There’s more to singing than just nailing a melody. Top vocal coach KEITH MERRILL explains why singers shouldn’t overlook the importance of storytelling. What do musical theatre tunes, pop songs and classical arias have in common? They are all stories set to music. Without the story, without the lyric, song is just a shadow of […]
Category: Video
Two for one! How In Ear Monitors (IEM) can save your hearing and your voice!
Last time Jono Heale from Advanced Communication Solutions (ACS) spoke to audiologist Paul Checkley about hearing and hearing protection. In this article he speaks to music artists Rodney Branigan and Jaki Graham about the benefits of wearing custom-fit In Ear Monitors (IEM) for hearing protection, singing and performance. You can use them for live performance and, […]
Vocally wicked Willemijn Verkaik
Few stars are as versatile as musical theatre’s golden girl Willemijn Verkaik. The Dutch luminary has starred in the German and Dutch version of Disney’s blockbuster Frozen, and played lead roles in the musicals Tarzan, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Mamma Mia, Elisabeth, We Will Rock You and Aida. But the character she is most synonymous with is […]
The magic of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises
Semi-occluded Vocal Tract exercises. A new fad? Voice voodoo? Or a set of vocal exercises with scientific support that will prime your voice for singing and ensure vocal longevity? Chris and Steve delve into the world of SOVTs. To occlude. From the latin word ‘occludere’ which means to shut, or close. That’s all very nice, […]
How a sex toy can help with vocal fatigue and tension
Vocal fatigue and tension is commonplace among singers. There are many reasons for it a singer may suffer from vocal tension. Stress, postural issues, poor vocal technique, costumes, choreo/movement, ill health and physical fatigue. Vibration is the essence of our craft. We are able to sing due to vibration. Just as a guitarist performs by […]
The real singers behind The Voice (USA)
TV singing competitions, like The Voice, are everywhere these days. They may be taken for granted by the casual viewer but vocalists of all levels will appreciate the hard work put into each episode. Between the rehearsals, performances and varied stories of all the performers, TV singing competitions can serve as a huge reservoir of […]
Getting the best out of falsetto
When George Michael hits that top note in Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, it makes me feel uplifted and I (in true karaoke style) belt out that high note with him. The feeling that follows is one of total satisfaction. That is just one example of an artist using falsetto to connect with the […]
Common voice problems in singers
Voice problems in singers are quite common. If you have voice issues you want Dr. Reena Gupta on your side! She is not only a highly qualified voice doctor (ENT/Laryngologist) but she is also passionate about singing and driven by the desire to ensure singers are able to thrive in their careers. Dr. Gupta discusses some real case studies […]