Fearlessly Flaunt Your Art!

II was shocked to read today that Australian producer Bill May died today, December 31, 2009.  I composed music and lyrics for 'Marilyn, An American Fable' which Bill produced on Broadway,and he was always a great supporter and effusive cheerleader! I still tell stories about him, as he was enthusiastic, over the top and hilarious. No matter what challenges confronted us during the show, he was always positive and upbeat. It's always great to work with someone who has fierce determination and a wry wit. Bill's energy, creativity and sparkling personality will be missed.

Once again, this brings me to the realization that time is fleeting and if there's something in life you want to do, DO IT!   We don't have time to wait for someone to give us permission to show our art; perform our music in public; or write that musical we've always had in our mind.  Somehow, we've got to make it happen without fearing what someone might think.  We should be proud of our art and fearlessly flaunt it for the world to like, or not!

It's difficult for artists to believe in themselves, but until you do, no one else will!  This year, I'm choosing to do my art because I love it; without fear; without waiting for someone else to give me permission.

Time is fleeting, and the world needs to hear what we have to say, no matter what the artistic medium.

Make your Passion Your Priority

The NY Times is finishing up their 2009 '1 in 8 Million' series - so fascinating and reminds me that everyone has a unique life story. This link is to Mr. Harris who followed his heart and chose a life 'on water'. Do what makes you happy!  If doing music makes you happy, find a way to live a life filled with music.  This goes for anything; find your passion and make it your priority.

NY Times series "1 in 8 Million'

You Don't Have To Be A Perfect Singer!

I've been teaching voice for 20+ years, and one thing I'm adamant about with my students is letting them know that it's okay NOT to be perfect!  What is most important is the authentic emotion you are feeling when telling your 'story', not a technically perfect performance.

Until your singing technique becomes natural and second nature, you are usually focusing totally on technique, and not on the emotions you should be feeling while singing.  We all strive for a perfect voice, but when we're focused on our breathing, our placement, tension in the body etc., it doesn't leave any space for what's really important....being totally tuned in to the story we're telling!

I would much rather hear a good story teller who is authentic in performance than a technically perfect singer who leaves me cold.  You can't obsess about technique once you are in front of an audience.  You've done your prep; put all of your energy into WHAT you're singing, not HOW you're singing it.

Yes, that's hard to do, but you'll find that your performance, as well as your technique will greatly improve when you let go of trying so hard to be perfect, and just 'be'.   Ultimately, folks want to be moved emotionally by your music, not dazzled by technique that has no real feeling underneath.

Choosing To Choose

"The only reason we ever get stuck is because we don't "choose".  Nothing happens until we choose. You know you have chosen when you absolutely know that nothing and no one will stop you; you will reach your destination.  If at some point you "let it go" then you haven't really chosen."  -Nanice Ellis

Now that we're nearing the end of 2009, let's choose to let go of what hasn't served us, and choose a new destination for 2010.  I believe it's true, EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS A CHOICE.  Choose the things that will move you forward, not keep you on the same path that may be headed in the wrong direction!  BL

Teenager Gift Idea!

f you're wondering what to give your teenager for Christmas, try music lessons! Voice, piano....any instrument. It will give them a big self-esteem boost!

A Celtic Blessing!

From Beth Lawrence

A Celtic Blessing

May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work that you do
with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light
and renewal to those who work with you
and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of
refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert,
approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.

 Viva La Voice Wishes you Happy Holidays

Beyond the Mechanics of Singing

Although there are a lot of physical mechanics involved in singing, most of this mechanical theory defies science.  To be a really great singer one has to move far beyond the science of how we sing; beyond the perfecting of the physical technique; and discover the reason why we sing.  We sing to express our emotions.

Why and How Birds Sing!

I went to a neat lecture last night on 'How and Why Birds Sing'.  Actually, I was really interested in this topic because physiologically I didn't know how they produced sound.  I discovered that most songbirds have two sets of vocal folds, and can produce discreet sound from either their left or right vocal fold, or both simultaneously!

Songbirds also have the ability to produce sound up to 12000 hertz, beyond a human's hearing range.  They also trill at lightening fast speeds, and have mastered the art of what we would term 'circular breathing'.  They take in tiny, fast breaths in between trills.  Some songbirds breathing in this way can create a continuous call for up to 1 1/2 minutes!

Just as in the bird kingdom, where the males are always the showiest, it's also the males who are the professional singers!  These divos, it seems, sing to attract a mate, and the field sparrow will repeat his song up to 3000 times a day!  Now that's dedication.

Some tropical bird species will sing duets between mating pairs, and although not as vocal as their male counterparts, most female songbirds will occasionally sing.  The female will usually sing only when she has fledglings in the nest, supporting the theory that songbirds must be taught their songs!

Male songbirds also have what is called a 'whisper song' which the cassanova will use when in close contact with his mate!  Sort of like whispering sweet nothings in her ear!

Research has shown that we human females (especially when ovulating!) are more attracted to a lower male voice, and that a lower voice in males is believed to be advantageous in giving the impression of strength and power.  More reason to pay attention to the tone and quality of your voice!  I've always said that the sound of your voice conveys important subliminal messages, and studies back this theory up.

It hasn't been determined what a female bird finds attractive in a male's call since to our human ear all bird calls sound alike.  Evidently, there must be a sonic attraction factor, for it is the call of the male that determines who the female songbird will choose as her mate!

I was again reminded that we 'superior' humans have so much to learn from the animal kingdom.  Even though our voices are miraculous instruments, we are relegated to the lowest rungs of karaoke singers in comparison to our songbird professionals who sing higher, faster and more masterfully than we will ever hope to!  Maybe one day scientists will develop the 'birdbrain' capacity to decipher the secrets of the songbird's call.  Until then, we'll just have to enjoy it on a lovely Spring day.

Singing For Health at Osher Institute

Singing is a great way to energize your mind and body while enjoying the company of other folks who like to sing just for the fun of it!

For all my Utah friends....I'll be teaching 'Singing For Health!' at the University of Utah's Osher Institute beginning January 14th. It'll be a fun (and healthy!) group singing class. 

You can register now:

http://continue.utah.edu/osher/

Nurture Your Creative Spirit!

Don't diminish the importance of your creative outlets!

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, play an instrument, or put on music, then listen or dance, 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.

One of the challenges that comes up for most artists and writers is inspiration, and keeping motivated. Today, everyone’s schedule is so full that it’s difficult to find time for creativity, even when that’s your passion.

For Songwriters, I suggest 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 or art as a 'hobby' that you do when you have time once in awhile, think of your art as being 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!

Festive Christmas Downtown Salt Lake City

Downtown Salt Lake is just glorious!  Lots of display windows, lights and events; even an outdoor skating rink.

Here's a photo of the fantastic 2002 Olympic banners that still remain downtown with some festive lights.

TECHNORATI

So that more people can find my blog about singing, songwriting and the voice therapy, I'm submitting my blog to Technorati.  You can find me there along with a lot of great music blogs.  HYYRZ2R27M9J

Ready, Fire, Aim, IMPLEMENT!

It's easy to fall into the trap of 'perfectionism'.  After all, one of our greatest fears is feeling that we have FAILED.  But perceived failure is nothing more than a necessary step to finding out what works, and what doesn't.  So think of 'failure' not as an entity, but a 'process' that will lead you to your fully realized goal!

I just received a good article from the marketing guru-gals at Buzz Boosters about 'Implementation'.  They talk about just that.....putting your idea or plan into motion.  You don't have to wait until every detail is perfect because with our fear of failure in place, that may take forever!  Throw it out there; tweak it, test it, if it works, voila!  If it doesn't get the desired results then re-work it and IMPLEMENT the idea again.  Remember, it's a PROCESS, not a fearful roadblock that will keep you benched on the sidelines!

I think it was T. Harv Eker who said:  'Ready, Fire, Aim!".  In other words, formulate your brilliant idea; IMPLEMENT IT; test and perfect.  Don't be afraid to put your idea out there for feedback.  It's a learning process, not to be feared, but to be welcomed.  If you never implement, you'll never move forward; you'll never succeed.  Throw those spit wads onto the wall and see which ones stick!  (Okay, that's gross, but you get the picture!)  Go for it!  READY, FIRE, AIM, IMPLEMENT!!!!

Read more about being 'proactive' in my latest Voicegram and find more useful music business articles.