All Articles (Page 9)

Ego Reads. Humility breeds. Cover
11/3/2013

Ego Reads. Humility breeds.

In my absence from chronicling my thoughts from a music director/coach perspective, I have seen some brilliant performances that have given me pause; performances that made me stop and think, “How is something so...

Tagged: Acting Tips Audition Tips New York Acting Coaching Performance Tips
Mixed Voice Cover
9/4/2013

Mixed Voice

The mixed voice is one of the most discussed, debated, and researched topics of vocal pedagogy.  Almost every singer is working on her or his ‘mix,’ or trying to ‘mix’ that high note, or wanting to...

Tagged: Belting How To Sing High Notes Mix Voice Vocal Registers
The Opposite(s) Of Singing Cover
5/19/2013

The Opposite(s) Of Singing

Every singer has a goal. For some, it’s being able to sing exciting, strong high notes. For others it’s singing the most difficult songs with ease; others long to sing lightning fast riffs. Clients come...

Tagged: How To Sing High Notes Vocal Exercises Vocal Registers
Singing With Pure EEase Cover
4/15/2013

Singing With Pure EEase

It’s time we had a talk about EE. Though it takes second place in the accepted listing of vowels, we use the EE to form the diphthongs of fourteen letters of our alphabet, making it one of the most...

Tagged: How To Sing Vowels Nasal Resonance Tongue Position Vowel Modification
The "Sound" And The Voice Cover
4/9/2013

The "Sound" And The Voice

As actor/singers prepare for auditions, there tends to be a great deal of concern about the “sound” that’s required to accurately portray (or at least, land) the role that is being cast.  Aside from the...

Tagged: Audition Tips Belting How To Find My Voice Style and Singing
Practice Makes Permanent! Cover
3/11/2013

Practice Makes Permanent!

"Practice Makes Permanent!" Mrs. Marilyn shouted from behind the piano after, yet again, someone forgot to cut off with the rest of the ensemble.  The rehearsal room immediately froze, save for the darting...

Tagged: Belting Performance Tips Singing Practice Tips Vocal Warm Ups
“Don’t You Dare Lift Your Soft Palate!” -or- “Tar And Feathers” Cover
3/7/2013

“Don’t You Dare Lift Your Soft Palate!” -or- “Tar And Feathers”

“Justin, I hate the sound of my voice. It always sounds so whiny and nasal!” “Justin, I’d like to get my daughter into...

Tagged: Belting How To Sing High Notes Nasal Resonance Nasality Tongue Position
A Prelude Cover
3/3/2013

A Prelude

Before I became a professional music director, I had every intention of becoming a musical theatre performer.  I studied four years at the prestigious Musical Theatre program at the University of Michigan, then, as was expected, pursued the life of an actor here in New York.  But somewhere along the way, I made a turn and didn't quite end up where I'd planned...

Tagged: Audition Tips Music Directing Performance Tips
Let Your Tongue Die! Cover
2/7/2013

Let Your Tongue Die!

The singer in front of me looked back, questioning my sanity.  Of course, I didn't actually mean die, nor did I mean for her to sing with her tongue flopping out of her mouth, hilarious as that might be. No, what we were seeking was tongue...

Tagged: Broadway Voice Teacher Singing Lessons Tongue Tension Voice Lessons
Can Everyone Sing? Cover
2/2/2013

Can Everyone Sing?

Can everyone sing or do you have to be born with it? At New York Vocal Coaching, we get asked that question all the time. It's an easy one. The answer is quite simple: YES! Everyone can sing. And not only can everyone sing, everyone needs to sing.

Tagged: Age and Singing New York Vocal Coaching Voice Lessons Voice Lessons For Beginners