Seniors Just Want to Have Fun!

Here I am in the middle of my Singing For Health class CHORUS LINE! Clearly, Seniors like to have fun, too, and I drag everybody up 'on stage' even if they are in a walker! We sing, we dance, we hoop and holler -- we just spend 45 minutes supporting each other and having a silly, raucous time. And guess what - a lot of the folks who haven't talked in months are singing, moving, laughing. Music opens everyone's heart and accesses parts of the brain that regular therapy can't. It's marvelous!

Nice Article In AZ Central - Singing For Health

Another nice article on my Singing For Health class in Arizona. What a difference that class is making for the Seniors!

More Senior Singing Superstars!

It's so fantastic seeing all the smiling faces in my Singing For Health class! I always have 'superstars' who come up front and help me with leading the songs, and they love it! Singing makes you happy; it makes you laugh; it brings people together, especially when some seniors tend to get isolated and socially reserved. Here are two superstars, Don and Jean!

Singing for Health Superstars!

Here are two Senior Singers, John and Shirley from my Singing for Health Class. They are so exuberant - just love them!

What To Do If You Think You Have Nodes

If you think you may have vocal nodules, the first thing to do is go to an ENT to really find out what's going on. Secondly, give your voice a chance to heal with VOCAL REST. That means no talking, either! Third, get a good vocal instructor who teaches Bel Canto singing, and learn to sing and speak correctly so that you won't continue to damage your voice. Treat your voice well and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful sound for life!

Who Wants A Youthful Voice for Life?

The secret to keeping a vital singing and speaking voice for life is simply.....exercising you voice daily, just like you would any other part of the body! Use it or lose it! Please comment at my new Facebook page All About Voice!

The Winey Presenter Voice

Chevette, the All About Voice mascot sez 'Do ya ever feel like yowling when you hear a Presenter speak in a high, winey tone?' To which I replied, 'Yes, Chevette, but Presenters can CHANGE the tone of their voice; they just need to learn how to do that with some voice coaching!'

Viva La Voice is Now A Member of AFCC!

Viva La Voice - Beth Lawrence

Visit us in Ahwatukee!

Bring Back the Piano Bar!

PIANO BAR! (what do YOU think?) There is so much emphasis put on being a technically 'perfect' singer, that by adulthood most people are terrified to sing in front of anyone, even 'Happy Birthday' at a party! It's time for a SINGING REVOLUTION, where we become like kids again and just sing for the FUN of it! I say 'BRING BACK THE PIANO BAR!"

The Secret to the 'IT' Factor!

Have you ever gone to a concert where the singer just totally mesmerized you, even though they may not have been the best singer in the world? The performer just had the 'IT' factor? One way to develop the 'IT' factor not only when you're onstage, but in your everyday dealings with people day to day, is this: THINK OF YOUR BREATH AS PURE ENERGY! When you are preparing for a concert; a meeting; a difficult conversation, visualize the air you are breathing in as PURE ENERGY! Fill yourself up with that energy. THEN: RELEASE THAT GOLDEN ENERGY OUT TO THE WORLD! Energy comes in, energy goes out. Your audience will feel that energy, it will create a connection with the person or people you're speaking to. BREATH IS ENERGY - USE IT! I have a new Facebook page... All About Voice - please join the conversation there, and give me your comments on how this 'breathing in the energy' works for you!

Dream Like Mick Jagger!

I'm a voice coach, so if you asked me if Mick Jagger was a good singer, technically speaking, I'd have to say no. But that doesn't mean he isn't charismatic; electric and utterly unique as a performer. When you sing, you have to be the whole package - it's not enough to just be a good singer. Mick Jagger said "Lose your dreams and you might lose your mind." So if you dream of being a singer, look at Jagger and remember that he may not have a stellar voice, but he connects with his audience, gives them a good time, and has followed his own dream to the pinnacle of success! Dream Big!

Soothing Pets with Vocal Music!

Have you ever tried music with vocals to soothe your pet? My doggie Chevette used to have terrible separation anxiety. Now when I leave the house I put on my lullaby CD and it seems to keep her calm. I also use lavender oil. Have you tried music for your own doggies? What has been your experience? What kind of music do they respond to? I would love to have your comments on All About Voice FB page.

Here's a wonderful exercise in mindfulness, that also has intrinsic benefits for your speaking voice! I welcome your comments once you've tried this exercise for a day!

Alzheimer's and Singing!

I've posted excerpts from a BBC News article on +All About Voice. Caregivers, what has your experience been with singing and Alzheimer's?

Teen Idol Class Shaping Up!

Just finished Module Two for my new 'Teen Idol' class coming up next month. It'll be a great class to get teens confident on stage.

What Keeps a Musician Going

This is a great quote, and an apt description of why we 'creatives' keep at it against all odds.  Ultimately, to own your own life you must relinquish the idea that you need to be like anyone else.  And being 'non-status quo' is not for the faint of heart.  It takes both courage and integrity.

“Singers and Musicians are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they'll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every note, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life - the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because musicians and singers are willing to give their entire lives to a moment - to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience's soul. Singers and Musicians are beings who have tasted life's nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another's heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes.” - David Ackert, LA Times

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