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!

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.

Music Helps the Healing Process

Music helps heart patients

A study conducted in Japan might give new hope to heart transplant patients.  Masateru Uchiyama, from the Juntendo University Hopsital in Tokyo, found that mice that listened to classical music after a heart transplant lived longer.

Uchiyama tested the mice's blood after heart transplants and found that those who listened to classical music had calmer immune systems, which is what caused them to live longer after surgery.  The researchers are interested now in what effect listening to this music might have on human heart transplant patients, especially after a 2003 study found that music therapy lessened pain and nausea in patients after bone marrow transplants.

In the study, mice were given heart transplants from an unrelated donor, with the expectation that they would reject the new organ.  The mice were split into four differnt groups, each listening to a different type of musc.  The groups listened to: a Verdi opera song, Mozart concertos, Enya, and montone sounds.

The final results found that mice that listened to Verdi lived for an average of 26 days, while the group that listened to monotone sounds only lived for an average of seven days.  While we don't yet know exactly what this study means for humans, it is definitely a promising insight into the healing process for transplant patients.

Taken from Making Music, July/August 2012

Music Eases Pain

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 ten contractions, women listened to songs they had previously used as part of their relaxation techniques. They then alternated five 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.

Music can relieve pain at the dentist's office

About Cymatics from Richard Learmont

This from sound healer Richard Learmont about Cymatics:

"Cymatics was re-discovered and coined it’s name in the 1960’s by the Swiss doctor Hans Jenny. With his invention of the tonoscope, he was able to see how sound structured matter. With the use of audible frequencies he was able to witness the animation of various powders, liquids and pastes into sacred geometry patterns, life-like forms and figures found in art and architecture of the world’s sacred traditions.
Hans Jenny’s research also discovered how uttered vowels of ancient languages of Sanskrit and Hebrew arranged the various powders to emulate the written symbols for those vowels, while on the other hand did not generate the same result for our modern languages.
Cymatics shows how vibrations interact to create the world we experience ‘out there’ and it reveals principles that are fundamental natural processes. Understanding these principles can help us to ‘cleanse the lens’ through which we perceive our world, thereby clarifying our outlook on life. Once you’ve objectively observed the rhythmic interplay of chaos and re-integration in simple powder, you may view your own tumultuous circumstances a bit more objectively (and with far less apprehension!) as a purposefully evolving process leading toward greater personal coherency and equanimity."

Vocalizing Clears the Mind!

Did you know that doing simple vocalizing exercises in the morning can clear that foggy brain?!  Try it -  singing helps oxygenate the blood, clearing the mind and energizing the body!

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

Joyful Singing Tonight

Prepping for 'Joyful Singing' tonight. It's my last class of the series and I'm having the students do a 'mock' Carnegie Hall Concert!

Stand Up To Fear!

My February Viva La Voicegram is available!

From my February's Voicegram: "It takes some work to stand up to fear and put it behind you.  But isn't an open, joyful, fearless life worth a little effort?  Believe me, it takes more effort to keep the desires of your heart subdued than it does pushing the fear out of the way so that your happiness breaks through."

Salt Lake City Music Workshops

Just scheduled two workshops in Salt Lake. 'How To Sell A Song!', Feb. 20th, and 'Conquer Stage Fear Forever!' March 6th. So many of my clients are paralyzed with what I call 'Singer's Anxiety Syndrome', so I want to help them feel comfortable on stage. It's time to get rid of that limitation!

Singing for Health and Breathing!

Another great 'Singing for Health' class today. Still working on reversing years of habitual breathing patterns in my adult students.

Joyful Singing Class - laughter and tears!

First of my 'Joyful Singing!' classes last night - we had lots of laughs, and even some tears as the attendees shared their desire to sing without fear. I love empowering people to get rid of their old beliefs and sing with CONFIDENCE! It's life-changing! Class continues next Monday in Salt Lake.

3rd Grade Singing Humiliation!

In my Singing For Health class yesterday I had each student sing a solo line, then had the whole class do an appropriate exercise that would address the vocal challenge the student was having.  After class a woman came up to me and said that she had had a humiliating experience at the hand's of her 3RD GRADE choir teacher, and had never sung again until yesterday.  Unbelievable how long we carry these old hurts that hold us back from enjoying life fully!

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.

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!

Springhollow Chimes Sound Bath!

The New Consciousness Expo was fantastic! Springhollow Chimes offered 'sound baths', and it was incredible to see the changes when folks sat under the Chimes. Faces softened, breathing slowed, bodies relaxed. One participant said 'it was better than eating magic mushrooms!' The vibration of the Chimes is both grounding and energizing - the proof was in seeing the affect in person as well as hearing all the positive comments!

Sound Bath at Salt Lake Expo!

Springhollow Chimes will be taking part in the New Consciousness Expo in Salt Lake City, Nov. 14th - adding a wonderful ambiance to the Expo as well as offering healing sound baths with the huge, gong-like Chimes. Neat!

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.

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