» Slice of Singing: Vocal Blog

I recently had the pleasure of getting to know a man who was at one time a U.S. champion ballroom dancer. Besides being a thoroughly wonderful human, he also taught me a lot about powerful success in the arts. Watching him dance with random people at a party I noticed a vast difference between his dancing and that of any of his dance partners. The difference was that the partners were full of effo...

Can You Hear Me NOW? Have you ever been told that you need to be louder? Have you ever been in a meeting where people kept saying, “What did you say?” or “I can’t understand what you said.”? Have you been on stage and noticed the audience straining to hear you? If that is you, then listen up! Recently I saw a video posted by a very well known speech coach who said, you need to be LOUD if...

Can you imagine a vocal trainer telling you there’s no such thing as high notes? Well, that’s exactly what I am telling you! Here’s a new series of videos that explains exactly what I’m talking about. I think you’ll be surprised – and it might just change the way you look at high notes forever…! Join us for a complimentary webinar, 5 Essential Keys to Sin...

I train singers every day and I never cease to be amazed at the talent and creativity of my clients. The songs they write blow me away, their creative ways to practice their vocal technique and how open they remain to the creative process. My granddaughter, Shaela called me last evening to tell me I had to watch this video. She’s right – I’m fascinated! You will be too. Listen to...

A few weeks ago I had the honor of meeting on of my idols, singers Tony Bennett. To be honest I met him when he signed his autobiography for me at Barnes and Nobel. I was so in awe that I couldn’t speak – just stared like a star-struck fan. That’s a fist for me! One of the chapters in Tony Bennett’s book highlights the young vocal artists who have sung on his duet CDs. The one that surpris...

As a vocal trainer and thought  leader in contemporary vocal music, I am constantly telling my clients, “Don’t try to imitate any contemporary singing sound unless it’s LIVE. Why? Because 99.99% of all pop vocal music you hear on a CD, Youtube or radio has been altered in the studio. You are not really hearing a human voice. You hear a human voice that has been electronically a...

Can you feel it? Can you feel the vibrating energy of creativity? Take a moment to settle into your breathing and you’ll feel it. Part of my New Year’s celebration took me to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where there had a short film festival. One of the films, Hyperpotamus “de Camino” by Lucas Borras of Spain blew me away. Take a look at the film below and then, what...

When you step out on stage, what does your body language say to your audience? What does your body language say to you? Yes, to you? The studies show that when you assume a powerful body language you will feel more powerful and think more clearly. Sally MorganCreator of Sing Like You Speak Contemporary Vocal Technique This is a fascinating and valuable TED video from a social scientist, Amy Cudd...

As a voice teacher I hear this all the time, “I know I need to take voice lessons to get the gigs, but if I don’t get the gigs I don’t have any money.” It’s a vicious cycle. I have a very special treat for you today that will break that nasty cycle. Take 40 min. to listen because it will change the way you sell your music, your CDs and yourself as a performer to an audience. The formula ...

When I give a voice lesson, I give my clients 150% of my energy, expertise and attention. Some say they learn more from me in one lesson than they did from a year’s worth of lessons with another teacher. I’m honored to be held in such high esteem by my students – and I love them right back. Matt Luck and Emma Portner After the voice lesson it then becomes the student’s re...