Once you have learned the basic elements of good vocal production and have learned the basic components of improvisation, the best way to improve your library of potential style elements is imitation. Just as we learned to speak as babies by imitating single words, then phrases, eventually learning to creatively form our own sentences, we… Read more »
Riffing, like any other musical skill, can be learned. Just like we learn to speak as babies by imitation, we can learn the scales that riffs and runs come from and then learn the language of riffs by memorizing and practicing some of the more common riffs. After awhile you realize that most of the… Read more »
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 »
“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 »
“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 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 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 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 »
“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 »
“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 »
