Few things in modern history have disrupted the world around us more than the COVID-19 pandemic. With so much free time and limits as to what you’re able to do in public, singers of all levels are stressing as they ponder when they’ll be able to once again entertain a crowd through the magnificence of…
By now you’ve probably either: a) heard someone singing off-key at a karaoke bar b) saw a viral video online highlighting the worst singer ever or c) consider yourself “not a singer.” This begs the question: “Can anyone learn how to sing?” Well, consider genetics. Some people seem like they’re “born to sing,” while others…
Why should you get children involved in music at a young age? Like learning languages, childhood is prime time for the brain to “learn new things,” and music is something that covers a lot of bases. Did you know, for instance, that learning music actually helps kids learn other subjects better? Music involves math, science…
Skill One: Dynamics Crescendo means to get louder, and decrescendo/diminuendo means to get softer. We want to be able to do either of these without adding extrinsic interfering muscle. Increasing volume requires “just enough and not too much” increased air pressure and a corresponding increase in vocal fold tension. Decreasing volume involves a decrease in…
Effective practice involves reflection and self-analysis. Effective practice is consistent, focused practice. It is not a “warm-up”- it is deliberate, intentional, goal-driven hard work. Vocal practice should be a part of every day, at the same time every day if at all possible, with one day per week off for rest and recovery. This is…
PRACTICE THAT PAYS OFF Tricia Grey, MM “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ― Lao Tzu In the previous article I discussed the need for physical repetition and focused, deliberate practice as a way of developing myelin in order to excel at a specific skill. This chapter will focus on the power of…
The Talent Show Syndrome Tricia Grey, MM “Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” ― Lao Tzu The huge success of shows such as The Voice and the Idol shows worldwide has done a great thing for young singers- it has given them hope. Hope that, no matter where you come…
The Myth of Talent Tricia Grey, MM “Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.” ― Lao Tzu “The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.” ― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching Three books that you should own and read if…
Tricia Grey, MM Deciding to pursue a degree in musical theater means you are serious about making performing your job after graduation. These programs are highly selective; only a few spots are available each year and there are hundreds of applicants so the competition to be accepted is fierce (as it is in the real…
The title of this blog may seem laugh-worthy to some. Performance anxiety is a real problem for so many and no laughing matter. It can hinder a performance and restrict a person’s true talents to a highly discouraging level. Getting rid of it is seemingly impossible to the many who suffer from it, and to…
