We are in an age where a scientific approach to pedagogy is considered extremely important. I have talked a lot about the limits of discussing acoustics and physics with a…
Tag: practice
There are a heck of a lot of reasons to bring out old exercises periodically. An exercise can feel (and sound!) quite different after time away from it. Sometimes we…
As I’ve mentioned, I still study with a voice teacher. I’m still learning new things about singing and teaching singing. It is tricky to be older and experienced, and still…
My wonderful voice teacher Virginia Grasso told me, “You have to teach yourself how to sing.” and also that a singer must eventually “have one or two, maybe three thoughts”…
There are vocal functions that require excellent balance and flexibility that don’t involve lots of fast notes. These are the vocal equivalents of tight-rope walking, as opposed to trapeze. Slow…
When you are practicing, try moving with the music. Then try moving in counterpoint to the music, i.e., movements that are ongoing and easy, but not tied to the beat.…
My Myers-Briggs personality type is ENFJ so I’m a people person. I get a little down and weird if I’m alone for days on end. However, I save time every…
It is not always easy to find a large chunk of time in which to practice. Some people can’t concentrate for more than a few minutes. For both of these…
When you are about to warm up – whether it’s for practice, rehearsing, or performing – start by making sounds with your voice. It doesn’t have to be a song,…
Some bold claims are made about various “secrets to singing”. Recently I read in a forum that the tongue root, stabilizing the larynx, achieved through “Kermit” voice exercises, is responsible…
In a writing project, whether a blogpost, an important letter, an article, a book, an academic paper, the important thing is to start. This week I had to rewrite the…
One needn’t max out one’s voice in every single practice session. Some days it is good for the voice and the soul to sing lightly and easily. There is a…