What Makes a Great Performance?

What makes a great performance? Making your audience FEEL. Technical perfection isn't nearly as important as emotional authenticity.

Stage Fear and the Ideal Self

If you suffer from 'stage fear', envision yourself singing or presenting from your confident, capable 'ideal self', rather than the insecure, frightened 'little self' that fears rejection! You ARE capable and confident!!

Singers Are Storytellers First and Foremost!

First and foremost, singers are STORYTELLERS!  A character is telling his/her story through you.  As a Storyteller, you determine what your audience will feel.  You must know what the character's emotional state is, then let your emotion determine your voice quality, your face and body actions.  If you're truly immersed in your character and story, emotions, movement and expressions will be authentic and natural....you won't even be thinking about it, you will BE IT.

You're invited to my workshop on February 20, 2010 "HOW TO SELL A SONG...making the emotional connection with your audience"

Singers - Tight, Tired Throat?!

I recently got a question from a reader on my ASKBETHLAWRENCE.COM site who wrote:

 "I am contacting you just with a concern.  I am a musical theatre major, which requires me to sing on a regular basis.  I am planning on seeing an ENT within the next week or so, but I was just wondering what all could cause fatigue in my upper registers.  It is mainly when trying to sing soft that I experience this.  Is this most likely only related to technique?  Or could it be more serious than that?"

This was my response which I believe could be helpful to a lot of singers who have the same issue:

Sorry you're having challenges with your voice.  Without hearing your voice, or seeing you in person, I can only give you an answer based on my experience in what you're describing.  It could be any number of things, but it doesn't sound to me like you're having these symptoms based on anything more than poor technique, but it's good you're going to the ENT to check it out.   I had lots of vocal problems early in my career until I found a Maestro who saved my voice.  I hope you can do the same!  

If you're planning on having a career as a singer, then you owe it to yourself to sing effortlessly and easily, as your voice IS your career!

By fatigue, a singer could mean just a 'feeling' in the throat (tightness?), or actual hoarseness which would indicate damage.  Number one, are you supporting your tone?  Your breath support is critical and you need to make sure that you are breathing fully; expanding the ribs and belly; softening the belly but not 'pushing out' or having any tension in your belly, diaphragm or throat.

Two, if your throat is feeling tight and tired when you sing, your tongue may be the culprit!  If you're not supporting, then your body compensates by tensing the base of the tongue in an effort to 'hold' the tone, which is really uncomfortable.  This also causes the larynx to jam up, which again, causes a tight throat.

If your throat is tight and the larynx raised you're causing constriction which not only feels bad, but forces you to push the voice to get more sound out.

All in all, a cascade of events  is set in motion that feed upon each other creating a pinched sound, excessive force on the vocal mechanism, mental distraction, a tight, tired throat, and ultimately can result in vocal nodules.

If you haven't already done so, go to my website and read 'A Singer's Story' and some of my philosophy on voice.  

Do you have any questions about voice?  Let me know!

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.

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??!!!!

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!

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!

Songwriting 101 in SLC

Getting materials together for my 'SONGWRITING 101" class starting next week in Salt Lake.  I love teaching this class - it's always gratifying to see how inspired folks get once the mystery is taken out of the songwriting process!

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.

Make your Passion Your Priority

The NY Times is finishing up their 2009 '1 in 8 Million' series - so fascinating and reminds me that everyone has a unique life story. This link is to Mr. Harris who followed his heart and chose a life 'on water'. Do what makes you happy!  If doing music makes you happy, find a way to live a life filled with music.  This goes for anything; find your passion and make it your priority.

NY Times series "1 in 8 Million'

You Don't Have To Be A Perfect Singer!

I've been teaching voice for 20+ years, and one thing I'm adamant about with my students is letting them know that it's okay NOT to be perfect!  What is most important is the authentic emotion you are feeling when telling your 'story', not a technically perfect performance.

Until your singing technique becomes natural and second nature, you are usually focusing totally on technique, and not on the emotions you should be feeling while singing.  We all strive for a perfect voice, but when we're focused on our breathing, our placement, tension in the body etc., it doesn't leave any space for what's really important....being totally tuned in to the story we're telling!

I would much rather hear a good story teller who is authentic in performance than a technically perfect singer who leaves me cold.  You can't obsess about technique once you are in front of an audience.  You've done your prep; put all of your energy into WHAT you're singing, not HOW you're singing it.

Yes, that's hard to do, but you'll find that your performance, as well as your technique will greatly improve when you let go of trying so hard to be perfect, and just 'be'.   Ultimately, folks want to be moved emotionally by your music, not dazzled by technique that has no real feeling underneath.

Choosing To Choose

"The only reason we ever get stuck is because we don't "choose".  Nothing happens until we choose. You know you have chosen when you absolutely know that nothing and no one will stop you; you will reach your destination.  If at some point you "let it go" then you haven't really chosen."  -Nanice Ellis

Now that we're nearing the end of 2009, let's choose to let go of what hasn't served us, and choose a new destination for 2010.  I believe it's true, EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS A CHOICE.  Choose the things that will move you forward, not keep you on the same path that may be headed in the wrong direction!  BL

Teenager Gift Idea!

f you're wondering what to give your teenager for Christmas, try music lessons! Voice, piano....any instrument. It will give them a big self-esteem boost!

A Celtic Blessing!

From Beth Lawrence

A Celtic Blessing

May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work that you do
with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light
and renewal to those who work with you
and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of
refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert,
approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.

 Viva La Voice Wishes you Happy Holidays

Beyond the Mechanics of Singing

Although there are a lot of physical mechanics involved in singing, most of this mechanical theory defies science.  To be a really great singer one has to move far beyond the science of how we sing; beyond the perfecting of the physical technique; and discover the reason why we sing.  We sing to express our emotions.

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.

Singing For Health at Osher Institute

Singing is a great way to energize your mind and body while enjoying the company of other folks who like to sing just for the fun of it!

For all my Utah friends....I'll be teaching 'Singing For Health!' at the University of Utah's Osher Institute beginning January 14th. It'll be a fun (and healthy!) group singing class. 

You can register now:

http://continue.utah.edu/osher/