woman in green jacket holding a microphone

Changing the Feel of a Cover Song with Limited Instrumental Skills // Jess Baldwin

There’s no shame in not having major instrumental skills, and it definitely doesn’t have to hold you back in helping your student (or yourself!) reimagine a cover song in a style that feels more authentic. Here are a few tools you can use. Ballad-ize It If you want to ballad-ize something, Look on YouTube/iTunes for stripped down versions of a song. Search terms like “piano … Continue reading Changing the Feel of a Cover Song with Limited Instrumental Skills // Jess Baldwin

The Delicate Balance of Technique and Artistry // Laura Donohue

I’m fascinated with the complicated relationship between Technique and Artistry, in part because I strive to help my students stay connected to (or discover) their own artistry. But the other reason is personal: as an artist and songwriter, myself, I feel as though I am often chasing wildness.  I have an insatiable appetite for learning; at the same time, I frequently find myself seeking freedom … Continue reading The Delicate Balance of Technique and Artistry // Laura Donohue

The Importance of Rhythm in Singing Modern Black American Music Styles // Alison Crockett

As voice teachers, we commonly work on how the voice sounds, feels and how to produce the sound necessary to create a beautiful tone that can be reproduced consistently without difficulty and strain. We as a community are starting to embrace teaching techniques that allow for health, well being and good sound production within modern music styles and singing practices. We are no longer afraid … Continue reading The Importance of Rhythm in Singing Modern Black American Music Styles // Alison Crockett

Communication Skills For Vocal Performance Power // Judy Rodman

When I began teaching voice 22 years ago, I noticed that each student that came to me had their own individual package of strengths and weaknesses, some totally opposite others. After a few years, I noticed that breath issues, tight throat issues and communication issues are synergistic. Correcting flaws in one could correct the others. The health of the voice is determined by healthy physiological … Continue reading Communication Skills For Vocal Performance Power // Judy Rodman

Teaching CCM Styles, Finding Your Voice, and Appropriating Styles…and Yourself // Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin

Dr. Trineice (creator of Soul Ingredients® and author of So You Want to Sing Gospel) shares some fantastic wisdom with us about the ways academia can helpfully structure programs for singers of CCM genres, how she found her own voice and helps others find theirs, and ways we can be mindful of potential appropriation. Transcript: Jessica Baldwin:Hey everybody. I am Jess Baldwin, and this is … Continue reading Teaching CCM Styles, Finding Your Voice, and Appropriating Styles…and Yourself // Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin