anais nin quote

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a
bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Anais Nin, French born, American Author of novels
and short stories, 1903-1977

Volare with Tuba

Okay. Most of us haven't thought of the elegant tuba as the most versatile of instruments. However, my friend, and fabulous tuba player, Ginger Bruner recently dazzled me when I dropped in on her gig in Vegas, playing Italian favorites.

Here's the fun part; the tuba, (it seems all so logical now) was carrying the bass line! OF COURSE! I think my favorite was Ginger holding the trio together on 'Three Coins In the Fountain'!

Ginger's been known to have some of the weirdest tuba gigs in the world; in fact, I think she seeks them out! Recently she played tuba with a rock band!

I have a newfound respect for the often maligned, and under-appreciated toooba.

Above is a photo of Ms. Bruner (who's also in the Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in Vegas) at the Italian Wine Bar gig. (I suggest the Talbot 'Sleepy Hollow' Chardonnay. It goes very well with tuba played Sicilian style)!

Las Vegas Workshop and Sushi Buffet!

Even though I lived in Vegas for many years, I'm always amazed when I come back to this wacky city! I've seen Elvis twice; Marilyn Monroe only once (she was doing some shopping at Trader Joe's!)

What's great about this place is that people come here to reinvent themselves. It's kind of like an early gold rush town - you can be anything or anyone, and NOBODY CARES!

Last Sunday I sang at The Center for Positive Living, then did my "Joyful Singing!" workshop afterwards. One of the participants said "I increased my range by AN OCTAVE!" I love hearing stuff like that! Once you let go and release your voice, great things happen.

When in Vegas I always eat at Makino where you get all you can eat sushi, seafood and everything else under the sun. Isn't my first plate beautiful?? I ate my fill of the salmon sushi.

Hey! My "INTEGRATED VOICE, VOCAL MASTERY SERIES" just rolled out! In Volume One, The Basics, you get 1) a vocal mastery exercise CD 2) The Seven Principles for an Integrated Voice Booklet 3) a BONUS CD - Viva La Voice Tips!

It'll be online soon, but you can pre-order; just send me an email or watch the website for more info!

My client, Ms. Sr. Utah!

Here's a great photo of my client, Janet Seamons, Ms. Sr. Utah! I was there to cheer Janet on at the national pageant for Ms. Sr. America that was held in Las Vegas on November 11th at the Imperial Palace.

What a great event to see gorgeous women (60 +) who are talented, articulate and incredibly beautiful! It was hard to believe that any of the women were over 40 - they all looked great.

Janet was in the top 10, and also won the highest honor of the night, a $5,000.00 scholarship for her favorite charity!

I love coaching pageant contestants; it's all about revealing that confident, authentic self, and learning how to get your message, talent and humanity across to the judges and audience.

Congratulations, Janet Seamons, Ms. Sr. Utah!!

Santa Barbara Bound!

On this mini tour coming up beginning Friday, I'll be heading to Santa Barbara, California. I grew up in SB and love it so much; this will be a great 'homecoming'.

For anyone fortunate enough to be living in the TriCounties area, I'll be singing at the Center of the Heart in Santa Barbara on November 19th. See my 'upcoming events' on the website.

Drop by and see me! Can't wait to see the ocean and smell the salty-sea-air!

Voluntary Simplicity

My October Voicegram "A Life On Fire!" talked about finding fulfillment in our complicated and materialistic Western Society. After reading the Voicegram, my friend Dan Miller, from Seattle gave me a great tip, 'check out Voluntary Simplicity.' You may want to do the same if you're searching for a more simple, fulfilling life. After googling Voluntary Simplicity I came across Linda Breen Pierce's article which will give you a good idea of this wonderful concept. I believe that when you're living an authentic life you are so 'filled' that you don't need a bunch of 'stuff'. Easy to say, difficult to do. It's a quest, and as Ms. Breen Pierce says 'a lifelong journey.' Happy journey to you all! - Beth

What is Voluntary Simplicity ~
by Linda Breen Pierce



Voluntary simplicity calls into question North American society's tendency to equate money and material possessions with the good life. Proponents of simplicity as a way of life reject the notion that our life goal should be to amass as much material wealth and prestigious accomplishments as we possibly can. Their lifestyles tend to involve patterns of working less, wanting less and spending less.

This way of life cannot be strictly defined. It means different things to different people. What may be a simple, enriching life for one person could be a life of deprivation and suffering for another.

Simplicity can best be achieved by paring your life down to its essentials--those things, activities and relationships you either truly need or genuinely cherish.

Simplicity involves unburdening your life, and living more lightly with fewer distractions that interfere with a high quality life, as defined uniquely by each individual. You will find people living simply in large cities, rural areas and everything in between.

Some of the simplicity values that are important to people who live simply are:

1. Limiting material possessions to what is needed and/or cherished.
2. Meaningful work, whether paid or volunteer, ideally spending no more than 30 hours per week (in order to make time for items # 3 to 12, below).
3. Quality relationships with friends and family.
4. Joyful and pleasurable leisure activities.
5. A conscious and comfortable relationship with money.
6. Connection to community, but not necessarily in formal organizations.
7. Sustainable consumption practices.
8. Healthy living practices, including exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritious food.
9. Practices that foster personal growth, an inner life, or spirituality, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, religious ceremonies, journal writing, and spiritually-related reading.
10. Connection to nature-delighting in spending time in nature regularly.
11. Aesthetic beauty in personal environment.
12. Living in harmony with values and integrity.

Living simply does not require adherence to a rigid set of rules, but rather it challenges the individual to live consciously and deliberately. Simplicity is not a destination. It is a life long journey that is not always easy, but ultimately deeply satisfying.

Linda Breen Pierce is the author of Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World and Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply. She can be reached via email or at (831) 626-8486 (Pacific time).

Copyright 2003, Linda Breen Pierce. You may reprint this article, provided you include the byline at the end of the article.

Las Vegas Workshop

If you live in Vegas, or know someone who does, don't miss my "Joyful Singing" workshop at the Center for Positive Living on NOVEMBER 12TH, 12:00-2:00 PM!

You'll learn all my singing secrets, and also get rid of any fears and phobias you have about your voice.

Get more info:
http://www.vivalavoice.com

See you there! Only $15 if you register early.

Lawrence Wins Zion's Bank Grant!

I'm so excited! I applied for a 'Smart Women' Grant from Zion's Bank, and got the Grant for my program, 'Project Treasure Box'. This will really help me help others. Here's the Press Release about the Grant and Project Treasure Box:

MIDWAY BUSINESS OWNER AWARDED ZION'S 'SMART WOMEN' GRANT

Performing Arts Coach to Help Women In Transition with Project Treasure Box


SALT LAKE CITY, Utah; October 24, 2006 - Beth Lawrence, CEO of the Midway-based company Viva La Voice, was one of 7 women from Utah awarded a 'Smart Women' grant at Zion's Bank Smart Women, Smart Money conference on October 11 in Salt Lake City. Lawrence applied for the Smart Women grant to help launch her Project Treasure Box which will give women who are re-entering the workforce, and are facing challenges financially, emotionally or physically, the opportunity to have private Integrated Voice and job interview coaching sessions at no charge.

"Smart Women" grants are provided to women who excel in a variety of categories; promote the empowerment of women; and emphasize collaboration between women entrepreneurs and non-profit entities supporting women.

Lawrence is thrilled to have been awarded the Smart Women Grant which will help her better facilitate Project Treasure Box coaching sessions. "I want to give women who may have lost hope a positive, life-changing experience that will help them get their life and confidence back, and show them that they can be successful, strong and self-sufficient. I've had my own struggles, which have taught me that self-confidence is the key to overcoming every obstacle. I've been a small business owner and independent contractor in a very difficult business (music), and know the importance of having someone believe in you," says Lawrence.

"I appreciate that Zion's believed in me and Project Treasure Box," says Lawrence. "I want to share what I've learned, and enrich others who could use some encouragement."

Zion's Bank gave grants up to $3,000 to women in business who empower, support and educate women in achieving financial independence.

"We developed the new Smart Women Grants to help bolster the efforts of everyday heroines who strengthen our communities in so many ways through their various talents," said Lori Chillingworth, manager of the Women's Financial Group.

Beth Lawrence is the only expert in the country teaching The Integrated Voice(tm) method, a holistic approach to voice coaching and therapy honoring the connection of body, mind and spirit. For over 15 years, Beth has been helping people all over the United States rediscover the joy of singing, performing, and living their Big Dream. "I love developing the brilliance in others!," states Lawrence, "and being able to give back some of what I've learned in my career is very fulfilling."


Lawrence's voice can be heard on numerous national jingles and soundtracks. Her CD's have garnered awards from Parent's Magazine, Billboard Magazine, the American Song Festival and L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine. An award-winning singer, Beth has appeared in major showrooms and concert venues in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Singer/Composer Lawrence has written music and lyrics for Marilyn an American Fable, a musical that ran on Broadway at the Minskoff Theater in New York. Most recently she wrote book, lyrics and music for The Journey Home, which ran as part of the 2002 Cultural Olympiad.

Viva La Voice is a Company offering voice coaching; voice therapy for Parkinson's patients; songwriting and performing arts training; and a catalog of original compositions and training products.

To learn more about Beth Lawrence and Project Treasure Box, see http://www.vivalavoice.com

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A Life On Fire!

"Nothing sparkles like a life on fire. And there is no greater luster or luxury than feeling at peace in your soul." Tama Kieves

Thank you, Tama ("This Time I Dance!", a great book) for this great quote. It seems that there's a cross-generational 'mid life crisis' that is causing people to become increasingly uncomfortable with their lives these days. Time is fleeting; every day seems to fly faster, and many of us are questioning, as a friend of mine asked 'are we losing time, or losing ourselves?'

We've been led down a material path that brainwashes us into thinking we need more, newer, and bigger 'things'. Suddenly, though, all those material pursuits are leaving us with less time and more frustration. I've often wondered how it would feel to be free of all my 'stuff'; to fly freely anywhere, anytime, for any reason without the terrible burden of carrying around all my memorabilia, inherited china and purchased furniture. Ahhhhh, the freedom of it all!

I think Life is calling to us all to remember 'you can't take it with you, and it's slowing you down!' Attachments of any kind keep us stuck, and more and more people are feeling incredibly rut-bound. Do you feel like the movie 'Groundhog Day'? That you get up and repeat the same boring routine, ending the day wondering what you did that enriched yourself or others? Remember that the same actions produce the same results!

This past weekend I cleared out my closet. It feels fantastic. I've been carrying around clothes that I bought literally 15 years ago! Wow, talk about baggage. I can't wait to get rid of more clutter; it's so freeing!

If you feel like you're losing time; that you're not leading the fulfilled life you dream of; that you're off-purpose, then it's time for a total life makeover! Change your living space, change your diet, change your habitual thought patterns, and rediscover those dusty old dreams laying at the bottom of your closet (underneath those brand new shoes you've never worn - but they were on sale)!

If time IS speeding up, then all the more reason to spend your time doing something you love. All the money and things in the world can't compare to a life chock full of memorable experiences. As Tama Kieves says "Nothing sparkles like a life on fire." Amen, sister!

New Moms - Get some sleep!

If you're a new Mom, here's a tip for you: You'll probably get a lot more sleep if you play or sing lullabies to your baby! The soothing music will calm your baby and help your baby, and YOU get some sleep!

Here's what folks have said about my National Parenting Publications Gold winning lullaby CD LAND OF SLEEPYTIME...lullabies for the heart and soul:

"Your music has been a part of our daughter's bedtime routine for the past four years. It has been a wonderfully soothing way to end our day, as we rock in the calmness of your songs. Thank you for touching our hearts." -Marlene Galiszewski

It's been proven that music calms and sooths; but did you know that music also helps your baby develop important neural pathways in the brain?

Do you want to listen to LAND OF SLEEPYTIME in Itunes?? Go here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=138183872

"Beth has such a beautiful and soothing voice. With three energetic and growing boys, we really need a winding down time at the end of the day and this CD really does the trick." -Renee Marrs

If LAND OF SLEEPYTIME works for three little boys, it will work for you!

"I recently had a son named Matthew and he has been listening to your Lullaby CD since I was pregnant with him :-) Well, now he LOVES it, and it relaxes him and he goes right to sleep! Your voice is beautiful and I just wanted you to know how much we both love and appreciate the CD." -Rebecca Olson

You can get this terrific baby sleep aid on my website (products) or go directly to CD Baby and get a good night's sleep RIGHT NOW! Here's the link:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bethlawrence

Do you have a favorite LAND OF SLEEPYTIME success story? Share it with me! Or post a review on CD Baby to help other moms get some sleep!

Scotsman Guide Features My 'Tip of the Month'

The National Mortgage publication, Scotsman Guide is featuring my 'Tip of the Month'in their October issue! This is exciting! Below is a press release:

To Get Ahead - Stand Still

Scotsman Guide, A National Mortgage Publication - Features Utah Business Coach's 'Tip of the Month' in October Issue



MIDWAY, Utah, Oct. 7th, 2006 - Beth Lawrence, CEO of Viva La Voice, lends her expert voice to Scotsman Guide's October issue with her 'Tip of The Month' - Stand Still! This monthly feature offers quick, practical suggestions for professionals in the Mortgage and Banking business. According to Lawrence's 'Tip of The Month', there's power in standing still, especially for trainers, speakers and educators.

"Most speakers are shocked when I tell them to just stand still and deliver their talk," Lawrence says. When coaching speakers and singers, Lawrence makes sure that the message takes center stage, not the messenger. She continues, adding, "Everybody thinks they have to move around to hold their audience's interest, but it's really just the opposite! Unless you're moving for a reason, pacing or habitual gestures are a distraction, and take away from what you're saying. The audience can't concentrate on your content when they're distracted by your inconsequential movement."

"The Scotsman Guide's 'Tip of The Month' has to be 75 words or less," says Lawrence, "so just like the professional speakers that I train, the 'tip' has to be concise and to the point!" she adds. Scotsman Guide is the leading resource for mortgage originators and is published nationally every month in a residential, commercial and online edition. Scotsman Guide goes to over 64,000 Mortgage Originating offices in the U.S. each month. "It's fantastic to be featured in a National publication like Scotsman Guide," says Lawrence, "especially when their past 'Tip' contributors have included world-famous trainers like Tom Hopkins."

What's the point of Lawrence's 'October Tip'? The coach, voice therapist, singer/songwriter says, "Just focus on your message, and have the confidence to stand still when you have something important to say!"


Viva La Voice is a company based in Midway, Utah, offering private voice coaching, therapy for Parkinson's patients, workshops in the performing arts, and music camps for women.
To read the entire article, The Power of Standing Still, go to: http://www.VivaLaVoice.com/articles.htm


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To loosen my heart

This is an incredibly beautiful quote from Dawna Markova that I wanted to share. I especially like the line 'I will not die an unlived life.'

Is there something you want to do, but have put it off? The time is now, DO IT.

Here's Markova's lovely thought:

"I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit."

-Dawna Markova

Carlos y Cristina!

Here's a photo of my friend, Carlos Murguia, 2 time Grammy nominee, awesome singer/keyboardist/composer/producer. We got together last week when he came to town with Chuck Negron, lead singer of 'Three Dog Night'.

Carlos and I go WAY back; in fact I started working in the group Tabasco with Carlos when he was just 15 years old!

We met at Disneyworld, Florida (where I was working in 'Kids of the Kingdom' a 'grown-up' Mickey Mouse Club singing/dancing group). Tabasco was a group of three brothers, their brother-in-law, two sisters, and one of the sisters was married to one of the Murguia brothers! All were from Mexico City. They were so dynamic; did all styles of music, choreographed everything and did tight, multi-harmonies. What a group! They asked me to join their group when one of the sisters went back to Mexico to do a television show, so off I went with Tabasco to work at Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland. FUN!

I went on to tour Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, Acapulco and the U.S. and Canada with the 7 piece show group, which was where I learned most everything I know about performing, being on the road, doing Television etc. It was a great group and a life-changing experience for me.

So Carlos and I had lots of memories to talk about, especially since I hadn't seen him in 20 years! I don't know where the time goes!

While I was in the group Tabasco I used my middle name 'Cristina' since it was hard for Latinos to pronounce 'beth' - it always came out sounding like 'bet' or 'betty', so Cristina sounded much more Latin.

Carlos always played the B-3 in Tabasco, and he played the B3 at Chuck Negron's concert, too, so it was fun to hear that big organ sound again that we used so much in Tabasco.

I'm so glad to have had such a long career with so many adventures! I've seen places; met people and shared stages with some incredible people that I never would have, had I not 'followed my muse' and had a music career. It's been a great life, and so much more to come. I love the way my music is evolving; my teaching is helping others, and my friends from the past are still in my life.

Here's to Carlos, Tabasco, and Cristina, La Gringa!

Pungent Lily Performs for SOP Convention

Last weekend Nyle Steiner, Kristin Lish and I (Pungent Lily) performed for the Sons of the Utah Pioneers National Convention here in Utah. There was lots of history recounted, and the convention center was decorated with both a pioneer handcart and an authentic 'prairie schooner' working replica.

We had a great time playing our favorite 'Americana with a twist' for over 400 attendees. When we play old tunes like 'Clementine' etc. it's so neat to see the faces light up and the audience sing along. The fun part for us is adding unexpected chord changes, odd rhythms and my take on 'lyric invention'.

What's lyric invention? I take the written lyrics, then just jumble them up, creating new phrases that incorporate the original words in different order!

Pictured here, from Left, is Pungent Lily's genius inventor, Nyle Steiner, myself 'lyric inventor', and Homer LeBaron, Past President of the local Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.

The conference award banquet was held at Zermatt resort, Midway, Utah, right in my own backyard (practically!)

The Heber Valley Railroad!

Wow, was this a busy Fall weekend! Friday, I grabbed my three singer-friends, Cass Ho, Koryn Hafen and Jennifer Ruff, and headed for the Heber Valley Railroad, where we sang songs from my musical, The Journey Home.

The Journey Home Train gig was created for the National Convention of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, here in Midway/Heber and was a perfect program for that organization. The Journey Home was written by myself and David Kowaleski for the 2002 Cultural Olympiad here in Utah, and told the story of a Swiss family of emmigrants who traveled the Mormon Trail with a handcart company, eventually settling in this beautiful valley.

The weather was really cold and rainy, and while we were recounting the story of the pioneer's three month journey on the frigate Columbia, we all felt like pioneers!

The train was lurching and jerking through Provo Canyon as we attempted to sing, keep the PA from falling over, and keep ourselves from tumbling into someone's lap!

It really was fun, and lots of laughs.

The train was full with 320 convention attendees who loved the music and could relate to the stories and songs about the pioneer's journey as they finally came 'home' and settled in Midway, Utah.

The Fall colors were magnificent and a great time was had by all! The Journey Home is a great story with beautiful music written and fully orchestrated by Dave Kowaleski, a musical genius. If you'd like to hear music from The Journey Home, go to the 'products' page of my website: vivalavoice.com

Pioneer history is fascinating, and I think you'll really enjoy this new musical!

Indulge your creativity!

While I was living in Bellevue, Washington I had the opportunity to sing several times at the Evergreen Church of Religious Science. Reverend Jeanette Keil is a wonderful writer and I wanted to share this entry from her newsletter. If you are last on your own list of things to do, take some time to indulge in your own creativity. It will be time well spent.

"This is a great time of year to be thinking about what you want to create in your life. The choices are limitless. What is it that you loved to do when you were eight or ten years old? What do you still long for in your life? What word comes to mind when you think about what it would take to make you feel fulfilled? Is there something missing from your life? If you came up with easy answers to any of the above questions, pursue it. If the answers didn't come easily to you, that’s not a problem. Maybe you can't run with the wind like you did on the high school track team, but perhaps it's time to re-establish the pattern of a morning walk that slipped away so easily in the busy-ness of things. Or, maybe you long to have time to write or paint. Those activities, too, can be re-introduced into your life, perhaps not as a profession, like you once dreamed of, but maybe as an avocation that you indulge in for a couple of hours once a week. Our ability to create is unique. Going within and bringing forth our creativity can be a very enriching experience - for a day, for a week, for a lifetime."
- Rev. Jeanette Keil, Evergreen Church, Bellevue, WA

Have you listened to my podcast? Just click the orange button.

Viva La Voice Podcast #1!!

Wow, what a journey! I'm going to jump in (finally) and upload my first podcast. This is kind of experimental, as I have one podcast in two formats. So the links will be for an audio mp3 file, AND an enhanced podcast that has photos. Hopefully, they'll both work!

The next challenge is setting up the 'link' button. Understand that this is a steep learning curve for me! Most of you out there who even listen to podcasts are probably rolling your eyes at my baby steps here at Viva La Voice. You know, it's okay to venture into unknown territory, and that's what I'm doing.

This podcast isn't perfect! In fact, I've noticed that the actual content is very short (under 4 minutes - it's a test remember!), but the podcast length is something over 8 minutes! So whether the images make it longer (I don't think so), or I just failed to edit the podcast remains to be seen. Rather than go back and spend another few DAYS editing, I'm choosing to upload the thing and get it out there!

I'd appreciate feedback, i.e. can you see the images on PC and Mac in the enhanced version, or are enhanced podcasts simply a Mac feature? I believe the Mp3 file is audio only, it is in my test, but if someone finds something different, let me know!
Are the files too big? Do they take too long to download?

OKAY! HERE ARE THE LINKS TO MY FIRST VIVA LA VOICE PODCAST!:

Enhanced version:

Mp3 Podcast:

Podcast coming soon!

Last month I created my first podcast. For the first two weeks of September I've been learning how to upload it!! Please check back in the next couple of days to get the link to my first podcast!

This whole world of new technology is so fascinating; but also so frustrating!

I'm really trying to wrap my shrinking brain around all these tech applications and learn how to conceptualize the flow of information, then integrate it all.

Whew! It helps me to visualize the pathway (or is it the 'information highway'???!!) for all this information, and how each step in the creation and uploading process moves the podcast to a place in cyberspace where others can access it.

It makes me feel good to be able to master some of these steps, which at the outset are supposed to be EASY, but Ha! aren't that easy for even some seasoned techies. Just when I feel like I know nothing, I'll ask a question like "do you have wi-fi available", and the young girl behind the counter at the coffeehouse will say 'what's wi-fi'? That kind of stuff astounds me, and yet, my questions about uploading a podcast probably astound the guys at the MAC store! So it's all relative.

Tomorrow, after rehearsal and lessons, I'll look through my volumes of notes (mostly tutorials from my webmaster/marketer Nashlah) and ATTEMPT A PODCAST LINK TO MY BLOG!

Once that's accomplished I want you all to get the podcast and let me know you got it. It's an enhanced podcast which means it has photos along with the podcast. (Don't ask me how it works!....)

So tune in soon for a short podcast. I'm planning interviews and interesting content related to all things 'performing arts'. Have any suggestions? Let me know!

I'm also getting my Joyful Singing/Vocal Mastery CD set and booklet ready for press! Lots of new projects in the works which I'll be posting soon.

Beth Lawrence's Viva La Voice Podcast coming soon!

Words From Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter

"I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message." --Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter)

Just last week, a Stingray barb killed Steve Irwin as he was filming another of his educational shows. Some folks thought he was crazy and took too many chances. Others thought he was positive, loved his life, and went at it full tilt. Whatever you may have thought about him, most everyone will agree that he lived life to its fullest, and isn't that what we should all aspire to do????

Steve was driven by his passion for animals, for the environment, for education. He put himself in a lot of scary situations which compelled us to watch and wonder at the outcome. He faced his fears and didn't back down. You can say that it's really sad that his life was cut short while he still had so much of it to live. But what would be worse is living a long, safe, uninspired life without passion or challenge.

Everyday I'm reminded that you've got to grab Life with both hands and shake things up a bit. What good is playing it safe if you never really LIVE? If your life isn't filled with passion, with energy, with wonder, maybe it's time to get out there and chase some crocodiles! We all have fear in our lives, but facing that fear, no matter the consequence is what makes us come alive. Are you standing safely on the shore as a bystander to Life, or are you plunging into the water and wrestling head to head with the challenges that stand in the way of a fulfilled life?

We all stand as an example to others. The Crocodile Hunter may have been a bit extreme for most of us, but his example shows me that there are a lot of areas in my own life where I can be more brave, more open, and more authentic. What good is a life lived in the shadows, hiding in the dark so that we won't have to face our fears? Live fiercely, live well, live courageously so that others will admire your passion and find the strength to hunt their own crocodiles!

End Of Summer Allergies

Lately I've found my nose a bit stuffy and my throat a bit scratchy when I wake up in the morning. All I have to do is walk through the garden to see that almost everything from my glorious cosmos to the prickly thistle are going to seed. So it makes sense that most of us will be suffering from some type of allergy in the next few weeks.

When I was living in Las Vegas I had a chronic bout with a low grade flu, with headache, sore throat, fatigue and achey body. I knew enough to know that flu is a virus and isn't 'chronic'; it should run its course in 5 days or so. When I went in to see the Doctor and gave him my symptoms, he said 'you have allergies.' I couldn't believe that allergies would give me the same symptoms as a flu bug, but less than an hour after taking the allergy medicine he prescribed, I felt better! I was shocked, but now when anyone tells me they've been sick for over a week with similar complaints, I suggest that they probably are suffering from dreaded allergies.

If you're having dry, scratchy throat or other symptoms, why not try my fantastic 'VIVA LA VOICE TONIC RECIPE'?? It tastes so good, soothes the throat and clears up phlegm. It's a great general cleansing tonic for the whole system. Best of all, I want everyone to try it, so you can find it on my website ('Products') for an introductory price of only $3.97!!! Can you afford not to try it?! Let me know how it works for you! www.vivalavoice.com

Enjoy your last days of summer in health!

Sound Repellant!

I recently read about an inventor in England who has created a device called the Mosquito. If you read my blog or website you'll know that I'm an advocate for sound as a healing medium. Well, the Mosquito uses sound for quite a different reason, and gets an entirely different response!

Evidently the Mosquito emits a high pitched sound that keeps errant youths with too much time on their hands from loitering on city streets. This high pitch is horridly annoying to young people under age 25; doesn't seem to bother young kids, and evidently anyone over 25 has the diminished capacity to hear those high pitches!

Interesting how sound frequencies have such a profound effect on humans (and animals, to a greater degree). I have a musician friend who just got a new hearing aid (years of music have taken their toll) that is digital and can be programmed to boost only the frequencies he's missing. He said he stepped outside the other night and could hear crickets for the first time in years!

I believe in the power of sound to heal. I'm rather concerned about using sound to repel or control the population. Our government scientists have invented and are 'experimenting' with a device that emits a piercing sound that is to be used for 'crowd control'. Pretty scary. Sonar used by the Navy is routinely bursting the eardrums of whales. Sound has a power that can scramble our innards. I suppose anything has an inherent duality that can be used for benefit or for harm.

Next time you're feeling uneasy in a public place, you better make sure you're not being bombarded with repellant sound frequencies!

Music Helps Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Patients

I recently read another article about the effects of music therapy on Alzheimer's patients. The article by Jule Klotter, states:
"A music therapy program raised melatonin levels and improved behavior and sleeping problems in 20 male Alzheimer's patients. The Alzheimer's patients underwent music therapy for 30-40 minutes, 5 days a week for one month. Blood samples were taken before the first session, at the end of the four weeks of therapy, and 6 weeks after the study's conclusion. Dr. Ardash Kumar and colleagues at the University of Miami School of Medicine (Florida), who reported the study in Alternative Therapies (1999;5:49-57), checked the levels of melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin. These brain chemicals are known to affect mental state. They found that melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine blood levels had risen significantly by the end of the 4-week therapy program. Moreover, melatonin levels remained high 6 weeks after the program had stopped. In addition to the hormonal changes, the participants in the study also became more active and cooperative and slept better."

In my work with Parkinson's patients, I see remarkable results when patients use singing therapy as a means of strengthening their voices. Their breathing, articulation and speech rhythm all improve, making them much more understandable. This is a Godsend not only for the patient, but for their caregivers, also, who sometimes get as frustrated as the patient when communication is difficult.

Music and singing are a part of our core being. With the musical arts, we can bypass the thinking brain, and go right to the emotional center of the person. Many Alzheimer's patients remember songs and lyrics easily, when other mental faculties may be lost or difficult to access.

I believe that the field of music and voice therapy are just beginning to emerge as the key to helping patients with non-invasive treatments, and I'm proud to be a Music Practitioner who can help others get more joy from their lives.

Nyle Steiner Goes Country!

My good friend and music collaborator, Nyle Steiner (he's the genius that invented the Electronic Wind Instrument, played by jazz musicians worldwide) and I did a benefit for Wasatch Humane on Saturday. (You can see Nyle's invention in this photo). This was a really worthy cause and we were glad to help this organization that does a lot of horse rescue and rehab here in Utah.

When we got to the gig it was a decidedly 'horsey' event so we pulled out some of our more 'americana' tunes, and with the help of keyboardist Cary Hobbs, we did some fun music, very fitting for the occasion - stuff like 'Don't Fence Me In' Ha!

Before we played Nyle jumped in and played a few tunes with the cowboy band 'the Hometown Pickers'! A good time was had by all as Nyle can create the sound of harmonica, pennywhistle etc., all sounds that fit just great with the cowboy music.

Here are a couple of pics with Nyle in his farmer's hat and me with one of the adoption horses.

Curing Nodes

I recently had an inquiry from a singer/songwriter who was diagnosed with nodes, and wondered if I had any advice for her. This is the response I gave her, and hope that it might be of help to anyone else who has, or has had nodes:

"I'm sorry that you're having voice challenges. For a singer/speaker, nothing is more stressful than nodes.
If you haven't done so already, you should read "My Story" on my articles page. It details my own vocal challenges until I finally FOUND THE RIGHT TEACHER! I haven't had one problem with my voice for over 20 years! (www.vivalavoice.com)

You might also check my Blog and look at the archives; lots of helpful info.

I will tell you that no amount of vocal rest is going to save you from nodes in the future unless you begin SINGING CORRECTLY! Trust me when I say that nodes don't come from overuse of the voice; they come from too much compression on the vocal chords, pushing, jamming the larynx etc., and you've got to learn to get rid of those destructive habits. I have sung for hours on end 7 days a week and have never damaged my voice, thanks to finally finding a technique that was healthy.

I'll be coming out with a new Vocal Mastery Exercise CD and booklet, and you might think about getting that. When I had nodes I began studying with my Mentor, Giuseppe Balestrieri, and was very worried about using my voice. My teacher said, 'even if you have nodes, they'll go away once you start using your voice correctly'. AND HE WAS RIGHT.

I wish you luck. Not being able to use your voice is heartbreaking. It's your passion, and also, your vocation. Find a good teacher who teaches Bel Canto and make the investment; it will be worth it and it will change your life as it did mine."

Dry, Summer Throat?

Are you suffering from a dry, summer throat? Do you run, bike or play tennis outdoors in the hot, dry air? If so, you may be suffering from a scratchy voice due to drying out your vocal chords. Allergies can also dry out the vocal chords and irritate the throat.

If you're having any 'dry throat' symptoms, why not try my 'Viva La Voice Tonic' recipe? It's fantastic for soothing and hydrating the voice, cleansing the system, and cutting plegm. And best of all, you can now get this fantastic recipe online! Go to my website, www.vivalavoice.com and click on 'Products'. I'll send you the recipe and an article about how I developed the Tonic due to years of professional singing in sometimes hostile conditions!

You'll love what this Tonic will do for your voice, whether you're a singer, speaker, salesperson or outdoor athlete. Enjoy!

Music Eases Labor Pains

In a 1986 paper published by the Journal of Music Therapy, a research associate at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute described the effects of music therapy on women in labor. For 10 contractions, women listened to songs they'd previously used as part of their relaxation techniques. They then alternated 5 music-less minutes for the duration of labor.

The women reported fewer pain responses -tense muscles, clenched teeth, raised shoulders and requests for painkillers - while music played. As I've said in earlier blogs, music is a great analgesic for pain!

Dentists have also discovered the effect of music on patients who wear headphones while having dental procedures. The music blocks the sound of the drill, diminishes pain and reduces patient anxiety. Next time you go to the dentist, ask to have headphones with your favorite music, or bring your own ipod!

More and more hospitals are using music to speed healing and relax patients during surgery and in post operative situations.

Singing: A Natural Act

My Integrated Voice Method is based in Bel Canto, an old Italian method which is said to date all the way back to the middle ages. In line with the philosophy of Bel Canto, I believe that singing is a natural act; an extension of relaxed, released speech.

Usually, when a client comes to me, the moment they begin singing, they create a phony, forced tone. Why do we believe that we have to DO something different the moment we start singing? I like to demonstrate to my students the speaking of a line (in my 'actress' voice) then immediately singing the line in exactly the same place (voice placement) with exactly the same tone quality. I didn't do anything different! Singing shouldn't be a big, mysterious production; it's just a natural use of our voice. When you were two years old you didn't obsess about technique, how your voice sounded or whether you'd hit those 'high' notes; you just SANG because it was fun and felt good! I'm constantly urging my students to 'stop thinking, and start feeling!'

We spend so much time in our heads, analyzing every note, every 'mistake', whether we're doing everything perfectly. Practice imperfection! Stop thinking and just enjoy the experience of singing. You were born singing, just let it happen. Get out of the way of your voice and let it spill out in all its magnificence! The challenge most singers have is trying to control their voice. Over the years, this mechanism of control translates into constriction and holding, which keeps the voice from releasing fully and naturally.

Singing is a natural act! Don't try to intellectualize it. You've always known exactly what to do to sing beautifully. Strip away all the controlling and manipulating and let your voice be free! There's nothing difficult about singing, unless you've created challenges from years of limiting your own brilliance. Sing because you love it!

The Spirit of Findhorn

"When your desire is to bring peace and harmony into the world, then you will have to start by finding peace and harmony within your own heart. It is a waste of time talking about peace. You have to seek and find that consciousness of peace which nothing and no one can disturb, and remain in it." - Eileen Caddy

Great quote, no? Eileen Caddy was one of the founders of Findhorn, a spiritual community in Scotland. I first read about Findhorn in the book 'The Gardens of Findhorn', and became entranced with the underlying philosophy. On an unforgiving sandspit of land, the Caddys, along with Dorothy McClean, created a magnificent, world-renown garden by cooperating with nature spirits, 'Devas', who helped them turn out lush flowers and vegetables in the worst of conditions.

Findhorn has grown and gone on to be known as a center for spiritual growth, and many global workshops and seminars are held there. While there may not be 50 -pound cabbages, still held there is the vision for world peace, working in cooperation with the natural elements, and a sense of the simple life.

We would all benefit from creating peace in our own lives. When you look around and see such strife and divisiveness, it's easy to want to 'change the world'. Sometimes it's overwhelming in its scope, and you wonder where to begin. As Eileen Caddy said, you must find peace within so that nothing and no one can disturb your calm center. It's from that point of strength that you will affect others. They will feel that positive energy flowing from you and will want to be a part of it. Your inner peace will be a comfort and example for others to follow. So don't think you have to change the world. Change yourself first, and others will surely follow in your footsteps. Start by 'finding peace and harmony within your own heart.'

The Wisdom of Johnny Cash

Blaring from the car radio today was that characteristic dum ta da dum ta da dum bass line you hear in many Johnny Cash songs. Then that thick, flat, splayed out voice, unmistakably Johnny. I'd never heard this song before (not really being a JC fan), but it really struck me as great wisdom.

The song was 'Get Rhythm' and the lyric holds so true: 'Get rhythm when you get the blues'! Go Johnny! One of the best things you can do if you're depressed is put on some music and start dancing! Bang on some pots and pans; make weird rhythms with your voice; use your body as a percussion instrument!

To get yourself out of that blue funk, try singing! Even if you think you can't do jazz 'scat' singing, put on a jazz instrumental CD and sing along, pretending your voice is a trumpet, a bass, or even drums! It's all about having fun, and getting your mind off your problems. Remember singing and dancing release endorphins, and endorphins make you feel good!

So even if you're not a fan of good old Uncle Cash, pay attention to his lyric and 'Get Rhythm when you get the blues!'

Mary Blige Uses Music as Therapy

In an article by Malcolm Venable in the Virginia Post, he talks about how Mary Blige has used music to heal her own demons. In his article about her latest concert Venable says "Blige, who's been public about her addiction, abusive relationships and rough inner-city upbringing, demonstrated the legitimacy of music as therapy. Women in the audience - most of them African American - roared as she sang mantra-heavy songs like "Good Woman Down."

Later, he quotes Blige as saying, "Ladies, we are so necessary!" she said. "We're very special, very beautiful! There's not a man or woman or child that would be here if not for a woman that carried them for nine months and pushed them out into this Earth!"

The next time you have challenges in your life, try writing a song about it. Write down your feelings, stream of consciousness if necessary, and then let yourself make up any melody that comes to mind. It doesn't have to be perfect; let the melody come from the emotions or frustrations you're feeling. There's no right or wrong; no one's listening, and it's a great way to heal yourself with music. When you bypass your thinking brain, and begin singing your lyrics you can tap into that emotional place that needs expression and healing.

Music has been used as therapy since time began. Next time you have a challenge in life, do as Mary K. Blige has done - write about it!

Learning to Breathe

Most vocal challenges are directly related to an inability to correctly support the voice while singing or speaking.

It's crucial that you are using 'active breathing' so that you can let go of 'holding' or tensions that are keeping you from releasing your voice with a relaxed, open sound.

A good exercise to learn proper breathing is this: lay on the floor, placing a book in the diaphragm area (in the center, just above and between the bottom of the ribcage). As you breathe in, 'fill up' with air so that the book rises. As you exhale, the book will lower as the diaphragm area flattens. Keep doing this exercise until this type of breathing becomes natural and habitual, and you can breathe this way standing up. As you sing or speak, 'fill up' with air and try to keep 'filled up' even as you're using your voice, although, naturally, with the exhalation of air, your diaphragm area will flatten somewhat.

Remember, your breath is your engine; never your throat. If you want power and volume, simply fill up with more air and use the 'cushion of air' as your vocal support mechanism.

Girls! Find your voice!

I work with a lot of girls just entering, or going through the agony of puberty. I say 'agony' because it causes so much hormonal upheaval that usually leads to a huge drop in self-confidence. When young girls come to me they usually have a difficult time 'finding their voice'. Usually, they are shy, reserved and sing and speak in an airy, small voice that lacks power and confidence; exactly mirroring how they feel about themselves. Girls, it's time to find your voice!

"There are far-ranging consequences to low self-esteem," says Lisa Machoian, a psychologist and former director of gender studies at Harvard University. Girls lose their voice and sense of who they are, and may do extreme things - develop eating disorders, abuse alcohol and drugs, cut themselves, become promiscuous.

Clinical psychologist Robin F. Goodman writes that "Girls self -esteem peaks at 9 years old, then takes a nose dive." Here are some statistics: 75 percent of 8 and 9 year olds said they liked their looks. That percentage dropped to 56 percent among girls aged 12 and 13. By age 9, 50 percent of girls say they're on a diet. That jumps to 80 percent by the eighth grade.

I've found that singing and voice lessons can renew a girl's sense of self. When she begins to 'find her voice' and release it to the world, she gains incredible confidence. I have seen my students absolutely blossom after taking lessons and developing their voice. They get in shape, their grades go up, they get involved in activities and become more social. Overall, they open up to their own power and completely transform!

My advice is to get your teen or pre-teen involved in music or singing lessons, or any activity that will empower them and make them feel that they're good at something. It will change their lives, and help them get through the teen years easily and happily. Girls! Find your voice!

Practice Imperfection!

Most singers who come to me for help have an overriding fear of something; whether they'll forget their lyrics; whether their voice will crack; that they'll sing off-pitch, and on and on. Why all this anxiety? What happened to the joyful singing experience we used to enjoy as children?

During lessons, we use the Vocal Mastery Exercises to warm up and release the voice. It's not about being perfect, in fact, I urge my clients to PRACTICE IMPERFECTION by simply accepting that the voice is a glorious instrument of incredible color and emotion, and 'perfection' is completely subjective. I would much rather hear a singer who moved me with their emotion rather than a technically perfect singer who didn't connect with me emotionally.

When you can get to a place where you stop thinking about all the bad things that might happen when you sing, you can start to focus on the emotion of the song, which is what's really important. Of course, learning proper technique is key to getting rid of 'singing anxiety' because once you've mastered your technique, it becomes natural, and you don't have to be thinking about it, you can let it go and concentrate on your message.

When you're warming up your voice, practice the imperfection of singing with joy and abandon. Get over the fear that someone will be judging you. We all carry the shame of some far-distant criticism that has shaped our distorted belief system surrounding singing. Let it go! Sing because you love it, because it's fun, because it's part of your soul that cries out to express itself! When you feel self-conscious about your voice, move through that fear and belt out a song as you celebrate your unique voice! You're human; practice imperfection!

The Rainbow Won't Wait

The work will wait while you show the child the
rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you
do the work. - unknown

Take time to be inspired by nature! Step away from your work and feed your artistic soul. You'll return to work refreshed and ready to think outside the box!

For more Viva La Voice Tips, sign up for my monthly Voicegram at vivalavoice.com!

Miss America endorsement

Like many of you, I guess I used to think that beauty pageants were hokey. Recently, though, I've seen local and state pageants in a different light.

I just acted as Pageant Advisor for the Miss Wasatch pageant, and got to see firsthand what a great learning experience it is for young women. In just a few short weeks of rigorous coaching, these girls turn into lovely, sophisticated and confident women. They learn to dress, to walk, and to present themselves with confidence and poise. They have to articulate their views and opinions in an assertive and mature way. They learn life skills that will help them tremendously in every area of their lives.

Being Miss Wasatch is an important stepping stone to become Miss Utah and eventually Miss America. No matter what you might say about these pageants, the truth is, holding any one of those titles can, and will be a life-changing event. It means exposure to the public, thinking on your feet, presenting yourself professionally, and certainly not least, it means college scholarships.

I'd urge any young woman to investigate their local pageant opportunities and take advantage of all the pageant experience has to offer. It's a great opportunity to grow and blossom. It takes work and dedication to get to the top ranks in the pageant world. Most successful contestants would probably be deemed 'over acheivers' in the most positive sense of the word.

I admire the guts it takes to enter these pageants, and salute all the young women who put themselves on the line and go out there to compete. When you see all the girls become beautiful butterflies you realize so profoundly that they are all winners, no matter their final ranking. I salute all of you contestants with 'The Queen's wave'!

Are You Speechless?

Did you know that one-quarter of the U.S. workforce considers their voices to be the primary tool of their trade, and 28 million Americans experience daily voice problems, according to Ingo R. Titze, executive director of the National Center for Voice and Speech in Denver, Colorado?

I can't stress enough that you must treat your voice with the same, or more, respect and importance than your car, cel phone, computer or high end professional wardrobe! Most of us would be lost without our computers. What would happen if you lost your voice? What if you so abused your voice that you had to stop talking for a month or more; in other words, had to have complete vocal rest? Does it make you stop and think?

More than 3 million teachers who use their voices as part of their trade are considered at higher risk for chronic vocal problems than the general population. Lawyers, broadcast journalists, actors, singers, telemarketers, clergy and even parents who constantly use and sometimes misuse their voices are at risk for painful problems that can damage the vocal cords. If left untreated, they could become serious conditions requiring surgery. Why not avoid vocal problems before they start by learning to speak correctly? A few minutes of vocal warm up in the morning can help you avoid vocal strain, and will strengthen the voice.

Professional voice training is an essential part of the business professional's tool kit. Not only will speaking correctly preserve and strengthen your voice, but you'll be more successful when your voice reflects the confident, commanding professional that you are.

If you're interested in my new CD, The Integrated Voice, Vocal Mastery Exercises, sign up for my Voicegram at vivalavoice.com and I'll send you info on the upcoming release date, along with an article on vocal health.

Audio Analgesic

Here's yet another study on the power of music to effectively reduce pain. More and more medical studies are concluding that sound and music act as an 'audio analgesic'.

A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing involved 60 patients with chronic, non-cancer pain. Those who listened to music on headphones for an hour a day reported significantly less pain and depression and an increased sense of control.

This confirms my philosophy that music, sound and the power of the human voice act on a core biological level that bypasses our analytical, thinking brain.

If you'd like to learn more about sound healing, read my article "Sound Healing - Not Just For Britney Spears!' on my website at: vivalavoice.com

Vocal Mastery Exercise CD

This week I completed a new CD, 'The Integrated Voice - Vocal Mastery Exercises'. It's going to be a great product for speakers, singers, salespeople; really anyone who uses their voice professionally.

If you're a speaker, trainer, clergy or teacher, you need to train your voice just as singers do. I suggest at least 15 minutes a day of vocal warm ups that will help you not only build and develop your voice, but should also be done every day before you speak. Going through a series of vocal exercises daily will teach you how to use your voice correctly so that you don't strain or injury your voice. The exercises on my Vocal Mastery CD will also help you build and condition your voice as well as learning proper breathing and placement techniques.

If you'd like more information on my new Vocal Mastery CD, please sign up for my monthly Voicegram at vivalavoice.com, and I'll keep you posted about the upcoming release date!

Repetitive Voice Injury

Are you using your voice correctly? It's not only singers who develop vocal problems. More and more service personnel who use their voices all day long are suffering from a new syndrome called REPETITIVE VOICE INJURY. Folks in call centers are particularly at risk, especially when they are straining their voices by speaking incorrectly.

If you're a teacher, clergy or salesperson who's on the phone, or using your voice extensively during your work day, you could be at risk for developing this syndrome. Here are a few tips to protect and preserve your voice:

- Keep hydrated! Working in an air conditioned building can dry out your vocal chords.

- Breathe fully! Make sure that you are consciously breathing and actively supporting your voice

- Sit up straight! If you sit while you're speaking or on the phone, make sure that you 'pull up' and maintain your posture.

- Don't push! Trying to speak loudly or 'project' your voice will only lead to strain. Instead, use your breath support for vocal power.

- Use your body voice! Visualize your voice resonating in your body, not your head.

- Relax your jaw! Unclench your jaw and let it drop naturally as you speak.

- Open your mouth! You'll be surprised at how much more volume you'll get from this one simple trick.

- Take breaks! Give your voice a rest. Stop talking when you're not 'on the clock'.

- Get coaching! Most importantly, learn the basic skills that will help you to speak correctly so that you won't suffer from a strained or fatigued voice.

With just a bit of conscious effort and some basic voice coaching you'll be able to avoid Repetitive Voice Injury.

For more information on Voice Coaching and avoiding vocal injury, see my website articles at vivalavoice.com

Music Soothes an Elephant's soul

For those of you who think that animals can't feel pain, are stupid, or immune to grief, please open your mind and read on!

I recently read an article about 45 year old Suma, the Elephant, in a Croatian zoo, who had lost her pacyderm partner of 10 years to cancer. Suma was inconsolable; wouldn't eat or sleep and was clearly suffering from extreme grief and depression. Who said animals can't FEEL??

The zoo had organized a concert of classical music that happened to be opposite Suma's compound. At the sight of the five musicians with instruments, Suma began to pelt the tuxedoed musicians with small pebbles fired from her trunk. Then something totally incredible happened!

"But as soon as the concert started, what we saw was fascinating. Suma leaned against the fence, closed her eyes and listened without moving the entire concert," Mr. Anic (head of the Zagreb Zoo) said.

Suma now gets a daily dose of Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi, and seems to be coming out of her depression, consoled and comforted by her musical prescription.

Don't ever think that we human beings are the superior race! Animals feel, hear, smell and taste things that we're totally oblivious to. We humans, though, have lost our connection with nature; and our senses, as well as our instincts, have become dull. Elephants, in fact, communicate (as do whales and other sea creatures, just to name a few!) in subsonic ranges that we 'superior' humans can't even hear!

Take a lesson from Suma. The next time you're angry or depressed put on some uplifting, magical music and let your soul be healed.

Open Up Your Words!

The next time you sing a song, or give a presentation, become conscious of 'opening up your words'. So many times I'll hear a singer or speaker, and can't understand most of the words they're saying or singing! What you've got to realize is that people may not have heard your song before, so all your words, your entire story, is new to them. If you're presenting, everything you'll be saying to your audience is brand new!

Do your audience a favor and let them CLEARLY UNDERSTAND YOU. No one will be focusing on your message if they're straining to hear your words.

The way to make yourself clearly understood is to open up your words. I don't mean to open your mouth in phony, exaggerated movement. All you have to do is simply make more space INSIDE your mouth. By imagining an orange (or some other small fruit!) inside your mouth, you'll lift up the soft palette and open up the words. Elongating your vowels will also make it easier to hear every word.

It's also important to slow down your speech, or slightly overemphasize your pronunciation. What is clear to you, may still be hard to understand for someone who's unfamiliar with your words and topic.

Singers, especially, need to open up vowels and make space for their words so that lyrics are clear and understandable. If you're telling an important story with your song, you want it to be understood, otherwise, your audience won't be able to relate to your music and you will have lost a very important emotional connection.

Remember that what sounds clear to you in normal speech or singing, may not be clear to an audience who has never heard your presentation or music. Open up your words to clearly communicate your message and the emotion that is the key to your success as an effective performer!

Sing. Dance. Be Happy!

In the Path of Your Happiness....
A Master's story from Illusions, by Richard Bach


....And the Master said unto the people, "If a man told God that he wanted most of all to help the suffering world, no matter the price to himself, and God answered and told him what he must do, should the man do as he is told?"

"Of course, Master!" cried the many. "It should be pleasure for him to suffer the tortures of hell itself, should God ask it!"

"No matter what those tortures, nor how difficult the task?"

"Honor to be hanged, glory to be nailed to a tree and burned, if so be that God has asked," said they.

"And what would you do" the Master said unto the multitude, "if God spoke directly to your face and said, 'I COMMAND THAT YOU BE HAPPY IN THE WORLD, AS LONG AS YOU LIVE!' What would you do then?"

And the multitude was silent, not a voice, not a sound was heard upon the hillsides, across the valleys where they stood.

And the Master said unto the silence, "In the path of our happiness shall we find the learning for which we have chosen this lifetime. So it is that I have learned this day, and choose to leave you now to walk your own path, as you please."

And he went his way through the crowds and left them, and he returned to the everyday world of men and machines....

WHAT A GREAT STORY. It exemplifies the truth that we are all responsible for our own happiness. No one else can make you happy; no one else can make you unhappy unless you choose to let them. When you are fulfilled and are feeling good about yourself; when there's harmony in your world, only then can you reflect that harmony back to others.

Is it time for you to SING, to DANCE, to COME ALIVE AGAIN? Don't waste another minute standing on the sidelines of life! Take control and do those things that make your soul sing. Do it for yourself, and your whole life will change. The joy you experience will be a joy you can SHARE with others. In being our authentic self; in singing and dancing through life, we enable and empower others to do the same. Just by living our lives fully we are a shining example to others. Implicitly, we give them permission to do their own singing!

Can you see that neon sign in the distance flashing "HAPPINESS!"? Is the path to that happiness strewn with rocks and boulders that stand in your way? Then it's time to clear away all those boulders and learn the lessons that are there for us in this lifetime! Every boulder has a valuable lesson for us. You may roll one boulder away, only to have it reappear again later. Is there a reoccurring boulder in your life? Something that stops you from living life to its fullest?

I believe that we're responsible for only one thing in life - to be happy! An astoundingly simple solution to everything that ails the world. It's not written anywhere that you have to play the victim. You have the power to choose how you react to everything that happens in your world. Is there some lemonade that needs to be made from all those lemons??

What if God; the Mighty I Am; the Universal Presence in all its glory spoke directly to your face and said 'I COMMAND THAT YOU BE HAPPY IN THE WORLD, AS LONG AS YOU LIVE!' What would you do then??

Sing. Dance. Be happy.

Pungent Lily's first CD!

After being together just a few short months, Nyle Steiner, Kristin Lish and I have finished our first CD as Pungent Lily. This compilation of songs is incredibly eclectic, and all the songs were done live. We have a great way of working, and love just improvising our music. Four of the ten tunes were created on the spot; we just turned on the recorder and started playing!

It's amazing what can come out of you when you totally trust not only your instincts, but your fellow musicians. In order to effectively improv, you've got to be fearless. You've got to be so open that you're almost unconcious. It's like you're speeding down the rapids on a raft you have no control over; YOU JUST GO WHERE THE RIVER TAKES YOU. It's so exciting. We'll play a song back after we've recorded it and won't even remember what we'd done! All true inspiration comes from a higher power, and when you're really flowing with that, IT takes over. You become the vehicle for the music to flow through.

Tomorrow night we'll be doing an event at Harvest Lane where we'll be creating music for meditation and reflection - a Solstice celebration to honor Midsummer. All of us in Pungent Lily are looking forward to creating Solstice music that will never be played again. It will be created spontaneously, then, like a sunset, will just blaze away, poof!

We're going to record the evening's music, though. Look for some sound samples on my website soon!

Stage Skills 101 Workshop - Stand Still!

Have you ever thought about the power of JUST STANDING STILL when you talk to an audience, or share your music?? Most of us feel we have to DO something when we're on stage; that we have to dazzle everyone with our great performance ability. It's just not so. I teach my students to STOP moving around on stage unless it's called for from an emotional standpoint; they need to connect with a particular section of the audience; or, they just feel that it's time to move because the speech or lyric dictate that.

This afternoon my Stage Skills 101 workshop was really exciting. I had a diverse group of speakers and singers ranging in age from 10-60! It's always neat to have a wide age range because we can learn so much from each other. One of the things everyone needed to work on was learning not to shuffle their feet around on stage. It's a common thread among performers/speakers to be in constant motion. They don't really move, though, using their stage; instead they take a small step, drag the other foot, rock back and forth; you get the picture. What that does is steal the focus from your message, and distract the audience. Subliminally, your audience is pulled off your message by all this shuffling around. They can't concentrate on what you're saying when they're distracted by your inconsequential movement.

So be brave next time you present or sing; try standing still! It will allow your audience to completely focus on your message, not your feet. A performer who stands still and only moves when it's important shows mastery and command. Focus on your message, and have the confidence to stand still when you have something important to say!

Making it YOUR song

I worked with a really talented young gal today who is getting ready for a state Pageant here in Utah. She wanted coaching on her song presentation, so we worked initially on opening up her words (so that the judges and audience can understand what her story is!); then on 'subtext' - what emotion was underlying the words she was singing; how and when to move (there's a definate art to this, and it has to be motivated by emotion, not by the pressure to 'use the stage'); finally, and most importantly, we worked on MAKING THE SONG HER OWN.

How do you make it YOUR song? Very simply, you BECOME the character who is telling the story. You aren't singing the song from someone else's view, you sing it from YOUR point of view. It has to be your life, your pain, your joy, your story! Get into the lyrics and feel the emotion; see the visuals in your mind, let the story be your story.

This particular song was from a musical and sung by a character full of hope, emotion and excitement. When we really got down to the nitty gritty of it all, I pointed out that it truly was my student's song! I helped her see how it was exactly her life, her hopes, her dreams she was singing about! The change in presentation was miraculous! She was so honest, so mesmerizing, so convincing that both her mother and I were in tears at the end of the song! It was incredibly powerful. When you tap into your true emotions even your voice is changed and enhanced. The high notes are effortless and supercharged; you use your voice in new and adventurous ways; you stop thinking about technique and start feeling the song.

I always tell my students to sing with their hearts, not their heads. It's great to be technically perfect, but I would much rather hear a singer who touches my soul with their raw emotion, rather than hear a perfect, but emotionally cold performance.

So how do you make it your song? You sing it from your personal perspective. You relate the story to something that has happened in your own life that has touched you, changed you. Do you see how important it is to choose your material carefully? If it doesn't mean anything to you, it won't mean anything to your audience. Make it matter! There are millions of great songs out there. Don't waste your time, or your audience's time with fluffy material that has no emotional mileage. The greatest gift you can give someone is a song and performance that touches someone's heart. Make each song YOUR song.

Conscious Breathing

Recently, an adult student mentioned to me that it was a challenge to make the skills he'd learned in private coaching his 'new habits'. I replied that lifetime habits, even when they don't serve you, take time to reprogram. It's hard letting go of those constrictions, tensions and bad vocal habits, mostly because they've become your comfort zone, and two, because those bad habits are now firmly entrenched in your muscle memory.

So what do you do? First, become CONSCIOUS. Private coaching helps you to become aware of destructive habits that hinder your full expression. Once you become aware, you move on to reprogramming a new, positive habit. If Tiger Woods has to change his grip (and yes, even Tiger Woods still has a coach!) he must repeat the new grip and movement over and over until it becomes a natural part of his muscle memory. After considerable conscious effort, the new grip becomes the norm.

Start by doing what I call 'conscious breathing'. Obviously, we breathe without thinking about it; it just happens. But when we're speaking or singing, we must consciously take slow, low, relaxed breaths. We need to 'fill up' with air, not just take a quick, shallow breath, then plunge back in to our speech or music. Your breath is energy; it supports your tone; it gives you volume, power and inflection. If you don't take time to breathe, your listener won't either. They'll adopt your rhythm and feel tight, and literally, out of breath. You want your listener to be focused on your message or story, not on a subconscious nervousness that is urging them to relax and take a breath!

Work on one element at a time. Become conscious of your breathing. When you're breathing correctly (which will most likely solve many of your other vocal challenges!), then move on to another challenge, like voice placement. When you've become consciously aware of your voice and it's natural placement, and get to a place where you no longer have to think about it, move on to the next challenge, and so on. Don't overwhelm yourself with all the details at once. Rome wasn't built in a day!

Don't get frustrated; take it one step at a time. A lifetime habit is resistant to change. Be kind. Perhaps that habit has served to protect you in some way, but realize that it's time to release it, and replace it. Don't stress; practice 'conscious breathing'!

Guest Speaker - Midvalley Chamber Luncheon

Pictured in this photo are MidValley Chamber CEO, Marie Marshall, Marketing Director, Shahar Boyayan, Beth Lawrence and Nashlah Boyayan, VP Membership at the monthly Chamber meeting in Midvale.

Your Voice Speaks Volumes About You!

That was my topic for the day, and as usual, I just love talking about the psychology of voice, sound, and the power of authentic presentation. In the corporate world, a lot of time and money are spent on professional training, business cards, marketing tools and equipment. How much time is spent in personal development? Generally, not much. And yet, you are your best business card!

Business owners, trainers, reps and salespeople would be well served to understand the power of their VOICE. It is as individual as a fingerprint; each voice is unique, and is our means to express in the world. Subliminally, we are judged on the quality of our voice; whether our delivery is relaxed, clear and confident; whether our tone is pleasing or strident.

If a speaker's voice is breathy or difficult to hear, where is your focus? It's on trying to hear the person's message, not on the message! If the voice is scratchy or abrasive, you'll want to get away from that person rather than be attentive to the product information. I've heard professional speakers who were so energized that they overwhelmed me with that energy. I was exhausted by the end of their talk! It seemed that they tried to pack so much content into their presentation, that they never took a breath. YOU'VE GOT TO BREATHE! If you're a presenter, and you take short, high breaths, your audience will mirror that behavior; give them a chance to relax and breathe!

Most of our communication is preverbal, so it makes sense that we respond to the sound and tone of a person's voice. Every sound is made up of a combination of vibrations that hit our ear mechanism. If the voice is not soothing, or is too soft or too loud, we tune it out, tuning out the message with it.

Learn to breathe consciously when you speak. Do some vocal warm ups before you start your workday. Be aware of the pitch of your voice, and consciously relax and lower the pitch if you find your voice pitched in a high or 'pinchy' range. You want your listener to relax and enjoy what you're talking about, not be distracted by an unappealing voice.

Remember that your voice is a crucial component in your 'total' package. If you're spending more time developing your professional wardrobe than developing your professional voice, you should reconsider your priorities, and begin to think about the impact of your voice on potential clients. Your voice should represent the confident, commanding, expert presence that is your ideal self; that ideal self that needs to be revealed through your strong, clear, resonant voice! Your voice speaks volumes about you.

Sound Sandwich!

Have you ever done vocal improv? Just making sounds and rhythms with your voice? It is so fun! Last Friday 10 of us got together for a VOICE JAM here at Harvest Lane. We started out doing 'unison' rhythms, then as everyone got comfortable and more brave, we opened it up to just jamming with our voices.

I'd throw out a suggestion like 'Brazilian' then start with a vocal rhythm and the jam grew and evolved into a very cool mix of rhythms and African sounding chants. This went on for two hours as we emulated various instruments and musical styles.

When you're doing a vocal jam like this, it's crucial to LISTEN to each other. You'll hear a line, sound or rhythm, pick it up or add to it. It really is a communal endeavor and a great team builder. Throughout each improv we'd swell together, come down, and just flow with the song we were creating. It's very organic!

We did some straight 'toning' where we sounded long vowel sounds. I encouraged everyone to find their own tonalities, and it created some fantastic overtones and harmonies. I coined a phrase that fit perfectly with the interweaving tones: A SOUND SANDWICH! Bear in mind that this had nothing to do with Voice Jam....har har; a sound sandwich with voice jam. hmmmmm.

This kind of vocal improv helps the singer and musician get free of convention, allowing them to jump into their structured music with innovation and the ability to scat or do riffs without fear. After the Voice Jam, we all sang a bit, and everybody tried new approaches with their voice with bravery and confidence. It's a great way to loosen up and start stretching out as a singer, or a musician developing dynamic solos!

Special Musical Guest, Salt Lake Council of Women

Here's a photo of Marilyn Tang (Past President) and I at Monday's Salt Lake Council of Women's Installation of Officers. I was the special musical guest, and it was a lovely luncheon. It's always nice to sing for service groups, as you can choose material that is uplifting without being corny. These women do so much for the community, helping women and children with a miriad of projects, so it feels good to be able to celebrate and honor them with special music.

Marilyn Tang, pictured, is an inspiration to me. I met her this summer at the Salt Lake Chamber's WNET group for women in business. Marilyn was so supportive of all the participants and even had a monthly brainstorming session at her own business, Certified Handling Systems. She has the refreshing knack of cutting right to the chase. And I love her because she just speaks her mind in no uncertain terms! She's a Past President of Soroptimists; NAWBO; and Salt Lake Women's Council, among others. She's a fantastic woman who has boundless energy and a passion for helping other women in business. I don't know where she finds the time, but she serves, serves, serves! I'm grateful for her friendship and support.

This summer I'll be supporting other women musicians by hosting monthly concerts at Harvest Lane. Among the guest artists will be Pungent Lily, singer/songwriter Anke Summerhill, and pianist/composer Elise West. I think it's important that women in music promote and encourage each other. The music world is rather dominated by male energy, and I want to expose the public to those great female artists who don't get the recognition they deserve, especially in the jazz and songwriting fields.

Master Class, Washington

Everybody's still smiling after a three hour Master Class intensive on Monday, May 1st at the home of Tricia Thompson in Snohomish, WA! From R to L, Emily Pickrell, Ravi Mantena, Laura Lagerstadt, Beth, Linda Page, Hannah Thompson and Tricia Thompson. Missing from the photo are Lee Summerfield, Dan Miller and Laurie. Also note the beautiful photo taken at Beaver Lake in Sammamish!

It was great to see everyone again after my eight month absence from the Northwest. One of the challenges that came up for many of the group was inspiration, and keeping motivated. Ravi commented that when I was in Bellevue and we were doing our weekly Songhop class, he was motivated to write something each week. When you're not involved in an ongoing class or writer's circle, it's difficult to make time for your art, and yet, that's your passion.

It's so easy to let the everyday stuff of living get in the way of your creativity. Sometimes, when you're done with your day, it's the last thing you feel like doing. I think most of us would agree, though, if we just start working on a song, whether you're a singer or songwriter, the time flies and the music works as wonderful therapy. We de-stress, forget the concerns of the day, immerse ourselves in right brain activity, and feel great. It's a fantastic way to end the day.

I suggested setting aside an hour or two once a week to do music, even when you don't feel like it. Put it on the calendar, and commit to that time. It's rewarding time for yourself, and you'll feel better when you make that an ongoing 'date' with yourself. Also, during your work day, take 15 minutes to work on lyrics, music, or a song you'd like to share. It will free your mind, and you'll return to work more open, more productive, and able to 'think outside the box'. Take a moment to be inspired by the beauty of nature around you, by the sounds of life happening right where you are.

It's easy to let our passions assume a place of lowest priority in our lives; but when this happens we suffer. We feel out of balance, unfulfilled and resentful. Take time, make time, to indulge in those activities that you love, that bring you joy and peace; that make you feel good about yourself. Instead of thinking about music as a 'hobby' that you do when you have time once in awhile, think of music as the driving force in your life! Only you can give it that place of importance in your schedule. It's not a hobby, it's your life blood; it's what makes you a creative, vibrant, artistic human being! Don't diminish the importance of your artistic outlets. Your creative spirit, your playful spirit is always there, tapping on your shoulder, reminding you to come out and play.

We all have responsibilities, but don't let those responsibilities rob you of the joy of expression through music and art that makes you who you are. We communicate through art, it is part of our collective psyche as human beings. Take time to express yourself! You will feel so much better, so free, so open when you integrate your creative spirit back into your life!

Featured musician - Spiritual Enrichment Center, Bainbridge Island

Rev. LeeAnn gave a great talk today on 'inspiration'. I especially loved one concept that she brought up, about being inspired to live life fully. She said 'there's no such thing as failure; so you try something and it doesn't work out; SO WHAT????' Isn't it so true?? There really are no risks in life, so we really have to go for it so that there are no regrets. there's nothing worse than not trying; not living with passion, not going after your heart's desire. So do it! If you want to sing, sing; if you want to play guitar, play guitar; if you want to dance, dance!

Here's a pic of Me, Rev. LeeAnn and Music Director for SEC, Bainbridge, Kathryn LaFond. And how about this great view from 'The Public House' grill; can you see Seattle in the distance??

Tomorrow, Songshop Master Class in Seattle.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Unless you've been here in Mt. Vernon, Washington to experience the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, it's hard to describe. There are fields that seem to stretch forever, filled with blooming tulips of every hue. They fill the horizon, where all around are snowcapped peaks and green valleys!

These are photos from today, April 28th, the last weekend of the festival, which begins April 1st each year. There was no lack of late bloomers in every variety. As I looked at each flower, I couldn't believe the miracle of nature; every tulip was different, with swatches of color variation unique to each blossom. It should remind us all that we, too, are unique. Each one of us has our own variation in looks, personality and innate talents. So just as we celebrate the beautiful tulip, we should celebrate the differences in each other! What a wonderful world that offers so much diversity.

In my Diva Training weekends and workshops, we do lots of exercises and processes that lead us to this same conclusion. What we may see as a 'fault' or outside what our culture determines is the 'norm', is really a lovely variation that makes us unique in the world. How special we all are! So I say 'let's celebrate the variations!'

Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA

Is this place great, or what??? Here I am in Marymoor Park yesterday, where the entire 170 acre park is WiFi ready! So you can sit by the river, take a stroll through the park, or check your email before a soccer game! This is great!

It was in the low 70's yesterday and so green (well, I'm pretty green, too; unfashionable in my green jeans and T!). I'm awestruck by the beauty here. Everywhere you look there are streams, rivers, lakes, and trees, flowers...everything's in bloom. It is lush and peaceful.

On to Mt. Vernon and the last few days of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!

Portland P'nai Or Choir Workshop

What a fun group here in Portland! (There's me in black in the middle!) Tonight's workhop for the P'nai Or Choir was really exciting, and attended by about 24 eager participants. We worked on several of the foundational concepts of The Integrated Voice method; active/conscious breathing; 'the pyramid'; opening the vowels; linking words and proper voice placement.

Everybody liked the concept of the 'pyramid', as it helped them think 'down and wide' rather than high and pinched on their octave jumps and ascending lines. It's really an effective concept, as it helps open up the voice and take mental control of that fear of 'high notes'. Singing is 90% mental, so when you take charge of the mind you free the voice to soar as it was meant to.

I really appreciate the warm welcome I received here in Portland, and thank Bruce Morris for inviting me, and Eric, the P'nai Or Choir's illustrious leader!

Portland - Seattle trip

Here I am at the Bitter Creek Alehouse in Boise; first leg of the Portland Seattle trip! You may notice a frosty Hefeweizen in the picture, (served by perky, darling waitress, Lee!). What would you expect after a long day on the road with my two pups, Levi and Chevette? Boise, downtown is really cute. They've completely revamped and gentrified it. Tomorrow, on to Troutdale/Portland where I'll be leading a choir workshop in Portland. 'Joyful Singing!' is spreading around the world!

Panache Soiree with Pungent Lily

Kristin Lish, Nyle Steiner and I had a great night at the chic downtown club Panache. We provided 'ethereal jazz' for their posh Soiree featuring the art of Diane Cliff and the gourmet artistry of guest chef Jonathan Ruppert of Simon's in Midway. To the right you can see the place setting with all the various wine glasses at the ready!

There were 7 fabulous courses each with a special wine paring. John Engen enlightened us about the alchemy of wine, while Shauna Engen, also co-owner of Panache, was an elegant host for the evening. We even had an English Butler dressed in red tails who would announce each course in very proper English, and even began the evening with "Ladies and Gentlemen, Dinner Is Served!" Almost otherworldly!

The food was fantastic and it took over three hours to complete the meal! Nyle Steiner, inventor of the EWI (electronic wind instrument), and EVI (electronic valve instrument) has been all over the world and worked with the likes of film composer Maurice Jarre, joked about his dining experiences while in France. He said "the more expensive the restaurant, the worse the cheese is!" Evidently he was referring to 'stinky cheeses' which I personally love!

Our trio, now called Pungent Lily, had a great time doing standards that always take on a twisted life of their own! We love doing improv and get on these musical jags that lead us into some pretty interesting territory. We're always a bit stymied when asked what our 'genre' is, so we've decided that we do 'ethereal jazz'. It's beautiful, evocative, evolving and arty. I love it. It's so fun to just let the music take you on a moody journey. Nothing about Pungent Lily is linear; we're definately outside the box!

My article in the Park Record

The Park Record in Park City, Utah picked up my article "Sound Healing - Not Just For Britney Spears!". If you haven't read it, here's an exerpt:

Recently, the press was all over a story about Pop Diva Britney Spear’s visits to a Los Angeles Sikh Yoga Master for ‘sound healing’ sessions. Does Britney know something we don’t?

Reportedly, as part of their session, clients like Britney are exposed to sound vibrations as they lie on a special couch. Sound like weird, Hollywood hocus-pocus? Not really, say experts who see alternative health medicine, especially sound healing, gaining wide acceptance in the medical community. “Sound and voice healing are really becoming an accepted means of therapy,” says Beth Lawrence, sound therapist and CEO of Viva La Voice in Midway, Utah. “Sound has been used since ancient times by medicine men, tribal shamans, and figured heavily in the medicine of ancient Egyptians and Greeks.” Lawrence, talking about her upcoming Chakra Tuneup Workshop states, “I want
to make sound healing accessible to everybody. It’s not just for Pop Divas, it works for the common man, too!”

Please go to my website: vivalvoice.com and email me for the complete article, or sign up for my monthly Voicegram,which will feature this article next month!

Brush Up Your Vocals Class #1

What a great class we had tonight! I get so energized when I can help people open up and 'find their voice'. In my 'Brush Up Your Vocals' class there were seven students, which is a really good size; everyone can get lots of personal attention. There were several students who had told me before class that they were 'terrified' to sing in front of others. How amazing that everybody sang solo lines tonight, and by the end of class everyone was volunteering to do more!

We worked a lot on 'releasing' the voice, and everybody had great breakthoughs. When you are able to trust that the body and breathing mechanism is going to support you, you're free to let the voice relax and place it naturally. It was really difficult for a couple of the gals to get the concept of 'soft belly'; they were breathing just the opposite of what they should be doing. Most folks have spent a lifetime 'sucking in' when they inhale, breathing high in the chest and even raising the shoulders. So it's hard for them to soften the belly, open the chest and allow the diaphragm to drop down. I liken correct breathing to 'filling up a balloon'; when you inhale, you fill up, the inbreath is relaxed and low. When you exhale, your abdominal area 'deflates' or slightly flattens. The concept is like a bellows; the ribs expand, the area opens up. It gives you such incredible, relaxed support. That's when the throat can open up, relax and allow the warm, natural, easily produced voice to soar.

I love seeing how excited everyone is after the first class. It's like a collective sigh of relief when they face their fear and anxiety and see that they CAN sing, and sing well! I work really hard on helping them lose their negative, limiting thoughts about singing, so that the whole class becomes positive with lots of positive reinforcement to get them over those old tapes that are running in their heads. It's very rewarding for me as I see the students growing in confidence right before my eyes!