07/7/18

Blog

Congratulations to Karen Brunssen and her new book.  A Musical Sensation – proud to have be one of her reviewers to make this happen!

“The Evolving Singing Voice”: Changes Across the Lifespan examines how the human vocal instrument transforms from infancy through old age.  

01/28/18

blog

SPEAKING CLASSES FOR BUSINESS LEADERS

What happens when you have to do a big speech at your next company meeting? Do you get nervous? Lose your breath? Speak too softly? Are you not able to bring the attention to your audience? Well, now is your chance to shine! Learn how to speak Like a CEO. Voice and speech classes are designed for leaders who want to develop a great deal of confidence on stage and demonstrate their leadership readiness. 

12/19/17

Blog

As the end of the year approaches, I would like to thank my students for the amazing progress they have made in their singing! You have worked so hard and it shows on your face and in your voice. May you continue to grow and let your voice be heard! Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!

04/11/17

Blog

 BREATHING FOR SINGERS

RIB CAGE AND DIAPHRAGM

The chest may be compared with a cage made of jointed framework.  However proper breathing is not to allow the breath to enter the chest.  A low breath in the rib cage and diaphragm helps to control stress and tension within the face and shoulders. The ribs which compose the framework are attached to the breast bone in front and the spine at the back.  The lower or floating ribs are attached to each other in front and not to the breast bone and so are capable of greater movement which has an effect on respiration as will be seen later.  The floor of the chest is the diaphragm, a large dome shaped muscle, which  is attached by fibers to the spine, the ribs, and the sternum (There sternum, or breast bone, is the bone running from the neck to the stomach and having ribs articulated with it at the breast bone).  The part of the abdominal muscles principally concerned with breathing is that portion which lies above the waist and may be felt in the angle between the ribs below the end of the breast bone.  The abdominal muscles coordinate with the diaphragm, relaxing when it contracts and contracting when it relaxes.  This coordination is largely dependent upon the expansion of the chest wall.  In fact, all factors concerned, ribs, diaphragm and abdominal muscles must be trained together.  Satisfactory coordination can only be obtained here.  

04/1/17

Blog

Singing Technique and Proper Posture:
In order for breathing to flow fluently, posture is important. This exercise will help straighten your posture.

Put your back to the wall with your heels touching the wall. Put your knees a comfortable distance apart and keep your head centered on the shoulders not pressed against the wall. Lengthen your knees down until the small of the back is flat against the wall.

a. Breathe in on 6. Release the diaphragm breathe into the diaphragm, release, breathe in making sure the rib cage stays expanded while the diaphragm works.
b. Make sure the voice is centered (using your speaking voice) practice with open AH’s.
c. Practice doing other desirable vocal exercises such as AY, EE, I, OH, and OO.
d. When ready straighten knees and walk away from the wall. Using a long mirror you can see perfect posture and you will also feel as if you have grown an inch taller.