Classical Training is Great for Commercial Singing! One of my greatest joys, but at times, also one of my greatest frustrations, is being a voice teacher. Why, you may ask? Isn’t it the most wonderful job to help people literally find and develop their singing voice? Doesn’t it feel great to build their singing skills and especially their confidence— not only for singing, but in life? Yes, and yes! But, with students who only want to sing contemporary, commercial styles of music, my frustration grows when I know what they need to progress well and more quickly in their vocal studies, yet they ..read more

Spring has sprung! Or at least it’s on its way, even if the weather where you are isn’t quite perfect yet. It’s time for Spring Cleaning Tips for Singers— actual cleaning and organizing hacks to make your singing environment happier and healthier. But second, and maybe even more importantly— Spring Cleaning Tips for the inside of you as well— kind of like New Year’s Resolutions, but a lot more productive, and with none of the guilt if they don’t happen right away (or at all)! Spring Cleaning for a Healthy Voice Being a great singer starts with a home environment that supports you in every way ..read more

As faithful readers of this blog know, it’s been a while since I’ve been moved to add anything to this project. Between the pandemic and all its stressful effects, the demands of teaching voice online for both a college and my private studio, and the complexities of taking care of my family— whew!!! That’s more than enough to fill anyone’s day!  But, when something drives me to write, I just HAVE to get it down on paper (or in this case, a laptop). What’s bugging me now? Something so simple, but yet, so profound: as a singer, you should KNOW THE PARTS OF YOUR VOCAL INSTRUMENT, and for Pet ..read more

If you’re anything like me, you’re so OVER this whole damn pandemic, and just wish it would go away. From the most serious effects of this nightmare, like losing a loved one to COVID-19 (I have), to losing all or part of your livelihood (I have), to the never-ending but necessary annoyances of constantly washing our hands or wiping down our grocery bags, it has all been a royal pain of the first magnitude. And if you sing, whether for fun or professionally, this has thrown a major wrench into your singing life.  But, an online college voice class is waiting for you! We now know that singi ..read more

Like most of you, I’m sure, if I see one more email, post or news article about what NOT to do regarding the Coronavirus, I think I will scream!  Don’t go to work, don’t go out, don’t touch your face, don’t stand too close, don’t do this, don’t do that— and of course these are all necessary safety precautions for our individual health, and for the greater good.  But I’m writing my thoughts today about this:  Why You Should Still Sing, Now! I can hear you out there, saying “Is she kidding?  I have much more important things to worry about right now!” I get it. I’m worri ..read more

Time to register for the Fall 2019 Semester! Whether you’re already taking college classes, or you have children who are starting back to school after the summer break— it’s time to look ahead to the coming school year! And that means new opportunities to take great singing classes at your local community college. But, many people struggle with whether to take an actual voice class, or to study privately with a professional teacher, one-on-one. The answer may be less obvious than you think! In a perfect world, we’d all like to have the time and the money to have the focused attention of a terr ..read more

Happy Seventh Day of Christmas! And Happy New Year (almost)! By now, you’ve made it through all the joys, but also the stresses, of preparing for Christmas Day— shopping, decorating, sending cards, attending social activities, dealing with travel or visiting relatives, and a host of other holiday-related tasks. Like many folks, you’re probably exhausted at this point! And if you’re a singer, you’re extra-tired from all the many rehearsals and performances that get added on at this time of year. As wonderful as that all can be, it also can leave your body, and your voice, needing some real R an ..read more

Happy Holidays!  December is finally upon us, and that means with Christmas around the corner, this is the season of giving.   In addition to our normal jobs and activities, that means shopping, decorating, cooking, visiting relatives, socializing with friends, wrapping gifts, attending additional church services, and participating in charitable activities.  And for singers, both professional and amateur, it means something else besides– LOTS more work!  This is a good thing, of course, but it also means that on top of regular life activities, Christmas activities, and then ..read more

Are you like me— dismayed by the overwhelming retail push of Christmas as soon as Halloween is over? The trick or treaters were barely home and counting their candy before the TV commercials started blaring their holiday shopping ads. The Hallmark Channel actually started showing their annual marathon of Christmas movies before Halloween, on October 26th! And soon after, some radio stations started their all-Christmas song format. What’s wrong with this picture?! Everything! How about we just celebrate Thanksgiving first?!  It’s our uniquely American holiday, a beautiful one that speaks t ..read more

It’s hard to believe, but since starting this blog about singing back in March, I am now on my 50th post! Amazing! Woo-hoo! A year ago at this time, I was only thinking, wishing, and wondering about blogging, and now I am actually doing it. I’ve taken only the first steps on this long journey, but the point is, I’ve started it. I took the leap, and now I’m in free-fall!  Blogging is not just a great way to share my passion for singing and solutions for singer’s problems. It’s also turned out to be a great metaphor for the struggles that singers go through in their own careers and lives. T ..read more