♬
Hey Singers!
I'm Justin Stoney
the founder of New York Vocal Coaching
joining you for a special holiday episode of
Quick Singing Tips.
That's right the holidays are here
so we're hanging out together at
the Winter Village.
I love coming here every year.
As a New Yorker, there's almost no better
way to experience the magic of Christmas
than a trip to the Winter Village.
♬
During the holiday season I like to
think about what I'm thankful for.
I'm thankful for singing.
I'm thankful for the honor of getting
to teach voice.
And I'm thankful for all of you.
Singers from all over the world
who constantly send us questions, support,
kind words, and love.
I'm so blessed by you.
Your success is my greatest joy,
But okay, okay.
Alright, Justin.
Enough of this Christmas love fest.
We want the goods.
Bring us the presents.
Give us the vocal tips.
Well, alright.
I don't want any vocal grinches.
So, let's get to the singing.
Today I want to tell you
about a little vocal magic trick.
It's a simple one really.
But sometimes the simplest
singing tricks can be the best ones.
Many singers have a tendency
to lock up just before their most
difficult moments.
Now, I'm not talking about big obvious
tension in the neck, jaw, and tongue.
I'm talking about something a little
more subtle.
A slight hesitation or holding that happens
right before a high note or
a challenging passage.
It's a "pre-phonatory panic", if you will.
[ Screaming ]
This kind of locking can be in the
breathing system, it can be in the larynx,
and even the vocal folds themselves.
It's a physical locking, for sure.
But, it's also a mental locking.
Almost like a little panic button
gets pressed right before the big moment.
[ Screaming ]
This puts our body into fight or flight mode
a split second before we sing.
If you can fix this problem,
you're going to feel your hardest
vocal tasks becoming 100 times easier.
So, go ahead and try this.
Find a challenging phrase or a
difficult high note.
But, before you do it, observe your
body's desire to hesitate or freeze up.
Remember, this happens a split
second before you start your sound.
Figure out what seizes up.
Is it your abs?
Is it your larynx?
Is it your tongue?
Is it your mind?
Your emotions?
Your expectations?
What is it exactly that seizes up
a split second before you sing?
Once you've figured it out
try the phrase again.
But, this time, soften.
Soften what you need to soften.
The breath, the larynx,
the jaw, the soul.
Then, try again with this new preparation.
Your singing should improve almost
like magic.
I dare you to try this
vocal magic trick.
I think you'll be amazed at what happens.
Drop us a line at New York Vocal Coaching.
And let us know how it's going.
I bet you a hot chocolate
that it brings some new magic
to your singing.
Here are some other ways to
add some magic to your vocal journey.
For voice lessons or Skype lessons
with the NYVC staff
visit us at NewYorkVocalCoaching.com.
If you'd like a vocal course
that you can do at home
check out the
Voice Lessons To The World Vocal Course.
This twelve part program takes you
on a singing journey from beginner
to master level vocal exercises.
You can find it at VoiceLessonsToTheWorld.com.
Or, if you'd like free vocal tips
sent to you each day
sign up at DailyVocalTips.com.
And now, here's Justin
with this week's vocal benediction.
All year long we get stressed
about what's happening next.
We think of that next audition.
That next performance, next business meeting,
next date, next deadline,
and we think "Oh NO!".
Just the thought of what is
about to happen locks us up.
But, the holiday season is a chance
to breath, to appreciate, to be in awe.
To remember that miracles and magic
are all around us.
This holiday season, take a moment
to see that beauty all around you.
Capture that feeling in your body and your spirit
and then sing about it.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas
to the beautiful singer that God
made you to be.
♬