End of Year Thoughts from NYVC Founder and President, Justin Stoney
Posted Wednesday, December 15th 2021 by Meredith Davis
"I hope each singer finds one thing they have never done with their voice. A risk that they never taken, to stretch outside their comfort zone in ways they never have before." - Justin Stoney, NYVC President and Founder
What has been your favorite experience from 2021?
“Meeting and working with David Phelps was quite an experience! Getting to interview him and hear about his own vocal tips. Really having a chance to learn from the best! We also filmed the interview which should be up for viewing by the end of this year.
The launch of Voice Lessons Online was also pretty exciting. To have our staff present video content as a team for the first time is really significant. The entire show is about breaking down an artist’s craft in a positive, educational way.
These are not "reaction videos" like you would find elsewhere. Our videos give and encourage and educate. Everything that a reaction video takes is what we are reversing and giving back. That’s the uniqueness of our project. Our professionals aren’t giving a critique. They are breaking down what the artist is doing, how they are doing it, and what makes the vocal production so special.“
What can all singers do in this time of year to treat their voices well?
“Stay hydrated when it is dry out. The drop in temperature leads to dry conditions. I always recommend ultra sonic humidifiers to keep the cords moist. Definitely enjoy those holiday treats but watch out for acid reflux.
And with the shifting of the seasons, we also have to shift our approach. Like in yoga, there are winter and summer poses. We don’t exercise the same way in all seasons. In the winter season, take time to reflect on what that looks like for you as a singer. Is that singing a more reflective song or more songs with more upbeat, holiday joy? What does the season mean to you vocally?
Rather than fight that change and practice the way we always practice, embrace that. Make a shift to what ever you’re feeling at this holiday time of year.”
What do you look forward to the most in the coming year?
“I’ve been really happy about how the studio has been able to see people again in person! We’ve seen so many of your lovely faces and we look forward to seeing more of you!
And we have a bit of a secret. There’s a new show coming out soon! A brand new show that I’ll be writing, producing and starting in once the New Year rolls around! So stay tuned from updates.”
Do any final 2021 wishes for our singers?
“Thanksgiving is a time of thanks. I wish that every singer would find one thing that they are thankful for about their singing,
The holiday season is all about giving. I hope that singers will think of one way to give their gift of singing to somebody else.
The New Year is the season of new beginnings. I hope each singer finds one thing they have never done with their voice. A risk that they never taken, to stretch outside their comfort zone in ways they never have before.”
Meredith Davis
Meredith is the Studio Manager at New York Vocal Coaching, as well as an experienced actor, director, and choreographer. She served as the director of Musical Theatre for the North Carolina Young Artists Program. During the summer of 2011, 2012 and 2013, NCYAP traveled internationally to Bulgaria and Italy to perform her works. She has also worked as the Assistant to the Producer of North Carolina Theatre where she maintained the daily workings of every production throughout the spring season of 2013.
Damaged Goods: A Renewal Revival
When your voice begins to sound and feel irregular, your inner voices can be pretty disturbing. They take you down a dark and miserable emotional road of fear and self-doubt. Immediately, we go into..
How to Practice Singing Part IV: Creating a Practice Habit that Sticks!
In part IV of the "How To Practice Singing" series, I discuss practical ways of creating practice habits for singing that promote consistency by applying the four laws for behavior change to our work.
Inside the Studio: A Lesson with Kristy Bissell
The Effort in Trying: Asparagus, Vocal Exercises, and the Growth Mindset