Welcome Back Your Creative Presence!

We were born singing, moving to music and banging on pots and pans and still harbor that joyous, creative spirit inside ourselves, no matter what our age. No matter how busy your life is, that playful, childlike soul is just waiting for you to welcome it’s passionate presence back in to your life!

Read more in my latest Voicegram!

Busting Inertia!

This month’s Voicegram is all about inertia....how to get started again once you’ve hit a wall, encountered a challenge or are beginning a new venture. Sign up for my monthly Voicegram and I'll send you “How To Start A Locomotive”!

Human Voices are Powerful!

Went to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsal last night....my head is still spinning from those ethereal voices! There's nothing more transcendent than the sound of human voices singing/sounding together! Powerful.

Feel Comfortable with Your Voice

“When you finally feel comfortable with your voice, you can stop obsessing about technique and just sing, as we were born to do.” - Beth Lawrence

Start Kids Early!

Next time you hear a toddler using their voice, listen to the strength and clarity of the tone. To maintain this natural voice, start your child early with healthy vocal habits that will help to keep the voice free, open and relaxed - all attributes that will make singing a joyful experience at any age!

Poll: Can everyone sing???

I took posted a poll on Facebook, asking "Do you believe that Everyone can sing?" Here are the results:

100% believe that everyone can sing. 75% believe that NOT everyone can sing ON PITCH. And we all agree that not everyone is an artist.

Would you believe me when I tell you that I've found most pitch problems to be caused by improper breathing/support, and that all my clients improve in this area once they start supporting?!!! True!

Singing To Your Baby

One of the most cherished memories from my childhood is remembering my mom singing me to sleep. If you're a soon-to-be, new, or seasoned parent, don't overlook the importance of singing to your child, even before birth!

Even if you think you can't sing, your baby will not only recognize, but IDOLIZE your voice. There are no 'American Idol' judges when it comes to the sound of your voice. To your baby, it's sweet music. A lullaby will soothe and calm a sick or agitated baby; distract a willful child, and redirect a fussy behavior.

Try making up a simple melody that you sing to your baby, that will be his/her unique song. It will become a familiar part of your day, and nightly routine.

And parents! If you want a good nights sleep for your child, AND yourself, put on a lovely lullaby CD at bedside and your baby will have a tranquil and restful sleep.....and what could be better than that?

Monkeys Respond Emotionally To Their Own Music

This is an incredible Washington Post article, again demonstrating that music affects man and beast alike. It also brings into question our definition of 'music' - animals have their own form of this ancient communication that seems to elicit an emotional response unique to their species.....

http://tinyurl.com/y9fbbmb

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, sound energy therapy operates on the premise that certain sound frequencies can heal the body by resonating with specific body organs.

The center's site says numerous studies suggest that music can affect blood pressure, help reduce pain and anxiety and affect mood.

We are meant to be a 'whole' organism. Not just a physical body, but an integrated being which operates with the cooperation of body, mind, AND spirit.

Change it! Drop it!

"Change it! Drop it!

Imagine speaking with your body, instead of your throat - this produces a deeper more resonant tone!" BL
Read this and more tips and inspirational quotes in my most recent Viva La Voicegram!

Singing Is 90% Mental!

In my opinion, singing is 90% mental! The real secret to having a great voice is to stop trying to control the voice (which causes tension and constriction) and just sing with your pure, innocent, natural voice. This unimpeded sound is effortless, powerful and filled with beautiful overtones.

ChimeWalk with Deeksha Blessing!

To usher in the Fall Equinox Springhollow Chimes hosted a ChimeWalk with Deeksha Blessing in Salt Lake City. The garden setting was gorgeous - crickets singing, candles glowing, huge Chimes gonging, and Sylvia Nibley was our guest doing Deeksha Oneness Blessings for ChimeWalk participants during the evening. I love this photo of Natalie Mercado, one of the attendees - very cool.

Nyle Steiner Playing his EVI Invention

A bit too early for the 'holiday spirit' but here's a tiny video I took of genius Nyle Steiner in his mad scientist laboratory (as I call it!). He's playing the EVI that he invented, now marketed by Akai and played by musicians all over the world. Hear Nyle's latest CD.

Guy Babylon Tribute

Im so sad - I just heard that keyboardist/arranger Guy Babylon passed away at 52. Guy arranged two tunes on my very first CD 'When the Sky Is Red', and he was not only brilliant, but a kind and gentle soul who was a pleasure to work with. Right about the time i was finishing the CD he was hired to work with Elton John, and continued in that capacity til his death. Folks, be happy, do your art, live life full out! I'll remember Guy and his sweet spirit. I"m thankful that he'll live on in MY music; how lucky I am.

Voice for Life!

Be kind to your voice; treat those vocal cords with care and you'll have a healthy, strong voice for life! Scream, yell and sing incorrectly and you'll have a raggedy, raspy, weak voice. People judge you on your vocal tone, so make a good impression!

Smooth Jazz Format?

Streaming the Wave, Smooth Jazz. They just played one of my favorites - 'September' by EWF. Is this what smooth jazz is now??? Oh, and followed by that REALLY smooth jazz tune 'I'm Easy' - Lionel Richie. Wow, really?!!! What a strange format.....

Belly Breathing!

Did you know that if you habitually suck in your belly in order to look slim, you are actually interfering with your breathing mechanism? In order to breathe properly for singing and speaking, you have to soften the belly so that the diaphragm can descend naturally, allowing for a full breath that will support your tone! You can find more tips in my monthly Viva La Voicegram

Actors Need Healthy Voices too!

Even film actors, who are heavily mic-ed, need to use their voices correctly. Isn't technology grand? Just did a phone consult/coaching session online with an actor shooting on the East Coast who was having problems with his voice.

Vocal Power!

Did you know you can get more volume from your voice if you RELEASE the voice, rather than trying to 'push', which causes tension and potential vocal damage? It's all about going back to the basics - just letting your natural, unencumbered voice out without constricting and controlling it! Sounds scary? Not at all. This concept will change your voice forever, and singing will become effortless!

How To Make A Point, with Your Voice!

If you ever want to make a point, DROP your voice instead of raising the pitch....your listener will get that 'whoa' look on their face! Never underestimate the power of your voice.