga, from Can't Help Falling in Love to Nothing Really Matters by Metallica. It was a fabulous night that allowed all students to shine and show their versatility. Many thanks to Jim Rhindress for leading the band on electric guitar, to Robert Vallee on drums and Gilles Lesage on bass. </p>
<p>It was a night no one will ever forget!</p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/56603282019-02-26T10:48:59-08:002020-09-10T08:48:47-07:00Lady Gaga Vocal Coaches Bradley Cooper Live At The Oscars<p>An amazing thing happened Sunday night when <a contents="Lady Gaga" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ladygaga.com/" target="_blank">Lady Gaga</a> and <a contents="Bradley Cooper" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_Cooper" target="_blank">Bradley Cooper</a> performed the nominated song Shallow from <a contents="A Star Is Born" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.astarisbornmovie.net/" target="_blank">A Star Is Born</a> and as a vocal teacher, I'm amazed that no one is talking about it.</p>
<p>Sure, the internet is buzzing with inuendo that there is more to their relationship than director/actor. Articles have been written about how the song was cinematically staged, the intimate final moments of the song, even how they joined hands in front of Cooper's wife <a contents="Irina Shayk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.irinashaykofficial.com/" target="_blank">Irina Shayk</a> as they rose to take the stage.</p>
<p>It is widely known that Bradley Cooper is not a natural singer and that he worked very hard to create his convincing role in the movie where his character is a seasoned stage performer and recording artist. A Star Is Born wrapped up in 2017 and during his performance at The Academy Awards it was clear that not only was Cooper nervous, but that he was vocally out of shape.</p>
<p>Lady Gaga was there to help.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/e9f8b4f93daf2cf5766688a605a1ab92db99efbd/original/img-7829-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As a vocal coach, I noticed 4 separate things Lady Gaga did to help Cooper get the most out of his voice in that moment.</p>
<p>1) She locked eyes with him as he began the song - reminding him of the character he had created and of the relationship they had with each other in the film.</p>
<p>2) She nodded slightly to encourage him to project and to have confidence in his solo.</p>
<p>3) She held her body ramrod straight to remind him to hold his body up as good posture helps your lungs breathe deeper and your intercostal muscles to engage.</p>
<p>4) She placed her hand lightly on her belly with her index finger pointing directly at her navel to remind him to breathe deeply and to use his abdominal muscles to support his vocal tone.</p>
<p>This last point is particularly important as it was obvious that Cooper's breath was not where it needed to be in the song. He was shakey, a little pitchy and uncertain. Lady Gaga slowly and intentionally placed her hand on her abdomen and splayed her fingers, holding that position until he had finished his solo - obviously reminding him of things that he had learned previously about singing and good vocal technique.</p>
<p>This moment only lasted a few seconds but the vocal coach in me jumped up and down to see that even on a world stage, some of the fundamental things I work on every day in my studio were being presented for millions to see.</p>
<p>Bravo Lady Gaga... I was a fan before but have an even deeper respect for you as a singer and helpful vocal coach!</p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/54841802018-10-24T08:54:09-07:002021-07-15T16:06:59-07:00Kelowna Voice Lab Christmas Concert Preparations<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/681621d0c406f6bead5b52d0b3f88c37352b698d/original/christmas-tree-music-notes-edit.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />It's that time of year again! Music has just been selected for the 6th annual Kelowna Voice Lab Christmas Concert and it promises to be our biggest and best concert to date!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The concert will be held at Montreal Real Foods in Kelowna - 1851 Kirschner Road. The doors open at 6:00 and the concert will begin at 7:00.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Students will be performing one solo each and will all perform together as a choir for two songs. Kim and Jim might also perform a song if time allows. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are especially excited that three original songs will be performed at the concert. Two of the originals are composed by KVL students (with help from Kim and Jim) and one of the choir songs as been composed by our good friend Tony Koenen.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Original songs are an exciting and important component of Kelowna Voice Lab.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Arrive early as seating is limited. Food, wine and beer are available before and during the show.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/50630472018-02-05T16:29:59-08:002018-02-05T16:29:59-08:00Podcast Coaching For Pros<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/32658ee8ad8a8e33e4db436abc865c5c7843047f/medium/presenter.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Using a vocal coach isn't just for beginners. Three different adult students are currently using Kelowna Voice Lab to enhance their webinar presentations. When they first started, these successful adults knew they weren't fully prepared to present their material effectively. It wasn't that they didn't know their material... they did but they weren't communicating the "best self" they wanted to present.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I'm delighted to share that within two or three sessions, my clients felt a LOT more comfortable not only with their material but with how they were presenting it. When the day came to record their webinars, they felt more grounded, confident and natural. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">At Kelowna Voice Lab, we use Apple technology to film you, to review what you're doing right and where your body language, tone or speech patterns might be undermining your message or confidence.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Having an experienced voice coach can really help give you perspective and knowledge of how to bring the best possible "you" to the foreground.</span></p>
<p> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/46702312017-04-13T15:16:28-07:002017-04-13T15:16:28-07:00Voice Lab Wins At Kiwanis Music Festival!<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/69bc77d0a95bcba81a44efce76dfd621fff4dc5b/medium/kiwanis-logo-2017.png?1492121762" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Congratulations to vocal students Amanda, Amy, Caden, Cassidy, Jennifer, Jillaine and Morgan. Out of over 125 musical theatre and pop music singing competitors, Kelowna Voice Lab students placed first, second or third in every category they competed in. In addition, Jennifer and Morgan were singled out to receive a special $100 award and Morgan will be performing her musical theatre song at the final awards gala in May.<br><br>I am so proud of how well my students performed in a very difficult and competitive environment. It isn't easy to stand alone on a stage and sing and they all did it with poise and professionalism.<br><br>Bravo everyone!</span><br> Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/45872042017-02-12T15:13:47-08:002017-02-12T15:13:47-08:00Kelowna Voice Lab Donates $525.00 to the Kelowna Women's Shelter!<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/39284a07bd8a517167022ef969576c6e561868bb/medium/kvl-womens-shelter.jpg?1486940965" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br>Congratulations KVL Students!<br><br>Because of your hard work making the 2016 Christmas CD, we were able to present a cheque for $525.00 to the Kelowna Women's Shelter!<br><br>Kim Foreman-Rhindress presented the cheque to the Shelter's Executive Director Karen Mason on January 13, 2016 as well as a few complimentary Christmas CDs they said they would love to play in the shelter and in their gift shop next year.<br><br>The vocal student Christmas CD project was a huge success with 100 CDs being printed.<br><br>We will definitely plan to make another Christmas CD next year as the response has been phenomenal. Wow!!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/45126832016-12-15T12:08:46-08:002016-12-15T12:08:46-08:00Kelowna Voice Lab Christmas CD<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/6292a949847683acadd1f171aae1451a90eba0ae/medium/kvl-christmas-cd-front.jpg?1481831870" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><span class="font_large">Wow! We DID it!<br><br>Sixteen voice students of Kelowna Voice Lab went into the recording studio in November and recorded their favourite Christmas songs.<br><br>The result is the first Christmas CD Kelowna Voice Lab has ever produced.<br><br>Vocalists chose a wide variety of songs ranging from the funny "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas" to such classics as "Silver Bells". <br><br>Thank you so much to my wonderful husband <a contents="Jim Rhindress" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jimrhindress.com" target="_blank">Jim Rhindress</a> for laying down the guitar track on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and just being generally wonderful. :D<br><br>Huge thanks to Mike at <a contents="Music City Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.musiccitystudio.ca/" target="_blank">Music City Studios</a> for making the recording process seamless and for <a contents="CMYK Digital " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://cmykdigitalprintplus.ca/" target="_blank">CMYK Digital </a>for designing the artwork. Thanks to <a contents="Navigator Media" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.navigatormm.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiAm8nCBRD7xLj-2aWFyz8SJAAQNalaJkOdsEWrv9LDlPlovgEmKKDQ5zmVaFQIyZGBWyMDnBoCQoLw_wcB" target="_blank">Navigator Media</a> for reproducing the CDs and for O-Lake Cafe for being a re-seller.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/a1af297de2499c2a93a321ffeef7b655e6f41c64/medium/kvl-christmas-cd-back.jpg?1481831865" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Profits will go to the <a contents="Kelowna Women's Shelter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kelownawomensshelter.ca/" target="_blank">Kelowna Women's Shelter</a> and it is our goal to donate $500.00 from the CD sales.<br><br>I am so very proud of my students and the wonderful CD we made together.<br><br>The CD was launched December 6th at our Christmas concert at O-Lake Cafe where 21 singers performed. The choir number of "Let There Be Peace On Earth" closed a fantastic show.<br><br>This will definitely be a yearly event!</span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/43868822016-09-22T21:50:58-07:002021-04-12T10:16:30-07:00Kelowna Voice Lab Hits 50 Students!<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/82bae2d9a43a479cc666916353cb8b6a6c8559ec/original/50.jpg?1474606126" class="size_l justify_left border_" />Well, it has happened - drum roll please..... Kelowna Voice Lab now has </span><span class="font_xl"><span style="color:#A52A2A;"><strong>50</strong></span></span><span class="font_large"> enrolled voice students this year.<br><br>Wow! I'm so excited at the amazing number of talented singers young and old I get to work with this year.<br><br>Ranging in age from 5 to over 70 (they won't tell), it's endlessly interesting finding the right songs and techniques to help these individual singers.<br><br>As a vocal coach, I'm looking forward to many "ah-hah!" moments this year as people discover different facets of their voices.<br><br>To accommodate the extra voice students, we have expanded our studio hours with morning lessons two days a week, evening lessons two days a week, and a full Saturday schedule from 9-4.<br><br>Our first student cafe performance will be Tuesday, October 11th at O-Lake Cafe and Bistro downtown in Kelowna.</span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/41722082016-05-09T11:22:39-07:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival Results<p><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival – 2016 </strong></span><br> <br>Nine students from Kelowna Voice Lab competed this year in the Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival in both musical theatre and classical voice. This is the 90th year anniversary of this Canada-wide music competition. A total of 18 pieces were performed. For many students, it was their first time ever competing and I couldn’t be more proud of how everyone did at the competition. Our studio was extremely well represented and several awards were won. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/36ac21db5050bda1d343f0ec2b0cc7d8307c80b2/medium/kiwanis.jpg?1462818141" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br><em>Kiwanis insists on RCM grade level equivalents for all competitors as this indicates how long the student has been studying. None of these students are currently participating in the RCM program. </em><br><br>Big congratulations to the following award winners in Musical Theatre: <br><br>Morgan Hergott – 1st Place – Grade 3 <br>Caden Hergott – 2nd Place – Grade 3 <br>Jillaine Keulker – 3rd Place – Grade 3 <br>Ethan Hatley-Webster – 1st Place – Grade 4 <em>(Scholarship winner and selected to represent Kelowna at Provincials) </em><br>Cassidy Hergott – 1st Place – Grade 5 <br>Taylor McKinley – 1st Place – Grade 6 <br><em>(Special mention to Dylan Okimaw (Grade 2 participant) who memorized a very long and difficult song and incorporated movements for the first time. I’m so proud of the hard work he put in!) </em><br><br>Two students elected to really challenge themselves and compete in Classical Voice instead of Musical Theatre. Big congratulations to Hailey and Jennifer for their wonderful performances in this highly competitive field:<br> <br>Hailey Lewis – 3rd Place – Grade 7 <br>Jennifer Pangerl – 2nd Place - ARTC<br><br>We look forward to participating in Kiwanis again next year as it is a great chance to see what other students are doing at similar ages and experience levels. Many thanks for the wonderful adjudications! It was a wonderful learning experience for everyone!!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/41263982016-04-07T22:32:54-07:002017-03-07T12:44:12-08:008 Things An Audience Wants<p><span class="font_large">Going to see a performer live in a big venue is a big commitment of time and money. It’s expensive nowadays with an average concert ticket <em>starting at over $50.00</em> (plus service charges). If you buy a bottle of water, that’s another $5.00… beer or wine? $10.00. Oh, and you want a t-shirt too? That’ll be another $40.00. Parking costs if it’s local, hotel costs if it’s farther away. Yikes!! Before you know it, you are $150.00 - $300.00 in for the evening and this is just a starting price - some tickets can start at $150 or more.<br><br>And so, performers…. we DO expect to get some value for the money and time we are investing in our special evening out. <br><br>Being musicians and lovers of all kinds of music, my husband and I have gone to see a few rock legends over the past few years: <br><br>The Eagles <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/8eca91acc30cabcb5bae31f5e1123108876fd3fa/large/blue-rodeo-concert.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_right border_" /><br>Steve Miller Band <br>Journey <br>The Doobie Brothers <br>Bare Naked Ladies <br>Heart <br>Sting <br>James Taylor (just Kim) <br>Rush (just Jim) <br>Blue Rodeo <br>ZZ Top <br> <br>There is always something to learn from watching pros work their craft but I wish someone would tell them what we as an audience are really hoping for when we take the time and spend our hard earned money to go and see them live. The Eagles really got it right and we are so happy we got to see them the last time they came through Vancouver as it turns out, this was the last time they will ever tour now that Henley is gone. Coming back from the ZZ Top concert last night, Jim and I were talking about why the show was just kind of “meh" for us and here is what we came up with: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">1) TALK to the audience! We want to hear your stories and learn something new about you we couldn’t find out on your Wikipedia page. <br><br>2) Have some visually interesting components to your show. Yes, yes, it’s all about the music but if you are only going to stand there the whole night, please give us some interesting things to look at in the background to add to the experience. <br><br>3) Perform with energy. Sure, it’s a job and some nights you might not really feel like being there but we only get to see you once so please put everything you have into the experience or have your tour manager put you on a less aggressive tour schedule. <br><br>4) Dress like you are a professional (okay… this is just MY opinion and is a personal pet peeve but too many rockers dress like they could be any old schmo waiting to catch a bus.) Dress up for your show with an element of professionalism - the days of grubby jeans and t-shirts is long past. This isn't as much of an issue for pop performers but it sure is for most rockers.<br> <br>5) Connect with the other people in your band. We want to see the camaraderie that you share with everyone in your band and feel that musical connection on stage. <br><br>6) Tell us something you enjoyed about OUR town. We know you arrived at least the day before. Did you go anywhere? What struck you about where we live? Again, we want to connect with you. <br><br>7) Tell us some background on a few of your songs. What was your inspiration? Sure, we want to hear your music, but we want some inside information too!<br><br>8) For the love of GOD, please invest in good sound equipment and set your mix so we can HEAR your vocals clearly! In this day and age, we don’t need to have our eardrums bleeding in order to fully experience your sound and have been to shows where the sound has been fantastic and not physically painful. Suffering for days from an audio hangover isn’t a fun souvenir from your show. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We love your music but if all we wanted was to listen to it, we could play a CD or pull it up on YouTube in the comfort of our own home. The reason we come to see you in concert is because we want to feel more connected to YOU. Please, please make it your priority not just to perform your music but to connect with us!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/40971922016-03-20T15:02:05-07:002021-07-31T15:20:02-07:007 Tips for Singing The National Anthem A Capella<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/3a0c3a1a3b34994b973174e64003440a5f2f73b4/medium/national-anthem.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span><span class="font_large">I was honoured to sing the anthem to open the Canadian National Inter-University Curling Championships in Kelowna. March 20, 2016. Singing a capella and alone is perhaps one of the greatest challenges a singer can face. There is no band to hide behind, no group harmonies to blend in with, no beat to groove to and in a song like the national anthem, no character to immerse yourself into. There is only you - raw and naked. The arena has the biggest sound delay I have ever experienced "over 12 seconds - twice as bad as Prospera Place" the arena manager grinned during sound check. Yikes!<br><br>Here are a few things I've learned that might help you if you have to sing the anthem yourself sometime:<br><br>1) Choose a key that fits YOUR voice. Fortunately, the Canadian anthem has a relatively narrow range but make sure the top note which is the climax of the song sits in a comfortable place in your voice. Starting too high is a fatal error!<br><br>2) Focus 100% of your attention on the inner ear melody of the song - shutting out the feedback delay.<br><br>3) Think "up and over" for each note to keep your pitch elevated and prevent sliding into pitch.<br><br>4) Be aware of your tempo. Go for a relaxed and easy pace; avoid rushing but beware of slowing too much or trying to embellish end of phrase notes for too long. People want to sing along. Make sure your embellishments don't mess with the tempo.<br><br>5) Add meaning to your words. Find the most important words in each phrase and really visualize them.<br><br>6) Make eye contact with the a few people in audience at varying distances. Looking at a few people will make the entire audience feel connected to you. <br><br>7) Smile. This is a happy event for everyone here and just smiling will put everyone at ease and allow them to enjoy the moment.<br><br>During sound check that morning, I was careful to fully immerse myself in the "inner imagination" voice that I encourage my students to use when we sing rounds. You have to allow your ears to hear and accept whatever pulls are being exerted on them without succumbing to their influence. You have to put 100% of your attention on where you know the song needs to go and hearing the pitch in advance of singing it. You have to be 100% focused. This, while still adding meaning to the words you are singing and connecting visually with your audience. Oh, and did I mention I had to do half in English and half in French? It's harder than it looks!<br><br>Overall, I think it went over well and I would be happy to do it again sometime. Click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvYRiIXTW3s" target="_blank">HERE</a> to watch the video.</span><br> <br> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/40512752016-02-19T23:20:02-08:002021-07-15T16:07:51-07:00Campfire Cafe Starts April 19, 2016<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/fa41a2be780f600fff913197607de6ce90d5299e/medium/campfire-pic.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Our monthly student cafe performances have been a huge success in downtown Kelowna at O-Lake Cafe. The owners have very graciously agreed to keep the cafe open later than usual so we can launch something new that will begin at 8:00 pm when the student cafe is finished.<br><br>Campfire Cafe is a new group teaching experience where novice and intermediate guitar players can learn new sing along songs. Jim and Kim Rhindress will put forward four songs from which the group will choose the three that they want to learn that evening. Lyric and chord sheets will be provided for participants to keep. Jim will go over the feel, strumming style and any other tricks/tips that will help guitarists get more comfortable playing the song. Kim will go over harmony parts and any vocal issues to address.<br><br>The 90-minute evening will cost only $5.00 for participants plus a 1-drink minimum purchase. All participants will get lyric sheets with guitar chords to take home.<br><br>We are very excited to share our love of singing with people who are looking to learn something new in a fun and friendly no-pressure group environment.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/40425512016-02-15T11:23:56-08:002016-02-15T11:23:56-08:00NEW Schedule Includes Evening Lessons!The online booking system for Kelowna Voice Lab has been modified due to popular demand to include some evening sessions. Along with Saturday morning lessons, we are now open Thursday nights from 7-9pm. We have had fantastic feedback from people using the online booking system as they really appreciate the flexibility they have and the ability to change or reschedule their lessons as needed. One thing some people don't know though is that if there is a particular lesson time that works for you, you can give Kim a call and secure that time indefinitely. Should something come up and you need to reschedule, you can still do this yourself as long as it is at least 24 hours in advance.<br><br>We love how technology can help simplify our lives! Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/39568572015-12-09T09:13:04-08:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00Christmas Cafe 2015 Student Performance<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/da7ccf0fe4e0eeddb1116edce48c0c7bc6cf96cb/original/christmas-cafe-2015-students.jpg?1449680754" class="size_l justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">I was so proud of my students at last night's concert! Twenty singers aged 7 to 70 performed last night at the Kelowna Voice Lab student cafe in downtown Kelowna. This monthly vocal concert is held downtown at O-Lake Cafe and Bistro on Lawrence. The coffee shop was packed as more than 65 audience members attended the concert to hear the singers perform their favourite songs. Two of the singers (one aged 7 and the other an adult) performed their very first solos of their lives last night and it was fantastic to see them take that first giant leap forward to share their talents with others.<br><br>The vocal students sang a wide range of music from traditional carols like "The Christmas Song", "White Christmas" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" to comedy songs like "Nuttin' For Christmas" and "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch". All of the voice students performed the jazz song "Home For Christmas" together as a choir and two different trios performed last night singing "Hot Chocolate" and "Solitary Snowflake". One student accompanied himself on guitar for "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" and Kim performed the duet "Winter Song" with her adult student Jennifer. The concert was a great success and everyone who attended left with a big smile on their face.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/372188a6c6f9894cb6643601e238413d62ba29ad/small/christmas-cafe-2015.jpg?1449681015" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br><br>The next student cafe performance will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 and the theme will be "Classic Love Songs" in time for Valentine's Day.</span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/39526002015-12-06T15:16:37-08:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00Voice Lab Students Perform at Light Up Kelowna! 2015<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/8c1a6514e7ca1912cdf4c2451ba7ff188a0bb5fb/medium/light-up-kelowna-2015.jpg?1449443361" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">15 singing students of all ages braved the cold rain to perform 45 minutes of Christmas songs at Stuart Park as part of the annual Light Up Kelowna event. It was a great honour for Kelowna Voice Lab to be asked to perform at this great annual city-wide event and everyone did an amazing job singing the songs we have been practicing for our concert!<br><br>They sang one group choir song in beautiful 3-part harmony, a trio sang the song they performed at the show SNOW - A Frosty Fairy Tale and Kim even got up to sing a duet with her student Jennifer.<br><br>Several brave friends and family were there to cheer us on. Well done everyone! It's so great to hear how much everyone has improved in their confidence and vocal technique! It was also a fantastic practice for our Christmas concert which will be on Tuesday, December 8th at O-Lake Cafe and Bistro.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/872ca2ff1fa37b4ae12ae0b057b1bf19a39c8b22/medium/lupkcrowd.jpg?1449443692" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/37518302015-06-23T10:42:27-07:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00June Kelowna Voice Lab Student Cafe - Contrasts<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/572717f5b779688e98e6178c342ec6eaa5044dd4/medium/cafe-group.jpg?1435079804" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">June 22nd was the final installation of our monthly student performance at O-Lake Cafe in downtown Kelowna. 14 students sang two songs each in contrasting styles. We enjoyed two duets, a guitar accompaniment and a student guitar/voice performance. Vocal song styles ranged from 1920's jazz to classical to musical theatre to contemporary folk music.<br><br>Everyone did a great job and it was gratifying to see how much everyone has improved over the year. As a singing teacher celebrating my third year working with students in Kelowna, I firmly believe that regular live performance is a fundamental key to becoming a well rounded musician. Many singers have stepped outside their comfort zones performing songs they otherwise would never have tackled. The entire process is designed to help them overcome their fear and anxiety around live performance and many performers are much more comfortable doing so now than they were at the beginning of the year. Participation is always 100% voluntary and the number of students performing here represents about half the number of regular Kelowna Voice Lab students.<br><br>We will be taking a break over the summer and will resume our live performances again in the Fall once the sessions are firmly underway. For now, we can take a much needed summer break and know that we have done a great job!</span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/37117122015-05-22T13:06:13-07:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00Directing a Play - Quite the Ride!<span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/196350c64bf5c313fc5c394c931ae6911ff2dee6/medium/having-hope-at-home-poster.jpg?1422644776" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span><span class="font_large">Having been a theatre performer since high school, I well know and understand how to bring a character to life in a play, it's a challenging, fun and very rewarding experience made all the better by those nightly applause. None of this however, prepared me adequately for my first major directing experience which is just wrapping up as I type this. The play is called Having Hope at Home and is a brilliantly written piece by David S. Craig, a Canadian. The play is challenging, fast paced and very prop-heavy. All of the action takes place in one night and all 6 actors are on stage for most of the play. Pacing, accuracy, lighting and sound queues all have to sync up perfectly to achieve the maximum effect. In all fairness, I did stack the deck in my favour by courting some of the best actors in Kelowna. Dorothy Dalba, Stephen Jefferys, Deb Nicholson, Roger Ward, Karen Mason and Jim Rhindress have created a dream cast and a great theatre directing experience for me.<br><br>We played to mostly full and very enthusiastic audiences for 10 performances in The Black Box Theatre. The set is a monstrous creation with an elevated bedroom, multiple doors, a full kitchen and roof. Next week, we take our little show on the road to compete with it in Vernon at the Okanagan Zone BC Theatre Festival. I will be very interested to hear what the adjudicator has to say about the play and where we hit and missed the mark. I'm happy with the play and look forward to treating audiences with lots of laughs next Thursday night.</span><br> Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/35371042015-02-17T09:47:10-08:002015-02-17T09:47:55-08:00Vocal Warm Ups - A Gift, Not A Burden<span class="font_large">So often, singers are so focused on the outcome of performing songs, they look at the act of warming up as a burden... something they HAVE to do, like eating broccoli. They do it because they know it's good for them (and their voice teacher makes them), not because they particularly enjoy it. In my Kelowna voice studio, I find myself reminding my students that the vocal warm up is a loving act they are engaged in. A vocal warm-up is a gift the singer gives to themselves and to their voice.<br><br>It is <em>only</em> during the vocal warm up period that you get the opportunity to focus 100% of your energy purely on the sensation of how it <em>feels</em> to sing. I ask students to close their eyes and visualize the air flowing into their lungs, to concentrate on how the muscles in their abdomen, sides and back engage as they start to phonate, how their throat feels as the sound is produced, where they feel the resonance happening. I ask them to fully appreciate the beauty and power of their voice and to pay attention to how the rest of their body supports their voice as it is making the various sounds.<br><br>When you are working on a song or performing, a great deal of your attention should be placed on communicating with your audience and connecting with the material you are presenting. Conversely, the vocal warm up is 100% about <em>YOU</em> and how you are connecting with <em>YOUR</em> instrument. Your whole body is your instrument and allowing yourself the gift of warm up time gets you to a place of full connection with it. Not only will warming up help strengthen and protect your voice, but it will also give you a better performance experience.<br><br>So give your voice the gift of a warm up - you'll be glad you took the time!</span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/34958062015-01-30T10:55:29-08:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00January Student Performance at O-Lake Cafe & Bistro<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/593cbf1ee0ea59590fa3757d627baad2e068d5ba/medium/photo-18.jpg?1422641065" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><span class="font_large">On Thursday, January 29th, students of Kelowna Voice Lab performed Musical Theatre songs for friends and family at O-Lake Cafe and Bistro downtown on Lawrence. A wide variety of musical theatre songs ranging from Rogers and Hammerstein to Sondheim were performed with great enthusiasm. Students ranged in age from 8 to adult and it was a great chance for them to perform in a relaxed low stress environment for their friends and family. <br><br>Many thanks to the families of the students to take the time to come out and support them. Thanks as well to the owners of O-Lake Cafe for opening their doors on a night when they aren't usually open to accommodate our student group.<br><br>Click on <a contents="this link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=783817265045792&set=vb.100002525776501&type=2&theater" target="_blank">this link</a> to view a 23 second high speed video of the entire evening courtesy of William at O-Lake. <br><br>Next month's performance will take place on Feb. 27th and will feature a wide variety of songs about what else??? LOVE!</span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/32804012014-11-13T08:56:38-08:002021-07-31T15:20:39-07:00Kim Foreman-Rhindress - New Name, Same Voice!<span class="font_large">On October 10th, Kim Foreman married her sweetheart and soul mate Jim Rhindress in an amazing ceremony held at Sanctuary Garden in West Kelowna. It was an amazing day full of love, music, friends and family. Kim is keeping the best of both names and will be known personally and professionally as Kim Foreman-Rhindress.</span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/282053ce1988cf4d404874dac26186f00d4ee95d/original/pinky-swear.jpg?1415897767" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/30534092014-07-02T11:20:10-07:002021-07-15T16:08:10-07:00Yelp Reviews for Kelowna Voice Lab!<p><span class="font_large">We were so pleased to receive the following reviews on <a contents="Yelp.ca" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/kelowna-voice-lab-kelowna" target="_blank">Yelp.ca</a><br><br>"Kim is, quite simply put, amazing! I am not and never was a performer of any type, let alone a singer. My initial call to Kim started with something like, "I'm pretty sure I'll crack glass ...". I wanted to sing a song to my husband on our wedding day that was about 9 months down the road - not just any song though - Etta James' At Last. It seemed very appropriate given that we were both in our fifties and neither of us had been married before. If you read her blog on the Kelowna Voice Lab website - I'm "Sally".<br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">After the initial consult, Kim and I met weekly and she would show me various exercises that would help to strengthen my voice. She was not only training my voice to sing, she was also re-training my brain to have a greater degree of confidence in my abilities beyond singing - pretty sneaky, eh? Afterwards, I would practise daily in my car on the 30 minute drive to and from work with the audio track that she would give me.</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Kim has the skill and abilities teach people - there is absolutely no need to question that. Her resume of her training, as well as coaching others and performing (I've see her perform ... powerful!) speak easily to that. What sets Kim apart is that she has the intangible qualities that make a teacher so much more than just a teacher. She has the warmth and genuinely caring personality that reach out to people, at the pace they need, to help them to realize that they CAN do this.</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">If you have the opportunity to have a session with Kim, please make it happen - it will be a gift to yourself!" </span></span></p>
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<span class="font_large"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">- Shelley Murrison, Kelowna, BC</span><br><br>"Kim at Kelowna Voice Lab has helped me overcome a HUGE fear of mine- singing in front of people. <br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I have wanted to sing for as long as I could remember, but had a panic inducing fear of doing it front of other people. I contacted Kim abut singing lessons and she made me feel extremely comfortable, worked at my pace and was instrumental about finally breaking out of my shell. She covers everything from ear training, pitch, breathing exercises and lots of vocal work!!</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Thanks to Kim, I was able to ditch the fear and even record my own demo CD!</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">If you are a complete beginner, Kim is great. If you are intermediate or pro, Kim is great!</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Highly recommended :)"</span></span>
<div> <div><span class="font_large"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">- Kashlee Parmiter, Kelowna, BC</span><br><br>"I have been a client of Kelowna Voice Lab for over a year now and I am thoroughly impressed! I have been active in the acting community in Kelowna for years and I have been wanting to strengthen my singing in order to open up more roles to me. Kim has helped me more in a year than I thought possible, my range has opened up and I am hitting notes that I never thought were possible for my voice. She has taught me proper breathing techniques and how to be a more confident performer. I would highly recommend Kelowna Voice Lab for anyone wanting to improve their vocals! Thank you Kim for all you have done for me!"<br><br>- Ashley Johnson, Kelowna, BC</span></div>
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</div>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/29427102014-05-12T20:34:01-07:002017-01-14T13:08:26-08:00Tone Deaf is a Myth<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/24632b68b47b94a4f8a8001f1cc72c11ff5c24c8/medium/hb.gif?1362423976" class="size_m justify_left border_" />I have had numerous singing clients come into my music studio at The Lab over the past few months claiming that they really want to sing but can't seem to sing on pitch and think they are simply just "tone deaf". These poor people are living under a delusion and I would like to boldly state here in this blog that I don't believe in the phrase "tone deaf". I know that anyone is capable of singing on pitch provided they have working vocal chords and adequate hearing and training - they just don't know <strong>HOW</strong>... yet!<br><br>Singing on pitch requires a myriad of very complex synapses to happen in your brain. You need to equate the tones you are hearing either on the piano or guitar or even just the music inside your head with the level of vocal production effort required for you to make that tone match what you are singing. It's like a magnet that finally connects the proper end with a piece of metal - it just 'clicks into place' once you completely match a tone. A lot of things have to fall into place for this to happen; you have to really hear the tone in the first place, you have to match that tone with the place within your vocal register where it lives, you have to produce enough breath and energy to sing the tone evenly and of course, none of this will happen if you don't believe you can do it in the first place.<br><br>So many of my vocal students have been damaged early in life by people who have planted seeds of self doubt in their minds. This self doubt of course, becomes a self fulfilling prophecy in the thought process of "I already know I can't sing... so I won't even TRY to sing". The voice is a muscle of sorts similar to any muscle in the body and if you don't use it, you will most definitely lose it. However, it's just a little trickier than that because we all use our voices every day to talk, to cry, to laugh, to shout so instead of your voice becoming completely mute, it remains functional but the singing component is the one that withers and remains unused. It's so interesting how many of these students can mimic an ambulance siren or a hooting owl but claim they can't sing.<br><br>I had a young man come into the studio about 3 weeks ago. He was very nervous and really struggled with the notes that separate his chest register from his upper voice. Throughout the transitions, his pitch would be all over the place and many times, he couldn't place the notes at all. With concentrated work over the course of four 45-minute lessons, he was able to sing a song in its entirety on key with the piano. I had recorded it without him knowing and when I played it back for him, his smile was absolutely priceless. "You see," I said to him, "it's not that you CAN'T... it's just that you HAVEN'T." <br><br>Moments like that are what voice teachers like myself live for. It's such a privilege to help someone on the journey to discovering their own voice.<br><br>La-la-la- LOVE your voice!<br> Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/24349062014-01-20T14:10:02-08:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:00"Sally" goes to the recording studio<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/623ae34f8725dda26b80d38037c108669a9a1adf/original/bride-singing.jpg?1390255767" class="size_l justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Do you remember many months ago I wrote about a new student "Sally" who was getting married and wanted to sing a special song at her wedding but she had never sang before in her life? Well, she has diligently been coming for a weekly singing lesson and we decided that she was finally ready to record the song for her big day which is happening in about 2 weeks.<br><br>Confidence is so important in singing and we mutually decided that there would be so much going on at the wedding, she would be better to record the song in a studio and that she could privately sing it to her man while the guests could hear her voice singing and she and her new Mr. were having their first dance. It couldn't have worked out better!<br><br>We met at the studio on an afternoon and I had already sent them the back track for the song and recorded my voice singing to it so they were prepared. Sally really needed another voice to guide her through the song and give her the boost to project. I had her sing through it once and then we decided to record it phrase by phrase... often doing 3 passes until we felt that we had captured the very best one. While she was singing each phrase, I stood in front of her, made faces, gestured with my hands and generally did anything I could think of to help her relax and truly enjoy the spirit of the song. By the end, I know we got a version that showcased her voice well and really represented who she is.<br><br>We listened to the RAW version and are going back to the studio later this week to hear the completed one as it still needs some warmth and colours added to her vocal as is normal in all professional recordings. (I can't wait to see her face when she hears the final version) and I'll post a copy in a future blog post after the wedding and the big surprise is over.<br><br>It was an amazing privilege to participate in helping her accomplish this huge personal goal and I send my very best wishes for their wedding day. I bet there won't be a dry eye in the place! </span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/19058912013-10-22T12:22:33-07:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:00The Post Show Blues<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/d5fdec0d629106efc546c81cdd78b1b9bc01bf17/medium/theatre-curtain.jpg?1382469700" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br>It is a certain as day follows night; when you do a live theatre show, there is a mourning period once it has come to an end. Sure, while you are in the throws of 21 exhausting performances, there are a million details to be dealt with, worries over whether you might get sick, worries over whether your voice might get fatigued or fail you, even worries over seats sold, weather and parking not to mention the individual conflicts of your fellow actors you have to contend with, placate and resolve. All of these swirl in the tornado of activity that is “The Show”. Then, in an instant… it’s all over. Done. Finito.<br><br>This last show, Sentimental Journey – a 1940s Radio Show was most definitely my baby. I wrote it back in 1998 in Stratford Connecticut and this (the third time around), I directed, co-produced and performed in it along with 6 other very fine actors here in Kelowna. The show was fast-paced and funny with period-authentic skits, songs from the era and fourteen jingles that I wrote for local businesses. The jingle component was unique and one of the most financially lucrative parts of the show, bringing in almost $4,000 in corporate sponsorship dollars before we had even opened. The show was well attended and set a record for the 65 year old theatre club for money made in that theatre space.<br><br>Then, as is so common with many performers comes the question “So, what are you going to do NOW?” That’s a great question and I have many ideas currently percolating – ranging from a Part2 of the last musical to a serious drama to a 1-woman show or a cabaret act. I have also been contacted by other theatre groups asking about producing Sentimental Journey themselves<br><br>Finding excitement in one’s day-to-day life after a very large event has come and gone is challenging and there most definitely is a period of ‘post-partum depression’ once the curtain has gone down for the last time. Sure, it’s nice to have my evenings and weekends free again, but this enjoyment of freedom is short lived as very often, nothing that I decide to do with my Saturday night can compare to the rush of performance. The point is to persist and find balance and entertain myself. As Susan Cooper, in Silver on the Tree said: “All life is theatre,' he said. 'We are all actors, you and I, in a play which nobody wrote and which nobody will see. We have no audience but ourselves....” </span>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/15257982013-09-03T21:38:58-07:002018-05-22T07:17:31-07:00Clowning around the Studio<img src="//content.sitezoogle.com/u/51666/71bf3e634c0475bb930cfb803be97359ee1db3a4/medium/girl-clown.jpg?1378268853" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Teaching voice is always such an interesting process here at Kelowna Voice Lab. You just never know who is going to book a lesson or for what reason. Over the course of the last year, I have helped a nurse prepare for her Master's Thesis presentation, a member of the school board prepare her speech for a graduating class and an entrepreneur who had to give a big presentation at an event. Last week however, topped the list for interesting and unusual students when Sugar The Clown came to see me searching to find her authentic clown voice.<br><br>Our conversation began with the history of how the character of Sugar evolved. We spoke about how she got started in clowning, how the costume came to be and how her make up was chosen. Next, we delved into the character of Sugar and who she was on the inside. How old was she? What did she think about people? How does she laugh? We also explored the meaning of her name and the images it conjured in our minds and in the minds of the children .<br><br>Throughout the lesson, a voice began to emerge for Sugar - one that she was comfortable with and that felt organic to her. The voice that surfaced was one that felt easy and natural and a lot less strained than the one she had been using. Here was a voice she could use daily that would not fatigue and would serve her well. I gave her some vocal exercises to do at home and she left with the feeling that she was definitely on the right track. The entire experience was a collaborative, positive one where she participated in the creation of the voice she chose.<br><br>So now, I can say in all sincerity that we do a fair amount of "clowning around" at our voice studio. Clowning in the professional sense of course... :)</span><br><br> Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/14137882013-08-15T05:13:47-07:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:00Just WRITE!<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/c6e11945a4c0ddacb828a557d4186fc3541ab9bd/original/writer.jpg?1376595494" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="169" width="170" />Wow! It's hard for me to believe it's been a month already since I last wrote on my voice blog. My excuses? A lovely vacation to the most magical place in Canada - Haida Gwaii combined with a full vocal coaching schedule when I got back plus having family visiting plus leaping full swing into directing a musical theatre show - Sentimental Journey, a 1940s radio show that opens Septemer 12th (shameless plug, I know) has taken up an unusual amount of my time. However, September will be here before we know it and it's time to get back into the routine of writing weekly. <br><br>
I truly enjoy writing this blog as it allows me to fully notice and appreciate what happens in my voice teaching business. Many times, something will come up with a vocal student or I will attend a live show and it will inspire me to consolidate my thoughts about it and write it down. As a teacher, I most often learn from my students and being fully aware of what they have to teach me really helps me appreciate the unique nature of each person's voice and the journey they are on.<br><br>
Writing is a discipline. It's something you have to set aside time to do regularly because if you don't, there will always be something else waiting to take your time away. My regular time to write my blog is Tuesday. I find this is a perfect day to ruminate on the week, process anything interesting that might have happened over the weekend and decide what was the most impactful and worthy of writing about. Sometimes it's a singer who had a particularly amazing breakthrough, sometimes it's a live music performer or speaker that made a powerful impression on me, or perhaps it's something I've read or seen elsewhere. Whatever it is, sitting down for 30 minutes and formulating my thoughts about it is a great way to exercise my craft and distill the ideas and experiences that make me a better teacher.<br><br>
And so, I encourage you to write. Write daily if you can but write. It creates a positive momentum of creativity that will make you better at whatever you do. It's good to be back. See you next Tuesday!</span><br type="_moz">Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/11361112013-07-15T16:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:08:54-07:00Vibrator Helps Voice Professor Take Students to Next Level Vocals<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/314d4524205308426b80f24c4254b4a1c53b3d1c/original/Lelo.jpg?1373976267" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="259" width="194" />Get your mind out of the gutter! This vibrator is cutting edge technology for singers, actors and public speakers and is one of the most valuable voice tools I’ve ever seen!<br><br>I had the privilege last week of attending a workshop conducted by Dr. David Ley of the University of Alberta and the work he is doing using vibration therapy is nothing short of astounding. Not only is it helping acting and singing students gain greater range and control, but it is proving to play a fundamental role in helping people with serious vocal damage (including laryngitis and degenerative illness) regain their voice. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Using the small hand-held vibrator</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> to release tension in the neck, tongue and jaw, results are apparent after only a few minutes of using the device.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the workshop, I was one of the demonstration volunteers. He recorded my voice, sustaining a hum moving into an 'ah' repeated four times at a consistent volume, distance from the microphone and pitch. On the screen, you could see the various tones and textures of my voice as it was throughout the exercise. We then applied the vibration to several key places on my neck and I did the exercise again. The ease with which I produced the tones was noticeable to me and the improved richness of vocal tone was visible on the screen. Next, we used the vibrator on the top of my head and recorded again. Again, the results were even better than the last time.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/9066acec44c9a5153479c68542dd3bed4b17e35d/medium/Dr-Ley.JPG?1373976268" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="281" width="250" /></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I intend to use this technique in my voice teaching practice from now on. As Dr. Ley points out, the vibrator simply serves to relax and open up the channel, creating awareness within the body. Eventually, after regular use, the same results are possible to achieve without vibration which of course, will be my goal for all of my students. But for now, I’m very happy to have yet another tool at my disposal to help my voice students find their voice.<br><br>Dr. Ley's website is www.vibrantvoicetechnique.com and on his website, you can see a video of his technique in action.</span></p>
<p> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/10943792013-07-09T00:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:09:17-07:00The Singer Carries The Song<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was at a party this weekend where most of the people were working musicians. We all took turns fronting our favourite songs and singing back up for each other. It was such a blast to see how the vibe of the party shifted and changed with each new performer getting up to “do their thing” as the styles of music ranged from classic rock to pop, reggae, folk and jazz. In spite of not knowing some of the songs that were being performed, the band was able to adjust and follow along easily provided the singer was confident in what they were singing. The only times it didn’t work well was when the singer was counting on following instead of leading the band.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a lead vocalist, it is up to you to know the song well so you can carry it. Waiting for your music and being unsure of your entrances will cause the song to lag and the energy will fall flat; you need to set the pace and energy of the piece. Actually, a strong singer really doesn’t need any music at all and is fully confident singing a capella.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next time you are singing lead, decide in advance that the band is following you, not the other way around. You will be surprised at what a difference it will make in the feel and energy of your song.</span></p>
<p> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/10559332013-07-02T04:44:58-07:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:00Rewriting Your Story<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/ab370cd7a063b570a6f2c5869c7d4bfcd1fd89cd/original/story.jpg?1372870873" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="208" width="250" />Several times in the last few weeks, I’ve had a remarkably similar conversation with new vocal students, it goes something like this: <i>“When I was a kid, I was told I shouldn’t sing, or that I should just mouth the words in the back row. I’ve wanted to sing my whole life but was told I couldn’t so I didn’t even try.”</i> Each and every time, I look them right in the eye and say <i>“well, it’s just time we re-wrote that old story… isn’t it? And this time, let’s put the pen in YOUR hand, not someone else’s”.</i> These voice students are in my studio because they want to re-write that old story and with time and commitment, I assure them that we absolutely can. Now, will they sing lead for a world-touring rock band? I wouldn’t promise that… but … will they open their mouth to sing and know that something they feel good about will emerge? You bet!<br><br>
Adults have absolutely no idea the power they have to build up or to crush the budding spirits of the children around us. With a few dismissive words, we can plant seeds of self doubt and discouragement that can settle into the soil of a child’s soul and take firm roots. “I can’t sing, I’m not good at art, I stink at baseball.” This type of self-talk becomes self fulfilling prophecy. If a person genuinely believes they can’t sing, they won’t even try and that muscle will never develop and grow. How different would things have been if that same adult had said “Wow, I love your enthusiasm, that’s a powerful voice! Let’s try to do this?” That same child would have an entirely different attitude about the process and would stay open to keep on trying to explore their instrument. Unless you have a physiological problem that prevents you from singing or hearing, I know that everyone CAN sing. For some people, the tone matching is very easy and natural and for others, it requires more work but indeed, everyone is capable of doing it with enough encouragement and guidance.<br><br>
What old story do you have rattling around in your attic that you'd like to rewrite? With hard work and vision, you have the power to change it.</span><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/10108112013-06-25T05:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:09:51-07:00How Not To Cry When You Give a Speech at Your Son's Grad<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/a0bf1cda9426a1b018563e96b8442059abc862e5/original/grad.jpg?1372187276" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="243" width="192" />A woman came in the other day who was to give a speech at her son’s high school graduation ceremony in front of a very large crowd. As a member of the school board, she was struggling with the fear that on this particular day, she would not be able to effectively deliver the speech because she would be too emotionally overwhelmed as a mother of one of the graduates. She chose to come to me as a public speaking coach because she had heard from a friend that I could help.<br><br>Her speech was due in one week’s time. Rather than focus on her fears of "losing it emotionally", first we set to work on the text of her speech, re-working and re-writing it so that it would flow well and would include some powerful quotes to reinforce the metaphor she had chosen to speak about. We came up with a plan that outlined the highlights in her speech and where her inflection should go up and where it should slow down and pause for the best possible effect. While it might seem odd to plan out such things, in the beginning stages of learning a new speech, it is very important to plan out the flow of the message you are to give.<br><br>I filmed her delivering the speech. Once she could see her body language, it was easy to show her how to make more effective and powerful use of her gestures and eye contact. Communication is over 50% physical and how you hold your body and gesture can really make or break your presentation. When we felt that we had fully explored where she should gesture and how, we rehearsed it several times. I filmed her once more and she was astounded at the difference these adjustments made in the overall presentation of her speech.<br><br>Regarding her concerns about the emotionality of the speech, I reminded her that if she allowed herself to indulge in her own emotional experience, she would be depriving everyone else there of experiencing their own feelings. When someone else cries in that type of arena, it prevents you from allowing yourself to also cry as they are "doing all of the feeling for you". This simple thought helped her keep her own feelings in check and focus completely on delivering the message in her speech.<br><br>We only worked together twice over the course of the week but I was very confident that she would do well. Here is the email I received from her just today: “The speech went great and it was well received! The valedictorian came up to me at the Dry Grad (I volunteered afterwards at their casino) and said she thought my speech was the best because it was interesting and kept people’s attention. There were similar comments from a few others as well. Thank you very much for helping me.”<br><br>It was a very special moment in this woman’s life and it meant a great deal to her to do it well. I’m delighted that she dedicated the necessary time and energy to the project and could truly feel great about her achievement. These are the moments that make my job as a public speaking coach so gratifying!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/9139352013-06-10T15:45:37-07:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:002013 Tony Award Opening number - Neil Patrick Harris - Wowza!!<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/902f7d0599abbab447811f65bd42443dac4ad7ef/original/neil-patrick-harris.jpg?1371052423" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="302" width="300" />Woah! If you haven’t seen the opening number of last night’s Tony Awards, watch it! Neil Patrick Harris was nothing less than genius in it, proving himself to be a consummate theatre performer, dancer and singer. I have no idea who wrote the lyrics to the songs in last night’s show, but the humour and wit added to the evening’s sparkle. </span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a singing coach and theatre performer myself, what really impressed me the most about Mr. Harris’s performance was his shear stamina. For almost 9 minutes, he was constantly singing/dancing/performing acrobatic feats and yes, running all the while maintaining his endless string of wordy, pithy lyrics. Only once did he seem even a little winded – no easy task and I was genuinely in awe watching his performance. Not a single word slip... no "take 2s"... just an amazing talent!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, how does a performer gain this type of stamina? As the legendary Broadway performer Linda Eder once told me “Sing… a LOT”. I have never forgotten those words. Remember, the voice is a muscle just like any other muscle in the body and regular strength training and exercise will absolutely make it stronger, more versatile and able to do more. This type of lung capacity required to do this volume of activity while still singing is quite another issue though and I would suspect that Mr. Harris has quite a regimen of cardiovascular exercise in order to be able to do what he just did. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Broadway performers must be absolutely fit throughout the entire run of the show. The amount of energy it takes to do 8 shows a week (two shows on Saturdays and Wednesdays) requires amazing amounts of energy and discipline. The actors who last in the theatre are not the ones who go out partying every night – the demands of the show simply won’t allow it! They are the ones who eat very healthy food, exercise, hydrate and get plenty of sleep. Those who are lucky enough to be cast in a Broadway show are fully aware of just how highly competitive it is and if they get run down or sick and start missing shows, they can easily be replaced by an understudy and eventually replaced entirely. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As in any job, those who excel know how to manage their instrument. Bravo Mr. Harris… Bravo… your instrument is serving you well indeed. It was an absolute pleasure to watch you and I sincerely hope you host the Tonys again next year. </span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/8776702013-06-04T12:47:57-07:002021-07-15T16:10:12-07:00At Last - A Labour of Love<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/7b85cf0f63a7e6d5461ef54417e90addf6dec9b6/medium/bride.png?1370400284" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="266" width="300" />There are times in a singing coach’s life where one student so touches you with their own personal story of determination and commitment that you never forget it. Sally is one of those voice students for me and here’s why.<br><br>
You see, Sally is in her mid 50s and has never been married. She is going to be married roughly 8 months from now and as part of her wedding, she wants to sing the song “At Last” to her husband. Sally is not a singer and never has been but she said that her husband loves music and this is something she wants to do as a surprise for him. This is no small task! It's the vocal equivalent of someone who has been a complete couch potato all their life deciding they want to run a marathon! At Last is a soulful and difficult song full of large leaps and long holds. A great deal of training needs to be done to do the song justice and Sally is willing to spend the necessary time and energy for this one shining moment to show her man just how much she loves him.<br><br>
Although she has never sung before, Sally has all of the tools necessary to accomplish this amazing feat. She has a soft, pleasant voice that can hold pitch, she is determined and will practice daily to achieve her goal and she has a very specific goal in mind to work towards. Just as a marathon runner would start training to build strength, we are beginning with breathing and vocal exercises to get her voice accustomed to doing things it’s never done and to gain strength. Over the next several months, we will work on a variety of songs that will stretch and grow her voice so that she can better control her dynamics (louds and softs) and phrasing. Three months before the wedding, we will begin working on the actual song At Last and by the time the wedding comes, she will be able to sing it confidently.<br><br>
I am very excited to see the progress she has made already in only a few weeks - the practicing she is doing shows already and she is starting to project. Her enthusiasm is infectious. What an amazing labour of love this is for her to do to surprise her guy. It is a privilege to be able to participate in someone’s life like this… I hope get to see the video next year!</span><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/8309892013-05-28T04:10:18-07:002021-07-15T16:10:57-07:00What Your "Phone Voice" Is Saying About You<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/ad07dcf153feca43ff5a35a77e3563f91c6b9176/thumb/salesman-on-phone.jpg?1369764998" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="250" width="250" />As a vocal coach, I am often asked how someone can make their “phone voice” more effective and convincing. In business, most communication still happens over the phone and how you present yourself in this arena is extremely important. It has been proven that regarding human communication, 55% is body language, 38% is tone and only 7% are the exact words you use. If you are only communicatng over the phone, the percentage that tone plays is much, much higher. Here are a few tips you might find helpful to improve the tone of your voice:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 1) Annunciate – even in this wonderful age of technology, many times connections can still be poor and it can be a very frustrating experience when the person at the other end of the phone is mumbling and repeated requests have to be made to repeat information. Put your endings on your words. This one thing will help you clarify your communication.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 2) Sit up straight in your chair - how you hold your body will affect your breathing and your energy which in turn will affect the energy in your voice. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who sounds like they’re about to fall asleep.<br><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">3) Smile - simply smiling will affect the energy and tone of your voice to give it more warmth and make it more appealing.<br></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br>
4) Match – if the person you are speaking with is loud and likes to talk in short, declarative sentences, try to match their energy somewhat. They will feel more connected to what you have to say. If they are slow to speak and soft spoken, slow down your own speech so they don’t feel steam rolled by your pace. Matching is a very important communication tool and while it might seem a little inauthentic to your normal method of talking, it will help you connect better with the person on the other end of the phone.<br></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br>
5) Pause – allowing brief pauses in a conversation will convey to the other person that you are taking the conversation seriously and giving careful consideration before you answer. They will appreciate you taking the time to do so. Be careful not to overuse this as you might come off as uncertain or unprepared.<br></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br>
6) Vary your pitch and speed if you have a lot of information to convey. This will keep your voice interesting and the person on the other end of the phone engaged. Remember, the human brain is constantly looking for patterns and reasons to “tune out”. Speaking on a very narrow range of tones or at one constant pace will make the other person lose interest quickly in what you have to say.<br></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br>
7) Be yourself – after all is said and done, there really is no such thing as a “phone voice”. It’s just you being you at your best. Relax and stay true to yourself. Professional people who are prepared ARE relaxed and confident and people like to do business with people who exude this aura of competence.<br><br>
Practice these seven tips and you will be communicating better than ever over the phone!<br type="_moz"></span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/7832522013-05-20T13:54:55-07:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:00A New Kind of Breathing?<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/a8164437c8cba12c0748a1804b2eb0f4b8ef865e/original/Breath.jpg?1369108549" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="300" width="200" />The last 30 days have been one of personal transformation for me in that I have discovered hot yoga. It is something I have wanted to do for years but have hesitated because I don’t have good balance and it always seemed like only something 20 year-old size 2’s indulged in. I won’t bore you with all of the physical and mental gains doing 20 classes in the last 30 days has done for this middle-aged body, but I will share that the greatest benefit I’ve discovered in the last month is a completely new way of breathing. </span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, it might seem rather ironic that a vocal coach who makes her living teaching singers and public speakers how to breathe has twigged on to a completely new way of breathing but yogi breathing is definitely something entirely different than the breathing required to act, sing or public speak.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Everything in yoga hinges on the breath. In singing, our goal is always to fuel each phrase with plenty of air drawn in quickly deep down into the full lung capacity. In yoga, this breath is drawn in through the nose and exhaled also through the nose, while making a “snor-ey” sound out through the nose – otherwise referred to as “pranayama”. Every pose is governed by the inhale or the exhale and every transition waits to begin with the breath.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As in singing, the quality of the voice is governed by the quality of the breath; shallow breathing equals a shallow, weak, uncommitted sound. In yoga, incorrect breathing equals a lack of control over the rest of the body and the result is poses that are weak and ungrounded. This much is similar, but the long sustained inhalations and exhalations through the nose are the exact opposite of those required in singing where we often don’t have the luxury of more than an eighth note to replenish our air supply and carry on with the phrase. For this reason, in singing, the breath must be rapidly (and silently) sucked into the body through a wide, open throat as though it were water falling into your belly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">In yoga, the longer the breath is on the inhale and exhale, the better as you allow this breath to guide your muscles to move micro-amounts to adjust your posture. Both types of breathing are about control, it’s just an entirely different way of getting there. Namaste.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/7654942013-05-17T02:05:00-07:002017-01-14T13:08:25-08:00Vocal Damage - What To Do When You've Over Done<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/53a0a46821a0e86872ee2589ca198f4d3bb806d4/original/shhhhh.jpg?1368807364" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="192" width="192" /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><br>
As a singer teacher and vocal coach, I have had several inquiries recently about how to repair vocal<br>
damage. It is every singer and public speaker’s nightmare to have a voice that just won’t deliver when they need it to – much like a marathon runner whose legs won’t move… so, what can be done?<br>
First and foremost – rest your voice. And I mean complete, 100% no noise whatsoever, no talking, singing, grunting or moaning – nada, nothing! Whispering is actually MORE damaging to your voice than speaking softly so if you must interact with other people, text on your phone and show them the message or write notes on a piece of paper - anything to avoid using your voice. If possible, give it a minimum of 2 days of complete silence. <br><br>
While you are resting your voice, consume plenty of fluids. Room temperature water, broths, fruit juice, decaffeinated teas with lemon or honey… anything to get your hydration up as high as possible. You can also steam your voice by boiling water in a pot on the stove and leaning over it once it’s boiled with a towel over your head. Breathe the steam in slowly and deeply through your nose and mouth alternately. Warm showers, far infrared saunas and anything that will keep your neck warm and relaxed will help speed the healing process.<br><br>
Take large amounts of vitamin C – I’m talking 1000 milligrams every 2 hours large. Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory and it will help reduce the inflammation of your vocal chords. It is also considered “queen of all vitamins” and will help the absorption of any other supplements you take. Vitamins A, B6, D and E are also beneficial in reducing inflammation so taking these supplements will also be beneficial.<br><br>
Foods to eat more of while you are healing are those that (you guessed it) reduce inflammation. Try adding more of these foods to your diet: Ginger, Salmon, Green Tea, Pineapple, Raspberries, Cauliflower, Avocado, Spinach. Foods to avoid are any that cause inflammation such as dairy products, deep fried foods, white breads, and sugar. And of course, avoid alcohol and any kind of air pollutant like cigarette smoke as these two things do more damage to vocal chords that anything else.<br><br>
When you have given your voice adequate rest, you can begin gently warming up your voice. I will post some exercises on specific vocal warm-ups in next week’s blog. <br><br>
Enjoy your week!</span><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/6936052013-05-07T07:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:11:25-07:00Live Performance Hits and Misses (Teens)<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/5953c9b7364d657dd00094a1a3ce8f82e6ffe7ec/original/frog.jpg?1367963759" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="293" width="250" /> I had the pleasure of seeing several live performances this past weekend by teenagers singing in the North Vancouver CityFest outdoor event and at an audition for a local performance group in Vancouver. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the festival, one of the performers came out with tons of confidence yet when she started to sing, it was obvious that she couldn’t sing on pitch – at all! I felt terrible for her but the audience was overly supportive and clapped and hooted at the end of each song as though it were the best performance they had ever heard. I wondered - were they really helping her? Was this not just building up a false confidence in a talent that just isn’t there yet? Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for encouragement along the journey and always approach my teaching practice from a positive standpoint but when something is genuinely off, don’t we kind of owe it to the performer to give them some honest feedback? I hope someone was in the audience filming it for her so she can learn something and hopefully start investing in some singing lessons to correct the pitch problems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The next performer was completely professional. She came out and engaged the audience. There was some technical difficulty at the beginning as her guitar wasn’t coming through the sound system but she remained calm while things got worked out. She had a dynamite voice and you could tell that she knew her songs well and was prepared to share them. I really enjoyed her eye contact with the audience and my only constructive criticism is that she only smiled at the beginning and end of her songs; if she had done more of that during her pieces, it would have made her performance even better. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Later that day at the vocal audition, I saw a young man sing and play the guitar for a room of only 8 people. His voice was good and his playing was strong but he kept his eyes closed through the entire song. I’m sure this was due to nerves but closing your eyes closes you off from your audience and completely disconnects you. While you can do this in a sound studio when you are recording, live it just makes you look really selfish. After all, you are there to communicate the message of your song. The people auditioning him were very kind in their comments but he had failed to truly connect with them despite having a pretty good voice and playing skill.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I LOVE seeing teens perform. I love their energy, their green-ness, their possibility. I just hope they all have people in their lives who will give them honest feedback when they perform so they can continue to enhance their skills and get even better.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/6407062013-04-30T04:25:38-07:002017-01-14T13:08:24-08:00Confessions of a Yoga-Phobe<span style="font-size: large;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/85e7b99d883c2f4350aa8755c89b0224d872bc04/large/yoga-fear.jpg?1367346104" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="255" width="250" />I have a confession to make. It’s been a dirty little secret for almost 15 years now and I just can’t keep it in any longer – I’ve always been afraid of yoga. There, I said it. I remember a personal trainer tell me at least 15 years ago “you know, you would probably do really well with yoga”. I just smiled weakly and said “yeah, when I find the time”. With three small children and a busy music teaching business and performing schedule, it was a miracle I could even get to the gym, let alone take on something as daunting as yoga! </span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The thing that scared me about yoga was that while I am pretty flexible, I have crummy balance. I was afraid that I would embarrass myself in a class where all of those graceful, lithe bodies would be perfectly in unison and I would be the awkward clod tipping over, fumbling and bumbling and completely ruining the calm, relaxed vibe of the class.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Happily, all of this changed recently. I had made a wish collage over Christmas that represented my goals for the year - physical, financial, relationship, travel... I have been making one every year since 2002 and always put it up in a place where I will see it daily. This year, just like the previous 5 years, was a picture of a lovely woman serenely sitting in a lotus position, signifying that I was to begin going to yoga. I looked at the collage and thought "here it is, almost the end of April and I haven't even looked into starting somewhere. At this rate, that serene yoga pose would continue to stare me down and end up mocking me for the rest of the year! Impulsively, I did a quick Google search and went on the website of the nearest hot yoga studio to my home. To my surprise, I found that they had an unlimited introductory month for only $49.00. This was too good to pass up! I went to my first class that night.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow! All I can say is “Wow”! Why did I wait so long to discover this amazing thing? There is no “keeping up with everyone else” in yoga, no competition, no feeling of inadequacy; each class focuses on doing only what YOU can do… it completely takes the pressure off of keeping up with all of the veterans. I love the way my body feels at the end of every class and the way that yoga reconnects you to your body and your breath. It is, quite simply the most wonderful thing I have ever done for myself and I look forward to how I’m going to feel one month, two months, a year from now. Woo Hoo! Another dragon slaine!!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/5860382013-04-22T14:15:00-07:002021-07-15T16:11:45-07:00It Was Funnier In My Head<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/195117dce1c3cebda562ba1f5615005a08278c7f/medium/buble.jpg?1366696192" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="200" width="300" /><span style="font-size: large;">I watched the Juno Awards last night, eager to celebrate the wonderful musical talent that Canada is so blessed with. As a singer and performer myself, I’ve always been a Michael Buble fan and was eager to see our great Canadian talent celebrated in fashion. As a voice coach and actor, I’m also always interested to see how celebrities are when they are just being themselves and as a public speaking coach, I love watching acceptance speeches as they always provide great insights. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">However, as I watched the poorly written and awkward video clips that opened the show, my heart sank. “What were they thinking” was all I kept thinking. The interactions were strained and unfunny and wasn't this supposed to be a music show... like with MUSIC?… “surely, the actual show will be better”, I thought. Boy was I wrong!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">First was the problem with the actual stage; putting the stage in such a central area meant that there was no clean backdrop for the presenters and the winners. With all of the movement of the crowd behind them the visual was so busy it was work to actually focus on the speakers. Many times, presenters and recipients were unsure of where to talk. Next came the weird Peter Pan moment when Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay flew over the rather uninspired crowd below; there was nothing magical, interesting or graceful about it - it was just weird. Every musician in the place must have cringed. Next came the bumbling, self-deprecating interview Buble did with One Direction which only served to make him look incompetent. Last, but certainly not least was the entirely uncomfortable and inappropriate joke Buble told about Carly Rae Jepsen’s shorts looking better crumpled on his bedroom floor then apologizing to his pregnant wife in the crowd. Even with her presumed buy in and the hokey angry glare and mock throat slit, the joke was in such bad taste, I’m sure it will haunt him for quite a while. Giving Michael the benefit of the doubt, I actually said "hey, he's an actor... he's just speaking someone else's words. It's really not his fault". However, when I found out that Buble actually co-wrote the show, I was even more disappointed – he should stick to what he does best… singing!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Given the fact that the show’s producers and writers have an entire year to come up with a decent awards show, have an ample budget and can draw on great examples like the Grammy’s, Oscar’s, Emmy’s and Tony’s on how to do it well; why, oh why was this the best we could muster? I can only presume that the “it was funnier in my head” scenario was at play when the material was written. You know how it goes, the writer sits in a dark room and writes then publishes his creation without passing it by anyone else for feedback. The show’s director and producer should have seen this for the train wreck it became. Rule#1… even a good writer needs an editor. Here's hoping next year's show can get this train back on the rails.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/5431772013-04-16T07:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:12:14-07:0090-Second Cure for the 3:00 Slump<p><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/cb2a15af066fe3b143615adcb8e86e6387121d35/original/Thymus.jpg?1366153981" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="324" width="250" />Do you suffer from the 3:00 slump? Need a fast and effective pick-me-up that doesn’t involve caffeine or sugar? Try self stimulation! No, not THAT kind… I’m talking about your Collarbone, your Thymus Gland and your Spleen. In only 90 seconds you will feel a greater sense of energy, balance and concentration. I use this technique in my voice studio for my singing and public speaking students as part of the warm up before every lesson.<br><br><b>1) Collarbone (K-27 Points)</b><br><br>To locate these points, place both index fingers on the inside corners of your collarbone. Now move your fingers straight down to about an inch below your collarbone.<br><br>Tap or massage these points for about 30 seconds while breathing deeply.<br><br>Benefits of stimulating the K-27 points are:<br>• Increased energy<br>• Greater alertness<br>• Better focus<br><br><b>2) Thymus Gland</b><br><br>The Thymus Gland is located in middle of your chest directly below the K-27 points. Think “Tarzan”.<br><br>Massage or gently tap on the center of your chest for about 30 seconds while breathing deeply.<br><br>Benefits of tapping the Thymus Gland:<br>• Stimulate your energy<br>• Boost your immune system<br>• Increase your strength and vitality<br><br><b>3) Spleen</b><br><br>The trigger points for the spleen are located directly below each breast. Massage or tap both points for about 30 seconds while breathing deeply.<br><br>Benefits of stimulating the Spleen:<br>• Lift your energy level<br>• Balance your blood sugar<br>• Strengthen your immune system<br><br>So try this next time you’re thinking of reaching for a latte. Your body and brain will thank you.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/5049662013-04-10T11:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:13:25-07:00"What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying."<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/6b2ab68432315c7428e7cb846f41e00d8cee2d89/original/Emerson.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="600" width="233" /><span style="font-size: large;">“What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying” was noted by Ralph Waldo Emerson and it is still true today. How you hold your body says so much about you, it is often the only thing that people see. As a voice teacher and public speaking coach who works with singers and business professionals every day, I find myself saying the same things over and over again as the issue of body posture fundamentally either reinforces or undermines your presentation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">When someone stands in front of us, we are noticing several things simultaneously: 1) are they standing up straight or are they slouching? 2) are they making eye contact with the people they’re speaking to or is their gaze fixed into space? 3) are they using their hands effectively to make gestures or are they fidgeting with themselves nervously? 4) are they frozen in one place or do they move comfortably and fully use the space they’ve been given? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The judgments we make combine to create an overall image which either tells us that this person has knowledge and confidence or they don’t. From these first few observations which happen in the span of less than 10 seconds, we make the determination either to give this person some or all of our attention. With my voice students, I first have them stand in front of a big mirror and observe themselves. Next, we might video tape a minute of them speaking or singing and we review it together. The things they notice about themselves are often extremely accurate and are in line with the judgments others will make about them. Awareness is the first step and with adjustments they can make the changes necessary to effectively communicate their message or song without negative distractions. With enough practice and direction, most of these behaviours will become second nature and they won’t have to think about them again – freeing them to move on to working on their vocal delivery and text.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/4646852013-04-03T08:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:13:56-07:00Perfecting your 60-second introduction in business<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/c6e0e32c7645a0069d677c612745a0ed0badd67a/original/salesman.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="233" width="250" />I had such an interesting voice coaching session this past week with a woman who has been a fitness coach and has begun facilitating larger group meetings with the intent of eventually becoming a professional motivational speaker. We began at the beginning – perfecting her 1-minute introduction. When addressing a new person or group, you really only have about 15 seconds to make an impression and it will be either a positive one or a negative one. The switch is either turned on or off and the judgment that they will make about you is indelibly set. Based on this first impression, they will either engage and pay attention to what you have to say or disengage and tune you out. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that you are able to consistently deliver a clear, concise and likable 60-second introduction that clearly defines what you do and why. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is commonly agreed by research psychologists that communication is 55% visual (body language, eye contact), 38% is vocal (pitch, speed, volume, and tone of voice) and only 7% is the actual words that you use. With this in mind, we videoed her delivering the 1-minute introduction she usually does and set it aside as a reference point. Next, we wrote down the bullet points that made up her mission statement and re-ordered them according to which were most important. We started with the second most important one and ended with the most important one. With the wording adjusted so that it flowed, we were ready to work on presentation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">We discovered while watching her first video that she has a few nervous ticks such as gesturing with her hands in a dismissive way, swaying slightly and tilting her head to the side. All of these things undermined the confidence and enthusiasm her voice had when talking about herself. We also noticed a tendency to allow her voice to creep up at the ends of thoughts which undermined her authority in the statements.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m happy to say that when the hour-long session was over, we had adjusted these behaviours and the end result was a clear, confident message that she can use over and over again in a variety of settings. Beginning with a great first impression will help her become a more effective facilitator and speaker. Most adjustments are quite minor and my business clients are astonished at the positive results they experience by investing in their greatest resource – themselves.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/4361112013-03-29T01:53:24-07:002017-01-14T13:08:24-08:00Tapping into your Chi (Core) for Vocal Power<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/41606bbd98ce76572cbb591bda99537b58f82b73/medium/Energy.jpeg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="333" width="300" />Have you ever had to call to someone urgently across a busy street? Been surprised suddenly so you cried out? Ridden on a roller coaster where the thrill made you scream? Did your voice make a bigger than usual sound? Of course it did! Nature has equiped us humans with the capacity to use our voice when we need it. Those sounds you created stem from you Chi energy center or more commonly referred to as your core in western society. This energy centre is available to you on demand and can be utilized to create a stronger and more powerful vocal presence.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a voice teacher and acting coach, one of the largest hurdles I see my students face is that they fail to realize that it is the SAME VOICE that shouts and yells as that which sings or does a monologue. Why can they make these powerful, amazing sounds doing a visualization with me in the studio yet once they start to sing or speak, it disappears into a small, cautious tone? The mental adjustment needed is a simple one - to connect the dots between the two voices and focus on your Chi.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is a simple exercise but one that I've found to be very effective: visualize that you are grounded to the earth, immovable like a giant oak tree. Feel your centre of power in your solar plexus glowing bright yellow like the sun and imagine that your voice is flowing like a bright ray of sunshine out of your mouth and into every corner and crevice of the space you are performing in. As you sing or speak, see your voice hitting every single corner of the room, under the furniture and behind the curtains. Your voice will feel big, expansive and powerful as it flows from your body and fills the room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">With a little practice, you will be able to tap into and duplicate this technique in public at will. Try it! The results might surprise you.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/3443022013-03-05T04:57:27-08:002017-01-14T13:08:24-08:00Spriiiiiiiinnnnnnnngg!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/f1d9fef8bea9ac320e78af84fcba90f4c2820f3f/original/tigger-flower-04.gif?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="218" width="250" /><span style="font-size: large;">This morning, I woke up early to the sounds of birds singing – woo hoo!! It’s a sure fire sign that the dark, dreary days of winter are finally coming to an end! Here in Kelowna, BC the crocuses and tulips are emerging, the days are getting longer and the temperatures are turning into light jacket weather once again. We are renowned for our beautiful summers here but the price we pay is about 120 days of flat grey skies that begin in the late fall and last until spring. Needless to say, we get STARVED for sunshine here and when the weather starts to turn, it puts everyone into a wonderful mood. </span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Musically, this is the time of year I give my voice students songs about Spring – there are some wonderful art songs out there and what I love about them is that they all share a feeling of expectancy – a rhythm of hopeful anticipation. This is a contagious energy and it is absolutely impossible to sing them without feeling energized and happy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Whether you take voice lessons or not, you can put a spring in your step this week simply by singing in the shower… the wonderful bouncy acoustics, the warm air which is so good for your voice, the feeling of just being free will help you set the tone for a fantastic day. Give it a try and Happy Spring!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/3286942013-02-25T14:04:32-08:002017-01-14T13:08:24-08:00It's not YOU - it's your CHARACTER!<span style="font-size: large;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/3a29ba74003351fde33e9306f75df160dbe64e33/original/masks.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" />As a vocal coach, I always ask my students about the “character” they’ve created for the song they are about to sing. Each and every song is its own story and demands its own character to communicate its unique message. The best advice I can give my voice students or any performer is to “take yourself out of the equation” and focus 100% of your energy on the <u>message</u> of the song. This does a few things: 1) it helps with nerves as it allows you to stop thinking about yourself and 2) it puts you squarely into the shoes of the song writer and enables you to deliver the intent of the song. </span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Singers need to create a history for their character – <b>WHO</b> are you? Next, they need to imagine the scenario where they are singing this song. If you create a specific space in your mind, it will communicate clearly to your audience – <b>WHERE</b> are you? Last, are you singing this song to another person? A group of people? Alone in your room? There has to be a heightened emotional state and reason that causes you to sing - <b>WHY</b> are you?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">So many singers get caught up in the act of simply learning the tune, words and phrasing of a song. Doing this type of character background work first will deepen your performance and lead to a more memorable experience for your audience.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/3243642013-02-22T07:00:00-08:002021-07-15T16:14:19-07:00The No-Show Epidemic – 6 Tips to Avoid Being Stood Up By Your Clients<p><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/20269788970e9cf514f3a8f599ca91edd2e3c67b/original/stood-up.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="306" width="200" />One of the biggest challenges sales people and service-based businesses face is the “no-show”. It's happened to us all - from sales proessionals to hair stylists, massage therapists to voice teachers, we all struggle with the problem of clients who make appointments with us and don’t show up. Having been a vocal coach for over 20 years, I have to say that the problem is worse now than it was in the early 90’s; even more frustrating since we now have such amazing tools for communication with email and cell phones. There are no excuses for the no show, it is rude behavior and those who do it should know better. But this blog isn't for them - it is for those of us who are left sitting and waiting. <br><br>What can a business owner do to prevent a no-show?<br><br>1) Add an online booking system to your website that sends auto-reminder messages to your clients. (I have just done this on www.kelownavoicelab.com so will post another blog in a few months to report back on my results). Otherwise, send your client an email or txt message the day before the appointment just to confirm.<br><br>2) Get paid in advance. This is hard to do for some businesses but for those of us in the voice lesson business, it has been my experience that people will usually show up if they have already paid to be there.<br><br>3) Put your cancellation policy on your website.<br><br>4) Ask for your clients’ cell number so if they are late, you can txt them immediately.<br><br>5) Create an upfront contract when the appointment is made. (Doctors and dentists are excellent at doing this). Tell your clients at the time of booking what your cancellation policy is and what you expect in terms of communication from them.<br><br>6) Value your time and stay firm to your cancellation policy.<br><br>You can't change other people's behaviour, you can only change your own. If you have a healthy respect for your business and your time, your clients will also respect you.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/3103672013-02-13T08:37:18-08:002017-01-14T13:08:24-08:00What's Holding You Back?<span style="font-size: large;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/24632b68b47b94a4f8a8001f1cc72c11ff5c24c8/original/hb.gif?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="297" width="360" />I had an interesting experience last night with a vocal student who seemed to have a mental block around one particular vowel sound on one particular note. It took over 10 minutes of focused exercises before she finally started to loosen up her voice and allow herself to just “go for it”. Even then, I detected in her a real reluctance to truly release her voice. I reassured her that in the studio environment, there is no right or wrong and that it’s all about self discovery and experimentation. It was purely a self-limiting belief she had about her voice which (like a muscle in spasm) had to be massaged and released. We took a huge step forward last night but there is still a long way to go.<br><br>
What purpose does holding back serve? Being cautious and guarded doesn’t feel good yet we all seem to believe it is required behavior in order to belong to the “world of grown-ups”. I have observed from my years teaching music in elementary school that it starts to happen around the age of 10. Everyone loves watching babies and animals. Why? I think it is because they are so free, so unselfconscious, so... the <u>exact opposite</u> of the way we behave in our everyday lives. Ask yourself, “what would happen if I really gave it absolutely everything I had right here, right now?” Are you afraid your all wouldn’t be enough? Is it safer just to not try at all? <br><br>
As a voice teacher, it is my job to pull you out of that grey, tepid “safe zone” and fully explore what your voice is really capable of doing. Singing and speaking in public is 80% mental. It is an absolute privilege to witness someone really giving it everything they’ve got and facilitating that exploration. At the end of the day remember, it’s not a contest - except with yourself.</span><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2929862013-01-29T12:25:00-08:002021-07-15T16:15:03-07:0010 Tips for Being Patient with Yourself<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/911fd69e19267c519b0a454c129f616ecf5b3a1d/original/Grashopper.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="160" width="160" />As the great writer Stephen R. Covey wrote in his wonderful book “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People” back in 1989, one of the habits is to “begin with the end in mind”. However, there can be a serious downfall in focusing purely on the end result without being prepared to do the work to get there. How many potentially great singers and orators suffer from the “I just want to be where I envision I’m going to end up” syndrome? As a vocal coach and singing teacher, I can see the frustration on the faces of some students when the gears just aren’t clicking easily into place. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Many times, I have to remind them that most of the changes they need to make must happen in their head first and that the voice will follow. Many of the adjustments are actually quite small and once they have that "aha moment", it will start to become second nature. The most important thing is to not give up! Time and again I have had eager singers and speakers begin lessons but when a month has gone by and they aren't where they expected to be, they get discouraged and quit. It is very like the seed underneath the ground, ready to emerge, when it is abandoned, shrivels and dies. I’m always very sad for these students but at the end of the day it is their own internal fortitude and self-belief that is necessary for their success. It's not enough that I want it for them, they need to be patient with the process.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, here are my top 10 tips for being patient with yourself: </span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 1) Remember that anything worth having or doing is worth waiting for.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 2) It takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in your field (the least you can do is give it 6 months).</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 3) Set achievable, measurable goals for yourself (for example, hold a note for 12 counts, reach a new note comfortably, deliver a<br> solid 30-second sound bite).</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 4) Acknowledge that even the most seasoned professional feels insecure about their abilities from time to time.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 5) The most successful people in their field never feel like they have stopped learning and improving.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 6) Celebrate your victories (focusing on the positive things that happen will strengthen your resolve to keep on going).</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 7) Cancel out the negative self-talk (it is poisonous and entirely unhelpful).</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 8) When you’re alone in the car or shower, SING (or speak) with total abandon. Remind yourself how much pleasure it gives you and<br> why you are working towards your goal.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 9) Work to please yourself. If there are those who praise you, accept the praise graciously, if there are those who put you down<br> release it and let them own it as it says far more about them than you.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;"> 10) Always remember, the journey IS the success.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2855962013-01-21T12:00:00-08:002021-07-15T16:15:31-07:00Stage Fright isn't Funny :(<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/732673694d88559dc8b1ca27fdca8fa0a1df9477/original/Stage-Fright.png?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="387" width="254" />I had the interesting experience over the weekend to attend a comedy club’s stand-up competition where aspiring comedians had to do a 3-minute set and based on audience applause, they could move on to Round 2 and hopefully win the coveted boxing gloves comedy champ trophy. I won’t get into details about the routines the various people did. Suffice it to say that some were confident and relaxed and because they were relaxed, the audience was able to relax… hence… a good time was had by all and they ended up winning their round. Other competitors were completely locked up with awkward stage fright; something that has happened to all performers at one time or another. A friend commented, "everyone's funny until they have to stand up". How true!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a singing teacher and vocal coach, stage fright is something I need to coach people about constantly. The number one cause of stage fright is feeling unprepared. How many of us have gotten up to perform a song or deliver a speech when we really weren’t 100% sure we knew the material? No matter what your level, novice or seasoned professional… none of us are truly comfortable with “winging it”. I believe Clint Eastwood’s very painful performance during the Republican Convention can serve for all time as the poster child of the pitfalls of “winging it”. If a seasoned pro like Eastwood can fall flat on his face, how could the rest of us not falter at one time or another?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">And so, here are my top 10 tips for avoiding stage fright:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 1) <!--[endif]-->Know your material inside and out – no “winging it”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 2) <!--[endif]-->Arrive well in advance of when you are to perform so you don’t feel rushed or rattled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 3) <!--[endif]-->Try to get enough sleep the night before – a well rested brain is a better performing brain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 4) <!--[endif]-->Avoid bad foods and too much alcohol… they will sap your energy and make you feel less than you could.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 5) <!--[endif]-->Avoid large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants, they will increase your nervous energy and make you appear jittery and nervous on stage.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 6) <!--[endif]-->Drink plenty of water - a hydrated voice and brain will serve you best.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 7) <!--[endif]-->Find a quiet place to centre yourself before you go on and take at least 8 deep abdominal breaths to focus your energy</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 8) <!--[endif]-->Envision that you are fully grounded to the earth when you stand</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 9) <!--[endif]-->Remember, no matter the size of the audience, it is just made up of individual people so direct your message to 4 separate people spaced apart in different areas of the room. Including individual people in your presentation will make everyone there feel included.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 10) Visualize yourself performing successfully in advance of your performance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you plan to succeed, you will… thinking back to the comedy club, it’s “funny” how that works.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2719852012-12-27T03:45:00-08:002017-01-14T13:08:24-08:00Auld Lang Syne<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/a9f021517f1dc79acd29affa309c40875f8ab171/original/Family-singing.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="250" width="250" />I had an emotional experience on Christmas Eve that involved two of my children singing. My daughter was born singing and has never stopped but my son hasn’t tried to sing in over 5 years and I have been sad that it seems to be something he no longer cares about. On Christmas eve we were all sitting around the living room singing carols and I asked my daughter to do a solo number. She chose to sing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, a song that she performed for a school concert when she was only 5 years old. Her beautiful delivery of the song and all of the memories of her as a little girl that were tied to it made everyone in the room suddenly still. It was one of those magical moments when many hearts are joined together in one thought. I cried as I played the piano, so grateful for the wonderful gift of song she possesses and moved beyond expectation. </span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The other moment came later that evening when my 18 year old son agreed to sing a song as well. It was been many years since I have heard him sing and I wondered if he might have forgotten how. Growing up, he was singing in public from the time he was 3 years old and had always done solos in school and for concerts and musical theatre shows up until around Grade 7 when he suddenly stopped, embarrassed to do it any more in front of others. Hearing him sing was something I truly missed. He chose to do “Auld Lang Syne” and sang it so beautifully, everyone again was completely spell bound. I was so happy he still remembered how to sing and it reminded me that truly, it is never too late for someone to begin again from where they left off. Raw talent never goes away, it merely lays dormant until it is awakened again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is there is anyone in your life who used to sing and doesn’t do it anymore? encourage them to start again. I have many students who are rediscovering how much joy they used to get from singing and are so grateful to be doing it again.<br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s to a wonderful 2013!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2683942012-12-18T09:25:00-08:002021-07-15T16:16:15-07:00Christmas Songs - The Naughty and Nice List<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/92c66abf186cd985c2a731486ec1c7b5b7e1f7bd/medium/Santa.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="242" width="250" />It’s that time of year… cool new versions or unmitigated butchery of holiday music assaults the ears on the radio, in department stores, schools and special concert presentations. Now don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some new versions and original songs that are really quite wonderful that come out every year. In fact, I personally own over 50 holiday CDs and make a point of buying a new one every year just to hear something new and wonderful. That said, every year I hear songs that are so horrible, they make my teeth hurt. So here are my top ten naughty and nice holiday songs, take it for what it's worth:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Nice List</b></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Manhattan Transfer – Let it Snow</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">.... pure jazz magic!</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Nylons – Carol of the Bells</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... the most unique version I've ever heard.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Linda Eder – Here Comes Santa Clause</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... fun and beautiful.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Michael Buble – Jingle Bell</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">s... love the 1940's feel.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Madonna – Santa Baby</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... she nailed the subtext!</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Baby It’s Cold Outside – Rufus Wainwright & Sharon Van Etten</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... slow and sexy.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sarah McLaughlin – River</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... dream like.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">David Lantz – Angels We Have Heard on High</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... mystical piano.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bare Naked Ladies – Elf’s Lamen</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">t... hilarious & original!</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Holly Cole – Sleigh Ride</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">... fun and pure cole.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Naughty List</b></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Michael Buble – Santa Baby (Buddy)</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">…. Seriously, what were the producers thinking?</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Paul McCartney – The Christmas Song</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">… An uninteresting snooze. </span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheap Trick – Come on Christmas</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">… my ears are bleeding!!</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Rosie O’Donnell and Cher – Baby Please Come Home</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">…. Uggh!!!</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Little Drummer Boy – The Toasters</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">…. SKA needs to keep its grubby hands off of Christmas Songs</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – any artis</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">t…. This is truly my least favourite holiday song ever.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Chipmunks - Christmas Don’t Be Late</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> … too long by 2 minutes.</span><br><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Y La Bamb – Senor Santa</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">… weird and irritating.<br><b>Seymour Swine & Squeelers - Blue Christmas</b>... piggy sounds???<br><b>Beach boys - The Man With All The Toys</b>... just, no!<br><br>Let me know if you have any favourites I missed. Happy holidays and see you in 2013!!</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2649632012-12-11T07:37:27-08:002021-03-15T12:04:07-07:00Say "AHHHHHHHH"<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/960db3dfde0a2040f3c91615fee0e7f8d578f799/original/Doctor.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="245" width="250" />I am a doctor of singing. Patients come to me and ask me to “fix” their voice much as you might go to your doctor and ask them to “fix” a health issue. During your visit, a thorough examination is required to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. This might involve asking a lot of questions, getting a history of the problem, performing various tests and finally submitting a diagnosis. How mistrustful would you be of your doctor if you walked into their office and without saying a word, they just handed you a prescription? You would be very reluctant to take that pill because you would know that they didn’t take the time to understand your problem. You would feel put out and insulted that they didn’t care enough about you to take the time to figure out exactly what your problem is. The same is true for learning how to sing or speak in public; one formulae (or pill) does not fix every person’s problem… the solution is as unique as the individual. </span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">When you decide to take voice lessons, you are committing to a process and are agreeing to do what your teacher prescribes. How crazy would it be if you went to your doctor, they gave you a prescription, exercises to do and a diet to follow and you just thanked them, went home and didn’t do any of the things you were supposed to do. Would you be surprised that your condition doesn’t change? Of course not, you would know that you were not holding up your end of the bargain. The same is true for your voice lesson. Practice the material you are given, show up on time, warm up before you arrive, turn off your cell phone and give 100% of your concentration to the lesson while you are there. These are the basic fundamentals of being a good voice student. Most of all…. Ask questions! A voice lesson is not a lecture, it is an interchange and you should absolutely feel empowered to ask as many questions as you can. You are paying for your teachers expertise, don’t be afraid to ask and give feedback.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Your teacher (and doctor) are trusted advisors who are your advocate to help you be all that you can be. So next time you go for your voice lesson, say “Ahhhhhh”. </span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/661762012-12-04T03:52:37-08:002017-01-14T13:08:22-08:00Protecting Your Voice in10 Simple Steps<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/2aa4585e166f94eff29a0b80425a58dbe934f841/medium/sore-throat.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="250" width="250" />It’s every singer’s worst fear – that their voice won’t be there for them when they need it most. Doing a very demanding musical show, gigging for 2-3 hours in an evening fronting multiple songs, or giving a long speech of an hour or more. Whatever the cause, there are several things you can do to protect your voice and ensure that it is a reliable old friend rather than a fickle “frienemy”.<br><br>
1. Hydrate at least one day before your big gig. Realize that any water you drink will not reach your vocal chords directly, but must reach them through your blood stream. This takes time and most of us are chronically dehydrated most of the time anyway. Hydration is absolutely key for healthy vocal chord maintenance. Drinking warm water during your gig will also help. Avoid cold or icy drinks entirely. Steam your voice regularly. You can do this by closing the door in your bathroom when you shower and just running the hot water extra long when you come out, boiling water on the stove and carefully tenting with a heavy towel while breathing in deeply or investing in a low cost steamer with a face mask. All of these things will help keep your voice moist and healthy. I’m also a huge fan on the neti pot to keep the sinuses hydrated and to prevent viruses. Definitely one of the most important purchases a singer can make!<br><br>
2. Avoid “C-Food”: cold drinks, creamy foods, candy, chocolate, coffee and colas as all of these will create mucus which will cause you to clear your throat more than normal. Clearing your throat causes friction between the vocal chords which will just add to the overall vocal strain. Caffeine is a diuretic which will dehydrate your voice and cause strain. If you suffer from acid reflux, don’t eat any earlier than 3 hours before bed as stomach acid can back up into the throat and play a role in deteriorating your vocal chords.<br><br>
3. If you have any control over your song order at all, sing your harder songs earlier in the gig. You’ll strain less overall and can take it easier later on when your voice is more tired.<br><br>
4. Warm up before your gig. At least 15 minutes of light warm up will stretch your vocal muscles and prepare your voice to work for you. Also, a very light cool down is recommended after you are finished for the evening. <br><br>
5. Keep your neck and chest warm. Cold drafts will cause the muscles around your throat and chest to tighten which will cause extra strain on your voice. Keep your neck warm and your ears covered if it’s cold outside as warm muscles are more flexible muscles.<br><br>
6. Don’t smoke. It is the single most damaging thing you can do to your voice short of standing on a corner and screaming for hours on end. <br><br>
7. Rest your voice. After an extended singing session, plan to take it very easy on your voice the next day. If you have back to back shows, don’t talk much during the day. Resting your voice will allow the muscles time to recuperate.<br><br>
8. Sing daily. It is important to keep your vocal chords in shape on a regular basis. How unrealistic would it be for a track and field athlete to expect to run a race with no preparation or training? The same holds true for your voice. It is a muscle and must be strengthened regularly so it will be there for you when you need it.<br><br>
9. Gargle with apple cider vinegar and warm water before your gig. The vinegar will kill any bacteria in your throat and get rid of any excess mucous.<br><br>
10. Avoid alcohol before and during your gig. Alcohol will ultimately dehydrate your voice and certain alcohols (sweet coolers, liquors and beer) will add to mucous production. Try not to drink too much after a gig either as anything more than 2 drinks will dry you out for the next day.<br><br>
Most of these steps are pretty logical and straight forward. Remember, your voice is a muscle and needs to be treated with loving care and respect. Treat it right and it will be there to serve you well your entire life.</span><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2577462012-11-27T06:35:48-08:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00Strength in Numbers<span style="font-size: medium;">I had a cool experience last nigh<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/dc778b5a843ec49cc2e7c1a38551ee6eeb37a3d6/original/Group-Singing-2.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="150" width="150" />t when my voice student couple brought the wife’s sister along to the lesson. She had never done a singing lesson before and was very nervous. However, while there, it became apparent that being with people she loves and trusts was a great ice breaker which allowed her to relax and really enjoy herself. During the lesson, she was able to participate in the warm ups and do some exercises. She just listened while my couple worked on their songs with me and observed how much they had grown over the last few months. Toward the end of the lesson we did some Christmas Carols which she could sing along with and by the end of the lesson, she was signing in full voice with freedom.<br><br>
Coming along with her family member was a great introduction to me, the environment of the studio and helped her decide that she wanted to come back on a regular basis as part of the group. I suggested she do one individual lesson before we meet next week so I could get her up to speed on some of the fundamentals she will need to know which I don’t want to take up valuable group lesson time to do. She agreed and is excited to begin the journey of finding her voice.<br><br>
There is strength and safety in numbers. Singing in a group created a relaxed and fun atmosphere and takes the self-imposed pressure off of a new singer. Speaking as a teacher, the option of assigning duets as well as solos provides a wonderful variety and sense of fun to the lesson. Learning duets will also give the students a great repertoire so they can perform together once they are ready. For my new trio, my mind is already buzzing with song ideas to help them learn how to harmonize and perhaps eventually perform together. In any case, I do know that we will have a wonderful time together and look forward to what next week will bring.</span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2539662012-11-19T07:24:25-08:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00Fear Follies<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/83c50578d52b89110ca4a24903eb518da5ae40aa/original/Afraid-Man.jpg?1377767468" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="205" width="300" /><span style="font-size: medium;">I find it interesting that I get so many inquiries from potential new voice students on my website. In ten inquiries only about five of them will follow through to meet me and start lessons. Of those five who begin, two will quit within a month and only three will stick with it for three months or longer. These are the students who will start actually seeing real results and often will study for years with me. Since I began teaching in 1993, I’ve tried to assess whether there is a particular personality type that will commit and persist and one that will fall by the wayside but to date I am still perplexed which type is which. I have spoken with numerous other singing teachers over the years and they tell me their averages are very similar to my own so I gave up taking it personally long ago and have come to the conclusion that the bottom line is fear.<br><br>
Fear of success, of being all you can be, of communicating, of being vulnerable, of really putting yourself out there - whatever the particular fear, I believe that this is the root cause as to why someone will want to begin voice lessons, even take one step forward in learning how to sing or speak in public and then fall off completely. Many of us have wishes but the difference between a wish and a goal is an action plan. As I’ve said before, nothing happens over night and I ask my students to commit to at least 3 months of lessons with the exception being if they want event-specific coaching. Within 3 months, both of us will know whether we are a good fit for each other. I will have a pretty good idea of my student’s raw vocal talent, work ethic and practice habits and they will have a very good idea of my teaching style, the vibe of my voice studio and my expectations of them.<br><br>
I LOVE working with vocal students who have a specific goal in mind such as performing one song at a talent show , auditioning for a role in a play or giving a speech at a wedding. When they have a deadline and a very specific end result in mind, it gives us both a much greater focus. Perhaps the specific fear of failure they are dealing with in their own mind is a more powerful driver than the more ambiguous fear of success or vulnerability? To quote a bumper sticker I saw a few years ago, “fear sucks”. I believe this… it sucks your motivation to move forward, it sucks your ambition to better yourself and it sucks your energy to create. Nothing positive ever comes of fear and in most cases, fear lives only in your own mind… let it go and allow yourself to have and be all of those good things you secretly envision. <br><br>
Another great quote I say to my voice students is “what would you attempt to do if you knew with absolute certainty you could not fail?” </span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2433382012-10-30T10:29:35-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00Singing - It's All In Your Head<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/24beb696bd4a685111536dd8f9c28e28a47fdddb/original/creative-mind.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="407" width="295" />As a vocal teacher, I tend to use a lot of visual images when I teach and am constantly surprised at the results. Simply placing a new picture in someone’s mind can dramatically alter the tone, pitch and intensity of the note they are singing. I think part of the magic is that it stops them focusing on how difficult what they are doing is and allows their instrument to really be free.<br><br>
To illustrate, I have one vocal student – I’ll call her Cheryl. She is very shy and quiet and is always very reluctant to allow her voice to produce a big sound or a strong, clear tone. During her lesson last week, I asked her to imagine that her voice was a golden laser beam and it needed to go right through the window and touch the house behind mine which is visible from my studio. She took a deep breath, and the sound that came out of her absolutely gave me shivers. It was by far the brightest, strongest and clearest tone she had been able to produce in the last month of lessons. The exciting thing is that it showed her that THAT voice exists within her and that she just needs to use the mental keys to unlock it.<br><br>
Another student this week is struggling with singing on pitch. I had him imagine that his voice needed to land on top of each note as though there were a frog jumping from lily pad to lily pad. Just incorporating that simple visualization helped him to stop scooping underneath the notes which made him consistently flat and clearly land on top so each note was right on pitch.<br><br>
Years ago when I taught in Connecticut, I had an adult male student who jokingly once said “you’re teaching Zen singing”. If you consider the definition of the word Zen: “enlightenment through meditation and intuition”, I think he was right. Much of the work I do involves helping people find that inner “a-ha” moment that puts wheels into motion and allows them to discover their true vocal ability.<br><br>
What comes completely naturally to one person does not to another just as using one visual might work for one person but not for someone else. I would encourage all singers or aspiring singers to regularly use imagery that resonates with them and feels right. One size most certainly does not fit all and remember, it’s all in your head!</span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2379332012-10-22T06:47:19-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00It's Never Too Late<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/4ae1863beff01be56ba045595fb98d88722de5ad/original/Singing-old-couple.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="198" width="255" />Last week, I had the most adorable couple come in for a singing lesson. Both were in their 70’s and had not sung in over 20 years. They both had good basic instruments that are just a little rusty now but I’m sure will come back easily with a little work.<br><br>
What really impressed me was how incredibly supportive this couple was of each other and how they took careful notes to help remind each other of what we had talked about. What a wonderful date night this singing lesson turned into for them; watching the other person try their best at a new skill, offering words of encouragement and taking away exercises and songs to practice for the rest of the week until the next lesson. What a great bonding experience for them! It made me wish couples my age would take the time to do something like this together, who knows the marriages it could save!<br><br>
Your voice as an instrument is fully capable of singing at any age so long as you have the muscle strength to support your torso and the ability to maintain good breath control. Yes, the vocal range you enjoyed when you were younger might be somewhat diminished, but with time, effort and determination, much of that range will come back (even if it is now a few tones lower than what you were used to).<br><br>
Singing is good for you at any age: <br>
• Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energized and uplifted. <br>
• People who sing are healthier than people who don’t.<br>
• Singing gives the lungs a workout,<br>
• Singing tones your abdominal and inter-costal core muscles<br>
• Singing stimulates circulation<br>
• Singing makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.” — </span><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Professor Graham Welch, Director of Educational Research, University of Surrey, Roehampton, UK</span></i><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;">Encourage the older people you know to get back into singing... they'll live a longer and happier life :)</span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2290522012-10-09T07:18:23-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00Turkeys and Comfort Zones<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/5d7fb08b15570ce0359e311844a4584a04cd1015/original/Turkey.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="194" width="259" />This past weekend, I had the luxury of enjoying three separate and unique Thanksgiving dinners. The first meal I made completely, the second meal I was a guest and made none of the food and the third meal I contributed a few side dishes while my partner Jim took on the turkey, potatoes and gravy (the foundation of the meal). What really struck me (other than the crushing realization that I had just consumed enough calories in those three days for an entire week) was how different each meal was and how each chef prized the tradition that went into the way they prepared the bird. Myself included, it just wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without that same sage stuffing my grandmother, mother and now I make. There is a comfort and a familiarity to it that makes trying new versions difficult to do.<br><br>
The same reluctance to step outside of comfort zones can also be true for singing. On Sunday night, Jim and I were delighted to join the family of some very fine professional musicians along with some other long time mutual friends who are also working musicians. After dinner, we all got to participate in a rippin’ jam session at their house with three guitars, bass, keyboard and drum tracks all connected to a professional PA system. The sound and vibe of the night was fantastic and we all took turns fronting tunes and singing back up. <br><br>
The style of music that night was exclusively classic rock which is totally NOT my strength. While I’m familiar with most of those songs, vocally, they are not my sweet spot as I’m a Broadway/jazz/ballad singer first and classical singer second. It was so great to watch Jim and our friends all belting out those songs with the comfort and confidence that comes from doing it for 20+ years. I actually felt a little shy about fronting a song in the company of such competent professionals but It was good for me to stretch and just put it out there – outside my comfort zone.<br><br>
My favourite meal was the one that was an amalgamation of old and new; a joining of tradition along with the adventure of the unexplored. I think I might just start putting together a small set list of classic rock songs – what the heck. </span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2249222012-10-03T05:34:33-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00You Are What You Believe<span style="font-size: medium;">As Henry Ford so wisely said “whether you think you can, or you think you can’t… you’re right.”<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/aa897a2931123f05cf2a057ff389d28dc80b62b7/medium/bad-thoughts.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="197" width="300" />I had to do a 15-minute presentation today in front of my business networking group and rather than just bore everyone talking about myself and my experiences singing and performing, I decided to have the whole group do a mock singing lesson and give them a taste of what my students experience. It was so much fun to see 40 people standing up, waving their arms, barking like dogs and hissing. I was happy to see that they allowed themselves to just play and have fun with it rather than holding back and being timid. One thing though that stood out for me was that a few of the people in the group commented that they “just couldn’t just sing”. When talking with them after, it turned out that someone had made a negative comment about their singing ability early on in their lives and they have held onto that belief ever since.<br><br>
It is amazing the power adults have over children and how one negative comment can create a belief system within a child that can limit them for the rest of their life. How different things could have been if that teacher had of said “wow, you really have a fantastic voice there… how about if we tried this?” That very same person could be the lead singer of a rock band or the best member of their choir. The actual person is the same but the belief system would have been different and therefore all of the associated behaviours after that moment would have reinforced the belief that they COULD, not that they COULDN’T.<br><br>
Barring any physical limitations such as damaged vocal chords or a collapsed lung, almost every human being has the ability to sing. Training the ear to find pitch, training the body to breathe properly, training the vocal chords to vibrate effectively and the numerous muscle groups to work in conjunction with each other can all be taught but undeniably the most important muscle involved in the entire process is the one between your ears – your mind. Your own belief system and your own desire to achieve your goal is the single most important and powerful component to your success. This truth applies to every aspect of your life – thoughts become things… choose the good ones!<br><br>
Again, if you can speak, you can SING. No matter WHAT anyone else says. Period.<br></span><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2196012012-09-25T05:49:02-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00Alto ... Schmalto!<span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/3c602a36696bfb4dc029796eb79dbc28ce7e8be8/medium/vocalranges.png?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="190" width="300" />Many singers get quite fixated on the label assigned to them from often a very early age as to what vocal range they have. “I’m an Alto”, “I can’t sing that high, I’m a Baritone”, or “That’s way too low for me, I’m a Soprano” are all too often self limiting beliefs that turn into excuses for not even trying to go past one’s comfort zone.<br><br>
I had a student in the other day who knew absolutely nothing of these labels, nor did he know what the top and bottom limits of his voice were. Such a wonderful treat to work with someone who knows absolutely nothing! I had him start off by speaking as a big giant, then as a little girl, humming like a big bumble bee, wallowing in the mud… low, low, low… then to go up like a roller coaster all the way to his highest, smallest register. The notes he was able to achieve (not singing) were close to 3 octaves! <br><br>
If you can make a sound down there, or up there, you can absolutely sing there. The trick is to know how to approach it properly.<br><br>
Interestingly though, when I asked him to sing these very same notes, he couldn’t. It took the bulk of the singing lesson using various exercises, imageries and physical movements to get his voice to open up to the point where he would allow it to reach those very same notes he had achieved when he was speaking and humming.<br><br>
I believe that singing is 70% mental and only 30% technical (once the right techniques are in place). </span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/722162012-09-17T10:02:51-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00The Strain of it ALL<span style="font-size: medium;">As I mentioned, I’m currently in a show that oppened this weekend and is running 5 performances per week for 3 weeks. Yesterday afternoon, during the last performance of the week and after 5 days of rehearsals, one of my co-stars had her voice crack twice during one the final show numbers – one where she has to belt. She was mortified and was completely at a loss as to how to prevent it in the future. I gave her some tips so this week's blog is about how to prevent vocal strain.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/0f7f804e29fd70cf265ed130645dd32e700095be/medium/Vocal-strain.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="188" width="250" /><br><br>
Vocal tension can be caused by numerous issues ranging from poor singing technique, to diet, fatigue or dehydration. <br><br>
My best advice is the following: <b>WACAW </b>(yes, that's a made-up acronym, try remembering it sounding like a wacky crow cawing). It stands for the following:<br><br><b>Warm</b>: Warm up – ALWAYS. 15 minutes of vocal warm ups can avoid a myriad of singing mistakes and vocal fatigue. Start out humming from your very low to very high range up and down like a roller coaster and then proceed on to various vowel sounds starting with AH, OH and OO, then migrating into AY and EE which are much tighter and more stress inducing to the voice. Don't sing any words for the first 10 minutes, just humming and vowels. <br><br><b>Air:</b> Be sure to get plenty of air into your diaphragm when you breathe. Adequate breath is the fuel on which your voice runs… if you give it poor air quality, it’s the same as putting sugar in your gas tank.<br><br><b>C-Foods</b>: Avoid <b>c</b>old drinks, <b>c</b>reamy foods, <b>c</b>andy, <b>c</b>hocolate, <b>c</b>offee and <b>c</b>olas as all of these will create mucus and will cause your voice to be irritated and/or dehydrated.<br><br><b>Activity:</b> Use your whole body when you sing - involve your arms and hands; get your spine to go straighter as though you were being pulled from the top of your head. This doesn’t mean you have to gyrate like a crazy person… just ignite your whole body energy to feed your voice.<br><br><b>Water:</b> Probably the single greatest gift you can give your voice is to HYDRATE! Room temperature water is the best thing to drink and start in the morning of the day you are performing and continue on throughout the entire day. The rule among accomplished singers is “sing wet, pee clear”. Waiting until 30 minutes before you go on and then downing a jug of water is only going to cause you a lot of trips to the biffy.<br><br>
A good vocal coach will help you learn additional posture and placement techniques to protect your instrument and make the most of what you have. <br><br>
Our show is on for another two weeks and taking good proactive care of my instrument will ensure that my voice stays in great shape for the duration of the run.</span><br><br>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2121912012-09-10T11:00:00-07:002021-07-15T16:17:35-07:00Falsetto - Finding your "False Voice"<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/3a69d26977908916fc5179f6e2b064674a912eca/original/bad-singer.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="136" width="150" />I’m in a show right now and one of the male leads who has a big huge resonant baritone voice has to sing two songs that reside in his falsetto range. At first, he was completely freaked out and was reluctant to even try out this part of his range. Through coaching and specific exercises, he has been able to sing these songs but initially, it was a struggle for him to feel comfortable with this very foreign “female” part of his range.<br><br>In a nutshell, “falsetto” means “false voice” and refers exclusively to male voices as in women, the voices are almost indistinguishable from the upper head voice whereas in men, the sound is completely different.<br><br>Unfortunately, there are very few good resources available on the internet to help singers find their falsetto voice largely due to the fact that every voice is unique and while some techniques will work for one person, they may not necessarily work for another.<br><br>In the end, falsetto is a stylistic choice and in my show, was used intentionally to show the character’s sweet, vulnerable side. Audiences are blown away to hear how vastly different the character’s voice can sound from one number to another. Instead of fearing the falsetto, embrace it and it can be a valuable tool in your toolbox to make you a more versatile singer.</span><br> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/2023272012-08-20T09:00:00-07:002021-07-31T15:22:46-07:00Vocal Resonance - What the Heck is that anyway?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/65b1758fb7edff489023f99ed774e1bdaa6b96a9/medium/000-Diagram-of-voice-system.gif?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="283" width="250" />In the last blog, we talked about how the human voice makes sound with the vocal chords. Today, let's talk about a little more elusive topic – resonance. What is it that makes one voice stand out from another? What quality commands attention and makes you sit up and take notice whether the person is speaking or singing? The warm tone that seems to penetrate right through your ears and into your very core is called resonance.<br><br>Since the vocal chords have a limited space in which to vibrate together to make sound, it is the hollow cavities in the body that must be used for that sound to bounce off of. Just like shouting “hello, hello, hello…” in a big open cave or even in a tiled bathroom, the more space you allow the sound to move in, the warmer and more lovely the sound. We ALL love to sing in the shower… why? Because all that hard surface allows our voice to bounce around and sound better than when it disappears into thin air.<br><br>This link is a wonderful exploration into the topic of vocal resonance and offers some great tips to create more open space within your own body to create a better resonance with your voice. It also has some video links to demonstrate. <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/what-is-vocal-resonance" target="_new">www.squidoo.com/what-is-vocal-resonance</a><br><br>Enjoy!</span><br> </p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/1986662012-08-10T06:15:00-07:002021-07-15T16:19:27-07:00How Your Voice Works<p><span style="font-size: large;">Our voice is something we use every day without even really thinking about it... until we HAVE to think about it... like when we are singing or giving a presentation. Have you ever wondered exactly how your voice works? What amazingly intricate mechanics are involved? This 1 minute video illustrates it simply and beautifully. </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzyHKYQzPBk&feature=related" target="_new"><span style="font-size: large;">www.youtube.com/watch</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/c1509d65e17d7219754a592ab6ce7af92231bbd4/medium/vocal_cords.jpg?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="241" width="300" /><br><br>Understanding how sound is made is the first step in understanding how to control and master that sound. While physiology most certainly plays a vital role in the how your instrument is designed and the sound quality your own unique voice will produce, learning how to control the muscles and breath will give you the power and confidence to do your best.</span></p>Kelowna Voice Labtag:kelownavoicelab.com,2005:Post/1962792012-08-03T09:39:28-07:002017-01-14T13:08:23-08:00Hello LinkedIn :)<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/51666/3d577a4a4c5a993667822432251b91e3baa82c7d/original/boring_speaker.gif?1377767467" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="109" width="201" /><br><span style="font-size: medium;">Since a large part of my work is working with the business community, I'm happy to announce the creation of a new LinkedIn group called Kelowna Voice Lab. Here, we can share sound tips on how to make the most of your presentations - particularly as it pertains to how you use your voice to captivate a crowd. Check out the latest posting to the group - a fantastic list of 10 vocal tips to make your presentations more effective: </span><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Kelowna-Voice-Lab-4558420?home=&gid=4558420&goback=.nmp_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1&trk=NUS_UNIU_SHARE-grpName" target="_new"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.linkedin.com/groups/Kelowna-Voice-Lab-4558420</span></a><br><br><span style="font-size: medium;">The group is an open group so please feel free to join and add you own ideas and findings. Happy long weekend and see you online!</span><br type="_moz">Kelowna Voice Lab