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… Read more »
Vocal Health: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Voice Healthy
“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” ― Lao Tzu Singers often ask me: How can I keep from getting sick, or if I do catch a cold, how can I get my voice back to normal… Read more »
Vocal Fold Disorders Due to Bad Habits
“The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.” ― Lao Tzu, Te Tao Ching Nodules, Polyps, Hemorrhages, and Other Conditions Swelling of the vocal folds due to illness, fatigue, or poor vocal technique prevents midline vocal fold closure resulting in an imbalance in the system as air pushes through. Manifestations of trauma… Read more »
Practice that Pays Off
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… Read more »
The Talent Show Syndrome
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… Read more »
The Myth of Talent
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… Read more »
How to Start Your Career In Commercial Music
“At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” ― Lao Tzu In my last blog post, I discussed pursuing a college degree in music. While there have often been many programs dedicated to classical music and music education, programs that are specifically… Read more »
Becoming Educated: Music Degree Programs
“If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. ― LaoTzu, Tao Te Ching This blog will be helpful for those students who are thinking of transferring after the first semester, and will serve as a great resource for high school seniors who are now starting to really think about… Read more »
Auditioning for College Musical Theatre Programs
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… Read more »
How to Nail a Musical Theatre Audition
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. … Read more »
