I hadn't come across this concept before in all the years that I've studied music and worked with performance anxiety. It really hit me like a ton of bricks (in a good way, of course) and really helped me to understand a lot of what I had done in the past, albeit unconsciously.

In the pursuit of...

Most of us have probably heard that we have to practice music every day. This is because the skillset is developed over time, and the muscle control involved in it needs accurate repetition in order to be second nature.

I would also like to posit that there is another reason, and it relates to...

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The internal experience of upper register singing, in cricothyroid dominant singing voice, or in the middle register for sopranos and mezzos, sometimes referred to as 'mixing head and chest voice' or 'mix voice' (though I feel that those phrases are misleading) can often sound very different to...

When we work on songs, it's easy to get overwhelmed without realizing that we're getting overwhelmed. Even the simplest of tunes is far more complex than the scales that we sing in our vocalizations. In order to have our vocalizations help our songs the most, we do well to create vocal exercises...

Being a musician, or an artist of any discipline means prioritizing your artistry. I think that one of the most important skills we learn to support this idea is that of saying 'no', in a kindly fashion, of course!

Let's be clear, I'm not talking about being a meanie bean here. There are...

Evaluate, adjust, try again.

Three thoughts for the new year, though not specifically related to new year activities!

January is nearly done, but the year has just begun. According to self-reported statistics, most new year resolutions have by this point failed, but I reiterate, the year has only...

I just got done saying how busy a time of year this is, so allow me to dispense with the formalities and cut to the chase:

Here's some thoughts to keep your voice in shape during the holidays and any time that you're really busy:

1. Less is more. If you only have a few minutes, take them. A...

There's an old saying that I think about a lot in my teaching and music making. I didn't come up with it, and I'm not sure who did, but it goes:

We teach best what we most need to learn.

It's simple and straightforward, and consequently can be applied in many ways.

As a teacher, I get to work...

Prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to our voices. Here are some friendly reminders and thoughts as the northern hemisphere heads into cold and flu season.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

I know, right. Didn't we just hear this, yet it's true for vocalists all the time. I might add to...

Simply put, separate the subjective from the objective in your practice and performances.

The unspoken third tip is to be very specific.

What does this mean?

Subjective elements are matters of opinion. Some folks will love Bob Dylan's voice. Some will not. Both are correct, as far as their own...

I've said it before, but something this important bears repeating.

Vowels Phonate.

They are what 'carry the tune', the actual notes that we sing. Focusing on them makes it possible for us to sculpt our phrases in the many ways that we hear them sung.

Part of focusing on the vowels is also...