Living On In Your Music - The Passing of a Friend

I'm very sad to tell you that my friend, Phyllis Molinary (lyricist for 'Here's To Life") died today due to complications with emphysema in Los Angeles. She was such a great lyricist who always knew her craft. I lived with her when we both came to Las Vegas in 1989, and she has remained a friend and fellow artist through the years.

I am sad today because Phyllis represents so many writers/musicians who spend their whole lives working at their craft, out of love, but may never really see monetary gains from all their efforts. There are so many talented people out there who never get the recognition they deserve, and it always amazes me that we artists will go through hell and back; endure relentless rejection; and see others profit from our efforts; and still we remain true to our Artist's Path.

So it is with love and respect that I say goodbye to my talented friend Phyllis, knowing that her hard work, dedication, and love for her music will live on in the lyrics she leaves behind.

Music Business - Lessons In Life

Being a musician has helped me develop 'gracious acceptance' - rejection still hurts but I understand it now, and realize that it's not personal, it just IS. Being adaptable, being optimistic against all odds, being able to get back up and dust myself off are all hard lessons I've learned from the music business - but lessons necessary for life. Nothing ever stays the same; our path is ever winding and weaving, taking us to places we never dreamed we'd go. The sooner we release our hold on 'how it should be' and just let it be, the easier our path becomes. Our dreams are like a beacon on that path, and once we stop dreaming, the world becomes a very dark place. To dream is to live fully!!


This blog was inspired by a blog entry from fellow musician and co-composer, Richard Souther.

Spring Is The Time To Sing!

Spring Is The Time To Sing!

©2006 Beth Lawrence

Robins are singing, the daffodils have emerged; Spring is a time for new beginnings! When people hear me in concert, or find out that I'm a voice coach, I'm always amazed at how many of them tell me "I've always wanted to sing." They usually say it in a rather wistful way, as though it's a dream that's totally out of reach for them. I always respond, "Then why don't you?", to which invariably, they say 'oh, no! I can't sing!'

Why do we so stubbornly defend our false beliefs and limitations? If you'd love to sing; if you harbor that secret desire to belt out a tune or be the next American Idol; or just want the courage to sing 'Happy Birthday' without embarrassment, I'm here to tell you that YOU CAN! And there's no better time than right now, to begin.

Everyone can sing! You were born singing! Along the way, though, someone told you that you couldn't, and that became your belief system. Spring is the time when all things come back to life. Even dusty, forgotten dreams can be born again. So do something wonderful for yourself - take a few voice lessons! You'll see it's not as scary as you thought, and it will give you worlds of self-confidence. I offer both group and private voice mentoring and I find that most people are so anxious about singing in front of me initially that we spend lots of time working on that inner critic that demands vocal perfection. My goal is to help my clients sing from their hearts, not their heads! Singing is all about raising your voice in joy; not worrying about how good you sound, but how good you FEEL when you're sharing your music.

If you yearn to sing, then DO IT! You will feel great and you'll feel proud of yourself for taking a risk and emerging a stronger, more confident songster! I love to help people find their voices, and now is a great time to take that step of self-discovery and self-love. Sing because you've always wanted to. What better reason is there? And if you're a bit shy, then take a few lessons (study with someone whose method is based in Bel Canto) so that you gain skills that will give you confidence in your voice.

Spring is the time to start something new; something that's going to feed your soul and bring a bounce to your step! Singing has incredible physical and emotional benefits, and it's a great way to meet new friends! My unclejust started singing at age 83, and it has changed his life! He sings every Thursday night in Los Olivos, California, and just loves it! And his audience loves it, too! How fantastic that he took the initiative to take singing lessons at the local community college, then had the guts to get up and put himself on the line. And you know what??? This is now his PASSION! He lives and breathes it. I am so proud of him, and wish everyone would have the courage to open up and sing! My uncle Dick is 83 and singing every week in public; what's your excuse?!

If there’s something you want to do in life, now is the moment. The Universe wants to roll out the red carpet and let your heart's desire come out to play! Open up and let your lifesong break free. Spring is the time to sing!!

Beth’s ‘Joyful Singing!’ class starts April 12th in Salt Lake City, UT. For more information: http://vivalavoice.com

©2006 Beth Lawrence is a Veteran Diva, singer/songwriter/producer and the Owner of Viva La Voice, a conscious music company dedicated to inspiring confidence in the everyday artist, re-entry singer, and creative bon-vivant who wants to live life fully and fearlessly.

She is the author of “The Seven Principles for Vocal Mastery' , which teaches a holistic approach to ‘giving voice to your inner Hero’, honoring the connection of body, mind and spirit. For over 25 years, she has been helping people all over the Globe rediscover the joy of singing, performing, and living their Big Dream. Beth loves developing the brilliance in others!

Beth has won awards from Billboard, Parents, and L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine; the American Song Festival; and was awarded an ‘Outstanding Women In Business’ Grant from Zions Bank. To learn more: http://www.VivaLaVoice.com

Don't Rush Your Bow !

You've worked hard to prepare for your gig.  You've studied your lyrics; understand the emotions behind the words; and have developed your voice so that you can tell your story and not be distracted by vocal challenges.

You take the stage and share your music authentically, making a sincere connection with your audience.  They feel your music and when your set is done, you get an ovation!  Here's my advice - don't rush your bow!  Enjoy your moment, you earned it!

Many times when I work with insecure or inexperienced singers they always have a problem with this.  The moment they're done with their song they practically run offstage!  Not taking a deserved bow robs your audience of the satisfaction of publicly thanking you.  It also shows your audience that you feel unworthy of their praise.

Being confident before, during and after your performance will demonstrate that you have arrived as a powerful, masterful singer who isn't afraid to take the stage with no apologies.

Do You Know What You're Singing About?

Make sure that you are prepared before you take the stage to sing!  That may sound elementary, but many times singers don't do the work that's necessary to really connect with their audience.  Specifically, I mentor my clients on the importance of breaking down the  lyrics for every song you're going to sing so that you know EXACTLY what the song is about; what the feeling is you want to impart to your audience; and what commonality you'll share with your audience when singing your songs.

What is it in your songs that people in your audience can relate to?  A lost love, a new love; triumph over a challenge?  Break down each verse, each chorus, each line so that you know exactly what the meaning is underneath the lyric.  Understanding the subtext of your lyrics is a big job and requires that a singer does their homework!  Knowing what you're singing about may seem simple, but many singers omit this crucial step.  It's not enough to be a good singer; you've got to be a great storyteller.

Remembering Michael Jackson

  

After seeing "This Is It" I was left with conflicted feelings and an overall sadness.  in the film, Michael Jackson is both brilliant, and at times, artistically incoherent.  At 50 he is still a more talented dancer than the  ensemble cast 1/2 his age.  He  was mesmerizing, yet failed to connect with his audience on an authentic level.  In life he was meek and soft spoken, while onstage he was a raging tornado of ambiguous, androgenus sex.  Beloved as a child megastar, we watched him morph into  a ghoulish character; fragile and troubled, who had legions of sycophants, but not a single trusted friend near him when he died.  He was a driven perfectionist, putting himself on a self-proclaimed 'King of Pop' pedestal from which he was doomed to fall.  Icons like Michael Jackson are destined to self-destruct because they simply can't live up to an inflated image that is never supported by a fulfilled, and filled life.

Looking at Michael Jackson's last swan song  was bittersweet, for not only did we see, after many years absence, a trendsetting artist making a remarkable comeback, but we witnessed the end of a life, the stilling of a voice that made us dance as we grew up together.  We look at 'Stars' and think that they have everything.  Michael Jackson was just another in a long line of megastars that were caught in an existence without grounded reality or inner substance.   Watching MJ, I couldn't help but mourn that darling, sparkling little boy who had such a bright future ahead of him., but who instead became a victim of the isolation and darkness that so often comes with fame.  I'm choosing to remember Michael as that uncorrupted kid, still fresh and untainted by a dream gone wrong.

The Singer As a Harmonious Entity!

As you take the stage to share your music, you’ll find that you must operate as a harmonious entity, with your voice reflecting your music; your body movement reflecting your emotions; and your mind clearly present in the moment, reflecting your authentic connection to your audience.

Is Your Ideal Self Taking Center Stage?

Your 'Ideal Self' is that confident, compassionate, fearless, open person that resides silently inside of you.  It is your 'Best Self'.  When you sing or speak in public, is it your 'little me' or your 'Ideal Self' that takes center stage?

Please join me for my workshop 'Conquer Stage Fear Forever!' where you'll learn to act from the 'Ideal Self'.

Where Are You Focusing?

 One of the questions I'll be asking the participants of my March 6 "Conquer Stage Fear Workshop" in Salt Lake City is: "When you take the stage, are you focusing on your perceived inadequacy, or on your authentic connection to your audience?" How about YOU?

Cult Status for my Musical!

"Marilyn, An American Fable" - the musical I co-wrote with Norman Thalheimer (with Kenny Ortega making his Broadway directorial debut) was named "a cult musical" by a reader/member of BroadwayWorld.com! Cult status....is that a good or a bad thing??!!!!

Inspiring new Songwriters!

I'm getting excited about teaching Songwriting 101 coming up next thursday in Salt Lake! I think it's so cool when you can show folks the 'secrets' of the craft, and get them inspired to write!

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.

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.