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!

Does Singing Make You Happier? Part 3

Choral singers are happier

Psychological Effects of Singing

Some of the greatest connections between singing and happiness are more mental than physical. They're harder to measure, but just as significant.

Choral singers need to concentrate on their music and technique throughout the singing process, and it's hard to worry about things like work or money or family problems when you're actively concentrating on something else. So choral singers tend to have a built-in "stress-free zone." Learning is also part of the process -- learning new songs, new harmonies, new methods of keeping tempo. Learning has long been known to keep brains active and fend off depression, especially in older people.

The question remains, though -- why choral singing specifically? Concentration and deep breathing can happen in a recording studio, or in the privacy of your own home.

It's because some of the most important ties between singing and happiness are social ones. The support system of being part of a group, and the commitment to that group that gets people out of the house and into the chorus every week -- these are benefits that are specific to group singing. And they seem to be a big component of why choral singers tend to be happier than the rest of us. The feelings of belonging to a group, of being needed by the other members of that group ("We can't do this one without our alto!"), go a long way toward combating the loneliness that often comes along with being human in modern times.

Excerpted from http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/singing-happy2.htm

Does Singing Make You Happy? Part 2

Choral singing makes people happy

Physical Effects of Singing

All types of singing have positive psychological effects. The act of singing releases endorphins, the brain's "feel good" chemicals. Singing in front of a crowd, a la karaoke, naturally builds confidence, which has broad and long-lasting effects on general well-being. But of all types of singing, it's choral singing that seems to have the most dramatic effects on people's lives.

A study published in Australia in 2008 revealed that on average, choral singers rated their satisfaction with life higher than the public -- even when the actual problems faced by those singers were more substantial than those faced by the general public.  A 1998 study found that after nursing-home residents took part in a singing program for a month, there were significant decreases in both anxiety and depression levels.  Another study surveying more than 600 British choral singers found that singing plays a central role in their psychological health.

But why? Could you just start belting out a tune right now in order to make yourself feel happy?

It's possible. Some of the ways in which choral singing makes people happy are physical, and you get them whether you're in a chorus or in a shower -- as long as you're using proper breathing techniques during that shower solo. Singing can have some of the same effects as exercise, like the release of endorphins, which give the singer an overall "lifted" feeling and are associated with stress reduction. It's also an aerobic activity, meaning it gets more oxygen into the blood for better circulation, which tends to promote a good mood. And singing necessitates deep breathing, another anxiety reducer. Deep breathing is a key to meditation and other relaxation techniques, and you can't sing well without it.

Excerpted from http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/singing-happy.htm

Does Singing Make You Happy? Part 1

Singing makes birds and humans happier

In the United States, choral singing is the most popular of all arts-related participatory activities. Across the country, 28.5 million people regularly sing in one of 250,000 chorus groups.  It's a group activity that seems to stand the test of time better than others, and there may be a very good reason why: Singing has some effects that other participatory activities don't.

It has become pretty obvious in the last couple of decades that singing has special draws. Regular people all over the globe are addicted to karaoke singing. And many of those people can't even carry a tune. Bars use it to draw customers on slow nights: People will come if they can sing for a crowd. People will watch others sing for a crowd, too -- "reality" competitions like "American Idol" and "X Factor," two of the most popular shows in the United States and around the world, respectively, are all about singing.

Of course, some of the competitors on those shows can actually sing really well. It's clear why people are drawn to them. But what's the draw for somewhat-less-talented singers to belt out a tune? Why the huge interest in karaoke? Why all the singing in the shower, in the car, in the chorus? Does singing make people happy?

In parts 2 and 3 of this series, we'll find out what effect singing has on mood, outlook and general psychological health. We'll look specifically at choral singing, which is where the most recent and surprising research has been done. Apparently, choral singing, whether with a church, city or private group, really does make people happy.

The physiological effects of singing are fairly well-documented. For those who doubt its power, just look at songbirds: When male songbirds sing to female songbirds, it activates the pleasure center of the male's brain. In fact, scientists have discovered that the effect of singing on the birds' brains is similar to the effect of addictive drugs on human brains.  But there's a caveat. That effect doesn't happen when the birds are singing alone.

As it turns out, singing's effect on humans has a similar caveat.

Excerpted from http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/singing-happy.htm

Singing releases feel good endorphins!

Here's more confirmation about the benefits of singing, especially group singing, from Julia Layton @ TLC network:  

All types of singing have positive psychological effects. The act of singing releases endorphins, the brain's "feel good" chemicals. Singing in front of a crowd, a la karaoke, naturally builds confidence, which has broad and long-lasting effects on general well-being. But of all types of singing, it's choral singing that seems to have the most dramatic effects on people's lives.

A study published in Australia in 2008 revealed that on average, choral singers rated their satisfaction with life higher than the public -- even when the actual problems faced by those singers were more substantial than those faced by the general public [source:MacLean]. A 1998 study found that after nursing-home residents took part in a singing program for a month, there were significant decreases in both anxiety and depression levels [source: ISPS]. Another study surveying more than 600 British choral singers found that singing plays a central role in their psychological health [source:ISPS].

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Whitney Houston Star Spangled Banner

What an incredible performance!  This is what I call 'going for it'!  She sang this with so much energy, courage and confidence that it really is one of the best renditions I've every seen or heard.  Although she had her demons and fought her own internal battles, I know that she reclaimed her beautiful soul and stunning voice when she left this plane.  Sing on, lovely Whitney!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Cheers,  Beth Lawrence

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Rob Lowe On Shower Singing

My new book From Shower To Stage....7 Easy Steps for Singing Like A Pro! is written both for the shy, shower singer, to the working professional.  Here's what Rob Lowe says about 'shower singing':

 "Everybody knows that the shower has the best acoustics. There's no two ways about it. I actually have a recording studio in mine. So look out, Kevin Bacon. You think you've got your fancy band. You've got nothing on my shower band."

Stop Commanding Your Voice!

I've been listening to many of my old tapes from voice lessons with Giuseppe Balestrieri the man who taught me BEL CANTO singing, and saved my voice.  He used to make the most profound statements in lessons.  On one recent tape I heard him tell me:

 "You command your voice too much.  Let it go!  Be gentle!"

Wow, I really got that because I teach my students the same thing!  When you're singing correctly, you don't have to 'do' anything with the voice.  You don't have to push, force, or try to make the voice reach the notes.  You just 'let it go', release it, let it be free to soar.  That sounds simple, and it is.  Singing should be simple.  It should feel good, it should be easy.

So stop commanding your voice.  Get out of the way and let your body do what it does naturally - produce a clear, rich, powerful voice that doesn't need you pushing or manipulating it.  Really, stop thinking, stop trying.  Just let the voice flow.  When you develop that kind of trust you will develop a beautiful voice.
Thanks Maestro Balestrieri!

Viva La Voice Welcome Video

I've been tweaking my websites lately and uploaded a 'welcome' video on my Viva La Voice site.  I had shot the video in Hawaii, and have learned a good videographer lesson.....don't shoot your video near rushing water!

I love waterfalls, the ocean, running streams etc., so I think I have a penchant for shooting my videos near these hazards!  My Viva La Voice welcome video was shot in a gorgeous hotel lobby, but as you'll note, there's a lot of water noise.  I hope it won't be too annoying to you all.

I like to shoot things on the fly....no preparation....just find a lovely spot, point, and shoot!  I guess that's my signature....videos shot in interesting, beautiful places that aren't necessarily quiet or private.  I think that's okay - that's me - informal!  Enjoy!

Singers - Pitch Problems Solved!

If you're a singer who has been told you have 'pitch problems', my Lawrence Vocal System offers a simple solution! Take a look at my newest article on Muse's Muse in my Viva La Voice column on how to get on pitch and start singing with confidence!

Muse's Muse Book Review!

Here's a wonderful review of my new singing book! Thank you Anastasia!

Book Review by Anastasia Karalekas for The Muse’s News.
"From Shower to Stage! 7 Easy Steps for Singing Like a Pro" by Beth Lawrence
www.vivalavoice.com
www.from showertostage.com
I’d like to introduce you to my new singing coach, Beth Lawrence, author of the book, “From Shower to Stage! 7 Easy Steps for Singing Like a Pro”.
Beth has quite an impressive bio. She has been studying singing for over 30 years, and the result is this gem of a book she has published to teach us her singing method, The Lawrence System. With this book, you will learn 7 simple steps to improve your singing, and help to correct anything you may have been taught wrongly in the past.
If you’ve taken singing lessons somewhere along the line, you may very likely have been taught wrong things, and therefore developed bad habits which have caused you to not enjoy singing as it should be enjoyed – joyfully! Beth accurately describes the most common mistakes taught by many singing instructors, and then tells you how to do it the right way.
The exercises in the Lawrence System force you to focus on things other than hitting the right notes, and before you know it, you’re able to sing notes you didn’t think you could, and without straining. The improvements come easily, but you do have to make the effort to practice the exercises, to replace old habits with new ones. If you have about 15 minutes a day, the end result will all be worth it. You’ll forget about producing a perfect tone, but rather focus on releasing your natural voice. And that’s when you find yourself wanting to sing, no matter who’s around… or whether you’re in the shower or not.
Relax… Beth’s method promotes relaxation, because, not only is it important in our everyday stressful lives, but it is also important to be relaxed in order to sing properly. Being nervous doesn’t help us do anything well, singing included. However if you relax, and know what you’re doing, you’ll sing like you never imagined you could. You may be hiding the next Beyoncé or Steven Tyler, (or fill in your own blank here) somewhere in there; and if not, that’s okay; the one thing you will certainly learn is to be confident enough in your ability to sing, and that’s really all some of us may be striving for here.
This book is not only about the ABC’s of how to sing. Beth gets you to involve your whole self – body and mind – in your singing. I found that these 7 steps were all I needed. The exercises are simple and effective. And you can practice them anywhere – in your car, in the kitchen while cooking, even when you’re in the shower!
Finally, you’ll definitely want to read this book more than once. I read it the first time, just soaking up all the information. Then I read it again, this time actually doing the exercises as I went along. And I'm not done yet. I plan to keep reading it over again until I no longer need to consult it, until all the information becomes second nature to me. (And then I’m going to lend it to a friend of mine who recently claimed she has the worst singing voice ever.)
This book comes with a CD for vocal exercises based on the Lawrence System. These exercises are so well explained, they’re not just there for you to mimic. In fact, before each exercise, Beth describes the exercise, she then explains the purpose of it, and then guides you along, sitting at her piano while you stand beside her.
I believe I have found the only singing teacher I’ll ever need. And I highly recommend her to you, too.
PS: Beth has a Viva La Voice column in The Muse’s News. Check it out at http://www.musesmuse.com/menu-columnists.html

How To Mentally Prepare for a Performance

Check out this quick Viva La Voice Tip shot at beautiful Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks!

Effortless Vocals in 3 Steps!

Want an effortless singing or speaking voice?  Do my three step process:
1. Breathe 2. Relax 3. open and release the voice without trying to manipulate or control it.  Try it, you'll find it easier to sing/speak, and you'll increase your range, too, as relaxing equals 'no tension', and tension constricts the vocal mechanism!

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 Finale!

Our six week Joyful Singing series ended with a fantastic finale!  We did our 'Mock Carnegie Hall' concert to an appreciative audience of pianos (afterall class was held in a piano lab!).  And since I had urged the students to imagine a full house, it was easy for them to imagine a rousing standing ovation from their imaginary fans!

The great thing about this class, and the incredibly gratifying thing for me, as the teacher, was seeing the growth in confidence that this group experienced!  For the first few weeks of class, mine was the only voice I heard as I sang along to encourage them.  But after 6 weeks, they were singing with style and verve, and didn't need my help at all!  It was neat to see all those animated, smiling faces as I 'directed' our repertoire for our final night.  Not only were they smiling because they loved singing, they were smiling because they had overcome their fear and were able to move on with their lives, rich with a new passion that they had just re-discovered.

Most of these folks were 're-entry' singers - adults who had sung when they were young, then either put it away while they lived their lives, or stopped singing because of some public embarrassment they had experienced which caused them to shut down their voice and never sing again.  Finding the courage to even come to the first class is a testament to all of them who wanted to rekindle a relationship with singing - something they had loved, but had lost.

If singing is something that you used to do (and we all used to sing just for the fun of it when we didn't care if we were 'good' or 'bad') and would like to do again, then take a group singing class where you can not only learn some basic singing skills, but discover how fun it is to raise your voice with others.  There is a healing power in singing that is  magnified when there are many voices.  It is in our cultural heritage to sing together in joy, in sadness, in celebration of life.  To shut this voice down is to cut oneself off from our cultural community, and deny ourselves the true joy of singing.

Don't let fear keep you from joining others in song because you don't feel 'good enough'.  The only person who will be judging you is your self, and if you are in a class that can teach you new singing skills, you will improve as well as gain confidence in your singing voice.  My philosophy is the 'everyone can sing!'; but you can also learn to sing 'better' which will help you feel more secure when singing in a group, or singing solo.  So don't hesitate to get back into singing!  It will not only improve your health, it will make you feel proud of yourself for taking a risk, and confident in your ability to sing in any situation.