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Many singers struggle to make the distinction between speech sounds and correctly singing resonance, resulting in a lack of resonance and other issues such as strain, tension and a lack of range.  Resonance in singing is the true key to vocal health, along with allowing a powerful and sustained vocal tone. Resonance can be defined loosely as prolonged vibration and continuous resonant frequency. It is the intensity and quality of your tone when you sing. When your vocal cords vibrate,…

Why are there double sharps and flats in music? Double sharps and flats are used in advanced music. The double sharp looks like an X and the double flat are two flat signs bb. Why can’t you just call it by the note you are playing. For instance, “F double sharp,” why not call it G instead of “F double sharp?” It has to do with the diatonic nature of the music that is in a specific key. This means…

The voice box is also called the larynx which controls your breathing, swallowing and singing. The voice box is a tube-shaped organ in the neck. It is part of the respiratory or breathing tract and actually houses the vocal folds (cords). It is called the voice box because it houses the vocal cords. When you sing, you want the air to flow freely through the voice box and not be restricted by muscles trying to close the airway. When you…

Your stylistic choice will determine your phrasing. Your ultimate goal is to be able to sing and play the song the way you feel the song. This gives you the ability to communicate the song and evoke those feelings to your listeners The voice is one of the most expressive instruments. Good musical phrasing and shaping of the words create a very unique sound. What does it mean to phrase each line? It means the singer is shaping each word,…

How do you create a more powerful singing voice hitting those lower notes? Understanding how the lower register (chest voice) works and using good breath and diaphragm support will help you sing with power in the lower range. When you sing in your chest voice, your vocal folds (cords) thicken up. The thicker the vocal folds, the fuller the sound. As you inhale, your breath pressure comes under the vocal folds causing the vocal folds to vibrate. If there is…

There is one simple way to instantly improve you singing voice! It has to do with whether your jaw is open or almost closed. Yes, many people sing with their jaw almost completely closed! Here is an exercise that will help you to instantly sound better when you sing. In front of a mirror, say the vowel sounds A-E-I-O-U and watch your jaw movement. Notice your jaw, did it close on any of the vowel sounds?  Now place your index…

What is cut time? What does a cut time look like and how do you count cut time when playing the piano? The cut time signature looks like 2/2 or a “C” with a vertical slash (see the picture below). Cut time is also known as “alla breve.” Cut common time, common time is 4/4 time signature cut in half to 2/2 time signature.  It is cut to manipulate the tempo and rhythm when you play for sing a song.…

Do you get performance anxiety whenever you sing or play piano in front of an audience? This can be difficult if you make your living on stage. Some of the most famous singers and musicians suffer from performance anxiety. Step #1, practice, practice, practice and know your material well. Practicing daily is an important key element of preparation. Sometime anxiety can come from lack of belief in your own abilities. By practicing thoroughly will help to bring down your anxiety…

Bel Canto singing is an operatic style of singing that originated in Italy. It began with polyphonic or multipart style music and Italian courtly soloists in the 16th century. Later in the 17th, 18th and 19 centuries it was used to develop Italian opera! Bel Canto is Italian for “beautiful singing.” This style of singing requires amazing breath control in order to sustain long, legato phrases. These phrases are sung smoothly and connected. In the Bel Canto Opera, the singer…

To strengthen a weak voice is not an easy fix. It’s just like working out at the gym, it takes time to build up strength and work out your muscles in the throat, ribcage, diaphragm and stomach. There are many reasons why a singer has a weak voice. Let’s get back to the basics and start working on strengthening your singing voice. If you wanted to tone up your body and get it into shape, what would you do? You…