Singing! It is a beautiful thing. It has been said that music can calm the savage beast. (William Congreve, The Mourning Bride, 1697) Some are fortunate enough to be born with the natural and innate ability to sing well; even exquisitely. Others, on the other hand, must work a little harder to execute a good and pleasant sound. That being said, if one truly wants to learn, they can be taught with a lot of hard work, effort and discipline. The reason many are unable to execute certain vocal techniques, reach desired pitches, sing in tune, is simply because they don't have the fundamental knowledge. Don't worry, that's my job. That is what I do and I am able to help you. 

I remember years ago; I taught a young woman with a hearing challenge. She sang a brief selection of a song for me, to show her ability. Not only was I unable to determine the melody of the song, but once I was told the title, I was still unable to decipher the music through her attempts. No problem: she was willing to try, and I was willing to work with her, or anyone who will work hard, remain focused and disciplined. 

For those of you who don't know anything about me, I have a MS in Special Education, which has been immensely valuable while working with my vocal students. The same techniques I learned as a student, studying to work with deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children speak more intelligibly, I currently use with voice students, to assist them to sing with clarity and proper diction. I am particularly proud of my work with anyone who has a voice, whether it be as a teacher, trainer, sports coach, or lecturer. Anyone who uses their voice consistently, I can help avoid vocal injury, damage and fatigue. Vocal hygiene is very important, but is often ignored. Our vocal instrument is not unlike any other musical instrument and we speak with the same instrument with which we sing. I challenge you to find any symphonic musician leaving a rehearsal or performance carrying their instrument openly in their hand as they walk to the car for the evening. On the contrary, they will clean and wipe it down, wrap it up and put it in a case for protection before they leave the venue. I have had students leave a lesson, after singing for an hour, having warmed up their voices, and pores open, go out into the atmospheric elements without anything on their head or around their throats. Then they wonder why they become ill afterward. One must protect their body if they wish to have longevity and maintain a quality instrument. 

There is so much to know before even opening up one's mouth to sing. Before I first began to teach, I was very concerned. I knew what worked for me and f was successful at what I did as an artist, but I never received a degree specifically for coaching and teaching the art of singing. I was concerned that I would be challenged and did not want to be blamed for any potential injuries I may accused of. I, therefore, embarked on an extensive period of time of research. I went to library and took our numerous books on the subject matter. Allow me to say; I believed, in my own mind, that I was unique, that I had created and discovered a different method of instruction of my own. I had planned to introduce it to the world, having found a methodology to teach the art of singing, not necessarily better, just different. Well, LOL, the more I read, the more I realized I had just figured out, through trial and error, making mistakes on live stages, just what the right way to sing really is. I found myself saying, "I thought I made that up," "That's my idea," Oh, wow! I do that, too." there was not anything that I was doing, instinctively, that was not in the books I was reading. Coming to this realization gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my new coaching business. That was in 2005, and I have been doing business as Vocal Precision Studio ever since. 

There is so much to discuss regarding the Fundamental Principles of Singing, however, it can't be all be covered in this single BLOG. The purpose of this article is to introduce myself, and provide a brief background of my history. In future articles, I will provide additional insights and experiences, which many of my techniques are derived from. I am so excited to delve into and share them with you. As a little hint and teaser, I will share with you the first of several principles in my next BLOG.....BREATHING and BREATH CONTROL!

 

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