Singing in public? It can be intimidating. Many, many people have suffered from “stage fright,” but it does help to sing in a group, because then not all the attention is solely on you! What are some of the benefits of singing in a group? First, there’s the whole team thing– a “we’re in this…
In life, it’s always good to have goals. Perhaps you’ve heard of this: G.O.A.L.S = Getting Over Anything Limiting Success. With singing, many people have a goal, whether it’s spoken or unspoken. Usually, it’s something like, “I want to be able to sing my favorite song in public in a way where people applaud and…
There are some people who were just born to sing. However, even if you are naturally gifted when it comes to singing, there is always room for improvement, and one of the ways you can improve your singing is by working with a voice coach. A voice coach can analyze your singing and speak with…
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…
Every vocal style has its own language of inflections, riffs, mannerisms and traditions that you can only acquire if you immerse yourself into it. In all styles of music, spending lots of time listening to and imitating artists of all eras – not just the current stars – will help you build and develop your…
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…
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…
Tricia Grey, MM Every large city has local theater companies as well as professional theaters that cast for their shows. Many cities have auditions called Unified Auditions. These are annual professional auditions that allow Equity, qualifying non-Equity, and Emerging Artists 18 years and older to audition before fifty or more local and regional theater companies. …
