A2Z
SINGING VOICE LESSONS™
Everything
for singers from A2Z!
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New Product!
Singers Saving Grace!
Ideal for sore throats, laryngitis,
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More about Singers Saving Grace.
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Affordable Singing and Voice Lessons
including quality singing lessons CDs, DVDs, books,
and instant downloads! You'll also find voice exercise
information, vocal coaching technique tips, step-by-step
singing instructions, electronic gear for singers,
fun merchandise and more!
We
specialize in vocal training, education, and wellness
so whether you are a future star looking for beginning
singing lessons, a vocal coach looking for supplemental
training products or a professional needing a vocalists'
tune up, we have your singing lessons program. We
review all programs and vocal coach qualifications
so you know you're getting the best including
Jan, Smith, Roger Burnley, Jeannie Deva, Ava Landman,
Brett Manning, Lisa Popeil, Rachelle
Randeen. If you are confused at which
program is best for you just give us a call and
we'll walk you through it!
Singers
and professional speakers will benefit from the
best vocal health products found on the market today.
Our products are tested for effectiveness and quality
and include Entertainers Secret, Thayers Lozenges
and Dry Mouth Sprays, and Singers Saving Grace Professional
Throat Spray.
A2Z Singing Voice
Lessons™ is a trademark of Just Gotta Sing!.
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Featured Article
HOW
TO STOP PUSHING YOUR VOICE
By Vocal Coach Roger Burnley
Creator
of the EZ
Vocal Method
One of the main problems singers experience
is either losing their voice or becoming hoarse after
singing for an extended period of time. This is a
result of the larynx or voice box, as it is commonly
called, being "pushed" up or out of position
while singing or even speaking.
I’m sure most of us have seen singers or even
ourselves, have the veins on the sides of the |
neck protrude and become very prominent while
performing. In certain cases this can lead to
more serious vocal problems such as polyps or
nodules. Everyone has a different way in way they
physically produce sound, whether singing or speaking,
so it is advisable to obtain professional guidance
in addressing this problem and begin to develop
new habits.
There is one idea that the singer may use to help
correct the problem of "pushing" for
high
notes. Begin with first feeling a relaxation and
openness in the back of your throat. You can
simulate a bit of a yawn to better be able to
get this feeling. Now when you are singing, think
of that feeling of the openness right before you
are approaching the higher notes. It’s helpful
to think that instead of going "up"
for the particular note or words, that you are
actually
opening the back of your throat and bringing the
notes or words "down".
You should first practice this without too much
volume or loudness. It may feel at first that
you will not reach the desired note. Keep practicing
in and easy way until you start to feel the
result. You must also be very careful not to open
too far or to start to have the sound go too
far down in your throat. The goal of all of this
is to train your body to keep they larynx more
relaxed while singing. Keep in mind there may
be more adjustments that are necessary for
you personally, so again I recommend professional
consultation.
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Roger Burnley's
EZ VOCAL METHOD
Unique proven method will help free your voice,
increase your range, power and control.
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Jan
Smith
Vocal Consultant
Specializations:
Vocal Endurance and Maintenance
In-Studio Vocal Production
Vocal Technique and Stylizing
Correction for Vocal Damage
Instruction/Coaching for the Novice to Professional
Rock & Roll, Alternative, Metal, R&B,
Gospel, Country, Pop and Hip Hop Genres
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Appearing
as a musician, singer and arranger on professional
commercial projects, Smith has produced album/CD
packages for herself and other artists. Most recently,
her skills as a vocal consultant have led her into
recording studios to participate as a vocal producer
and vocal coach on master recording sessions. Not
only has she used her musical talents to enhance
her own career, but she has helped many national
artists in their endeavors as well. Jan Smith is
one of the few vocal producers/coaches ever credited
on multi-platinum selling recordings. Click
here to learn more about Jan Smith. |
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Featured article:
Recording
Your Voice
By
Jeannie Deva
Q.
“My voice sounds different on tape; due to
what I think is caused by head resonance. What can
be done about it?” - R.S.
A.
The sound of your voice on tape (any recorded media)
is the result of the electronic alterations of acoustic
sound by the recording process as well as how you
are singing.
How We Hear Ourselves
There
is also the added factor that we hear ourselves
differently than how others hear us. We hear ourselves
simultaneously through two conduits; one is from
inside our heads by bone conduction through our
inner ear and the other is outside by air vibration
entering into the outer ear. The latter is obviously,
how everyone else hears you. So when you hear your
voice on a recording, the inner ear vibration is
not present and it will usually sound different
for that reason alone.
That
being said, it can also be the fault of the electronics
making you sound differently, so various elements
should be explored to ensure you address the correct
source of the problem.
Microphone
Use
The
human voice is an acoustic instrument. That means
it is designed to resonate both internally within
your body as well externally with your immediate
surroundings. In order to capture the full sound
spectrum which makes your voice characteristically
“you,” the sensitivity, placement and
specifications of the microphone with which you
record your voice is quite important. For example,
the German Neumann U87 is known for its brighter
sound while others find the less expensive Australian
Rodes mic lets them sing full throttle.
If
you are standing too far from the mic your voice
will tend to lose presence and can sound thinner
with possibly more head tone quality. If the mic
is placed too close to your nose it can tend to
enhance your head/treble resonance. This higher
placement is sometimes preferred for backup vocals,
but I usually do not find it suitable for the lead.
Acoustics
and Electronics
The
dimensions and acoustic design of the recording
room or vocal booth, along with the capabilities
of the recording equipment and digital recording
program also play important rolls. It is essential
to realize that both the overuse as well as the
absence of electronic effects on your recorded voice
will either approximate or diverge from your acoustic
voice. Effects such as reverb for example help to
restore the acoustics that have otherwise been electronically
stripped from your voice. However, too much reverb
can accentuate the treble in your voice. To hear
your voice totally dry — without effects —
and expect for it to sound exactly like you, is
usually folly. Sometimes the EQ (equalization) needs
to be set appropriately for your voice. This is
especially true if the mic is not the best match
for your voice or the recording equipment needs
to be upgraded.
If
you record your voice on home equipment which is
less than professional quality, don't expect it
to sound exactly like you. Again, I point out that
there are many facets electronically which need
to be present so that your voice is being truly
replicated once recorded. I recently heard a demo
recording of an excellent singer. However, in the
mix, the producer put so much compression on his
voice that it actually altered his tone and made
it sound lifeless and almost strained. Only a very
educated listener would be able to identify the
alteration made by the electronics and recognize
that it wasn't how he was singing or how his voice
really sounds.
Summary
Head
resonance itself is an important aspect in the amplification
and resonance of a voice. But where it can become
troublesome is when there is a lack of the complimentary
mid range and bass resonance in the vocal spectrum.
To develop a fuller spectrum sound in your voice,
it is important to achieve a relaxation of the back
of your tongue, fuller natural vibration from your
vocal folds and the development of rich resonance.
This requires exercises and accurate coaching which
is why I created “The Deva Method Vocal Warm-Ups
and Cool-Downs” as well as “The Contemporary
Vocalist” series.
Until
next time,
Jeannie Deva
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Quick
Link: A2Z Voice Lessons
- Training Product Index
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VAM®
fits most microphones, including the Shure SM 58, Audi Technica,
Peavey PVI and many more.
The
Vocal Acoustic Monitor™ can be use with or without
a microphone and with or without external monitors.
Order
yours today!
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