Counterintuitive singing tip: Stop listening (and start feeling)
Focusing on how your singing feels rather than how it sounds can help you create a more nuanced and personal vocal performance. Read the post.
vocal technique
How to sing better right now: Singing tips from an expert vocal coach
Veteran vocal coach Cari Cole shares five singing tips to help beginners and experienced singers sound better during rehearsals and performances. Read the post.
How to preserve and protect your voice before a performance (or rehearsal)
There are lots of common-sense things you should do as a vocalist to keep your instrument in top shape to perform, and as performance opportunities will be returning soon, it’s worth reminding ourselves of some of the basics. Read the post.
Picking the perfect song for your voice
Picking songs that fit your voice is one of the most important skills you can have as a singer. But if you’re just starting out, how can you tell if a song is actually good for your voice? Read the post.
Are online vocal lessons right for you? A review of Ramsey Voice Studio’s “Master Your Voice” program
There are many reasons why finding a local, experienced vocal teacher might not work for you, so an online vocal program might be your best option. I took on the “Master Your Voice” online class from Ramsey Voice Studios to get a taste of what online vocal lessons can do. Read the post.
Add natural vocal effects to your songs
From breathy voice to falsetto, vocal fry to belting and vibrato, vocal effects can be used to add variety and spice to your songs. But, be careful not to overuse these vocal effects. There should always be a reason you’re using a specific vocal effect. Read the post.
What do you want from a vocal coach?
Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter interview Salt Lake City-based A-list vocal coach Mindy Pack to discuss vocal health, vocal technique, and various critical topics that relate to improving your vocals. Read the post.
Falsetto, vibrato, and other natural vocal effects you should master
Natural vocal effects are one of the best ways to stand out as a singer. These five vocal effects add variety and flavor to your music. Read the post.
How to sing without straining your voice – night after night
Be prepared for the road, and you’ll love every minute of it. As a vocalist, this means you have to learn to care for your instrument and learn to sing without straining if you want to be in this for the long haul. Read more.
The many roads to an authentic vocal style
From deep-throated, battlefield rumbles to pure, soaring tenor lines, there are many different ways to be an effective and powerful rock ’n’ roll singer. Find the direction that works for you, your instrument, your band, and your music. Don’t forget that there are many roads to delivering powerful and authentic vocals in rock and beyond. Read more.
Modify the drums (and more) when a venue pulls the plug
Last week, Echoes published an article about my unexpectedly unplugged and unamplified live music performance at an outdoor festival. The entire band had to make adjustments to accommodate the requirements of the gig – and drummer Rob Mitzner, in particular, relied on a setup he’s customized just for such circumstances. Read more.
Gigging without electricity – how we made it through the show in the park
I had thought that, even though the gig was outdoors, we would have no problem plugging in amps and instruments. Many parks have outlets tucked away inside lamp posts and maintenance buildings, accessible for public events. As we moved closer to the date, we discovered the city would not in fact turn on the juice. Read more.
More thoughts on delivering great rock vocals
Rock singers are the rebel children of the musical family, and they sound like it. They do everything “wrong,” i.e., scream and use the voice in ways that are, traditionally, used in other places, like the battlefield or the bedroom. But there’s a lot more to rock ’n’ roll than whether or not you have grit in your voice. Read more.
How to deliver great rock vocals — and stay healthy doing it
Matt Kramer made his name as the lead singer for the band Saigon Kick. The son of an opera singer, he’s an expert educator and vocal coach as well, and teaches at his Miami-area studio Kramer Voice Company. Here are some singing tips and strategies for great rock vocals from the master. Read more.
How and when to use falsetto in R&B vocals
When it comes to vocal technique, Fields recommends keeping a round mouth and keeping the sound from coming purely out of the nose. “If you can create the sound in the back of your throat, combine that with the air in your chest and get resonance in your nasal cavity, you’re good. It’s almost like singing under water.” Read more.