To loosen my heart

This is an incredibly beautiful quote from Dawna Markova that I wanted to share. I especially like the line 'I will not die an unlived life.'

Is there something you want to do, but have put it off? The time is now, DO IT.

Here's Markova's lovely thought:

"I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit."

-Dawna Markova

Carlos y Cristina!

Here's a photo of my friend, Carlos Murguia, 2 time Grammy nominee, awesome singer/keyboardist/composer/producer. We got together last week when he came to town with Chuck Negron, lead singer of 'Three Dog Night'.

Carlos and I go WAY back; in fact I started working in the group Tabasco with Carlos when he was just 15 years old!

We met at Disneyworld, Florida (where I was working in 'Kids of the Kingdom' a 'grown-up' Mickey Mouse Club singing/dancing group). Tabasco was a group of three brothers, their brother-in-law, two sisters, and one of the sisters was married to one of the Murguia brothers! All were from Mexico City. They were so dynamic; did all styles of music, choreographed everything and did tight, multi-harmonies. What a group! They asked me to join their group when one of the sisters went back to Mexico to do a television show, so off I went with Tabasco to work at Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland. FUN!

I went on to tour Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, Acapulco and the U.S. and Canada with the 7 piece show group, which was where I learned most everything I know about performing, being on the road, doing Television etc. It was a great group and a life-changing experience for me.

So Carlos and I had lots of memories to talk about, especially since I hadn't seen him in 20 years! I don't know where the time goes!

While I was in the group Tabasco I used my middle name 'Cristina' since it was hard for Latinos to pronounce 'beth' - it always came out sounding like 'bet' or 'betty', so Cristina sounded much more Latin.

Carlos always played the B-3 in Tabasco, and he played the B3 at Chuck Negron's concert, too, so it was fun to hear that big organ sound again that we used so much in Tabasco.

I'm so glad to have had such a long career with so many adventures! I've seen places; met people and shared stages with some incredible people that I never would have, had I not 'followed my muse' and had a music career. It's been a great life, and so much more to come. I love the way my music is evolving; my teaching is helping others, and my friends from the past are still in my life.

Here's to Carlos, Tabasco, and Cristina, La Gringa!

Pungent Lily Performs for SOP Convention

Last weekend Nyle Steiner, Kristin Lish and I (Pungent Lily) performed for the Sons of the Utah Pioneers National Convention here in Utah. There was lots of history recounted, and the convention center was decorated with both a pioneer handcart and an authentic 'prairie schooner' working replica.

We had a great time playing our favorite 'Americana with a twist' for over 400 attendees. When we play old tunes like 'Clementine' etc. it's so neat to see the faces light up and the audience sing along. The fun part for us is adding unexpected chord changes, odd rhythms and my take on 'lyric invention'.

What's lyric invention? I take the written lyrics, then just jumble them up, creating new phrases that incorporate the original words in different order!

Pictured here, from Left, is Pungent Lily's genius inventor, Nyle Steiner, myself 'lyric inventor', and Homer LeBaron, Past President of the local Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.

The conference award banquet was held at Zermatt resort, Midway, Utah, right in my own backyard (practically!)

The Heber Valley Railroad!

Wow, was this a busy Fall weekend! Friday, I grabbed my three singer-friends, Cass Ho, Koryn Hafen and Jennifer Ruff, and headed for the Heber Valley Railroad, where we sang songs from my musical, The Journey Home.

The Journey Home Train gig was created for the National Convention of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, here in Midway/Heber and was a perfect program for that organization. The Journey Home was written by myself and David Kowaleski for the 2002 Cultural Olympiad here in Utah, and told the story of a Swiss family of emmigrants who traveled the Mormon Trail with a handcart company, eventually settling in this beautiful valley.

The weather was really cold and rainy, and while we were recounting the story of the pioneer's three month journey on the frigate Columbia, we all felt like pioneers!

The train was lurching and jerking through Provo Canyon as we attempted to sing, keep the PA from falling over, and keep ourselves from tumbling into someone's lap!

It really was fun, and lots of laughs.

The train was full with 320 convention attendees who loved the music and could relate to the stories and songs about the pioneer's journey as they finally came 'home' and settled in Midway, Utah.

The Fall colors were magnificent and a great time was had by all! The Journey Home is a great story with beautiful music written and fully orchestrated by Dave Kowaleski, a musical genius. If you'd like to hear music from The Journey Home, go to the 'products' page of my website: vivalavoice.com

Pioneer history is fascinating, and I think you'll really enjoy this new musical!

Indulge your creativity!

While I was living in Bellevue, Washington I had the opportunity to sing several times at the Evergreen Church of Religious Science. Reverend Jeanette Keil is a wonderful writer and I wanted to share this entry from her newsletter. If you are last on your own list of things to do, take some time to indulge in your own creativity. It will be time well spent.

"This is a great time of year to be thinking about what you want to create in your life. The choices are limitless. What is it that you loved to do when you were eight or ten years old? What do you still long for in your life? What word comes to mind when you think about what it would take to make you feel fulfilled? Is there something missing from your life? If you came up with easy answers to any of the above questions, pursue it. If the answers didn't come easily to you, that’s not a problem. Maybe you can't run with the wind like you did on the high school track team, but perhaps it's time to re-establish the pattern of a morning walk that slipped away so easily in the busy-ness of things. Or, maybe you long to have time to write or paint. Those activities, too, can be re-introduced into your life, perhaps not as a profession, like you once dreamed of, but maybe as an avocation that you indulge in for a couple of hours once a week. Our ability to create is unique. Going within and bringing forth our creativity can be a very enriching experience - for a day, for a week, for a lifetime."
- Rev. Jeanette Keil, Evergreen Church, Bellevue, WA

Have you listened to my podcast? Just click the orange button.

Viva La Voice Podcast #1!!

Wow, what a journey! I'm going to jump in (finally) and upload my first podcast. This is kind of experimental, as I have one podcast in two formats. So the links will be for an audio mp3 file, AND an enhanced podcast that has photos. Hopefully, they'll both work!

The next challenge is setting up the 'link' button. Understand that this is a steep learning curve for me! Most of you out there who even listen to podcasts are probably rolling your eyes at my baby steps here at Viva La Voice. You know, it's okay to venture into unknown territory, and that's what I'm doing.

This podcast isn't perfect! In fact, I've noticed that the actual content is very short (under 4 minutes - it's a test remember!), but the podcast length is something over 8 minutes! So whether the images make it longer (I don't think so), or I just failed to edit the podcast remains to be seen. Rather than go back and spend another few DAYS editing, I'm choosing to upload the thing and get it out there!

I'd appreciate feedback, i.e. can you see the images on PC and Mac in the enhanced version, or are enhanced podcasts simply a Mac feature? I believe the Mp3 file is audio only, it is in my test, but if someone finds something different, let me know!
Are the files too big? Do they take too long to download?

OKAY! HERE ARE THE LINKS TO MY FIRST VIVA LA VOICE PODCAST!:

Enhanced version:

Mp3 Podcast:

Podcast coming soon!

Last month I created my first podcast. For the first two weeks of September I've been learning how to upload it!! Please check back in the next couple of days to get the link to my first podcast!

This whole world of new technology is so fascinating; but also so frustrating!

I'm really trying to wrap my shrinking brain around all these tech applications and learn how to conceptualize the flow of information, then integrate it all.

Whew! It helps me to visualize the pathway (or is it the 'information highway'???!!) for all this information, and how each step in the creation and uploading process moves the podcast to a place in cyberspace where others can access it.

It makes me feel good to be able to master some of these steps, which at the outset are supposed to be EASY, but Ha! aren't that easy for even some seasoned techies. Just when I feel like I know nothing, I'll ask a question like "do you have wi-fi available", and the young girl behind the counter at the coffeehouse will say 'what's wi-fi'? That kind of stuff astounds me, and yet, my questions about uploading a podcast probably astound the guys at the MAC store! So it's all relative.

Tomorrow, after rehearsal and lessons, I'll look through my volumes of notes (mostly tutorials from my webmaster/marketer Nashlah) and ATTEMPT A PODCAST LINK TO MY BLOG!

Once that's accomplished I want you all to get the podcast and let me know you got it. It's an enhanced podcast which means it has photos along with the podcast. (Don't ask me how it works!....)

So tune in soon for a short podcast. I'm planning interviews and interesting content related to all things 'performing arts'. Have any suggestions? Let me know!

I'm also getting my Joyful Singing/Vocal Mastery CD set and booklet ready for press! Lots of new projects in the works which I'll be posting soon.

Beth Lawrence's Viva La Voice Podcast coming soon!

Words From Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter

"I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message." --Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter)

Just last week, a Stingray barb killed Steve Irwin as he was filming another of his educational shows. Some folks thought he was crazy and took too many chances. Others thought he was positive, loved his life, and went at it full tilt. Whatever you may have thought about him, most everyone will agree that he lived life to its fullest, and isn't that what we should all aspire to do????

Steve was driven by his passion for animals, for the environment, for education. He put himself in a lot of scary situations which compelled us to watch and wonder at the outcome. He faced his fears and didn't back down. You can say that it's really sad that his life was cut short while he still had so much of it to live. But what would be worse is living a long, safe, uninspired life without passion or challenge.

Everyday I'm reminded that you've got to grab Life with both hands and shake things up a bit. What good is playing it safe if you never really LIVE? If your life isn't filled with passion, with energy, with wonder, maybe it's time to get out there and chase some crocodiles! We all have fear in our lives, but facing that fear, no matter the consequence is what makes us come alive. Are you standing safely on the shore as a bystander to Life, or are you plunging into the water and wrestling head to head with the challenges that stand in the way of a fulfilled life?

We all stand as an example to others. The Crocodile Hunter may have been a bit extreme for most of us, but his example shows me that there are a lot of areas in my own life where I can be more brave, more open, and more authentic. What good is a life lived in the shadows, hiding in the dark so that we won't have to face our fears? Live fiercely, live well, live courageously so that others will admire your passion and find the strength to hunt their own crocodiles!

End Of Summer Allergies

Lately I've found my nose a bit stuffy and my throat a bit scratchy when I wake up in the morning. All I have to do is walk through the garden to see that almost everything from my glorious cosmos to the prickly thistle are going to seed. So it makes sense that most of us will be suffering from some type of allergy in the next few weeks.

When I was living in Las Vegas I had a chronic bout with a low grade flu, with headache, sore throat, fatigue and achey body. I knew enough to know that flu is a virus and isn't 'chronic'; it should run its course in 5 days or so. When I went in to see the Doctor and gave him my symptoms, he said 'you have allergies.' I couldn't believe that allergies would give me the same symptoms as a flu bug, but less than an hour after taking the allergy medicine he prescribed, I felt better! I was shocked, but now when anyone tells me they've been sick for over a week with similar complaints, I suggest that they probably are suffering from dreaded allergies.

If you're having dry, scratchy throat or other symptoms, why not try my fantastic 'VIVA LA VOICE TONIC RECIPE'?? It tastes so good, soothes the throat and clears up phlegm. It's a great general cleansing tonic for the whole system. Best of all, I want everyone to try it, so you can find it on my website ('Products') for an introductory price of only $3.97!!! Can you afford not to try it?! Let me know how it works for you! www.vivalavoice.com

Enjoy your last days of summer in health!

Sound Repellant!

I recently read about an inventor in England who has created a device called the Mosquito. If you read my blog or website you'll know that I'm an advocate for sound as a healing medium. Well, the Mosquito uses sound for quite a different reason, and gets an entirely different response!

Evidently the Mosquito emits a high pitched sound that keeps errant youths with too much time on their hands from loitering on city streets. This high pitch is horridly annoying to young people under age 25; doesn't seem to bother young kids, and evidently anyone over 25 has the diminished capacity to hear those high pitches!

Interesting how sound frequencies have such a profound effect on humans (and animals, to a greater degree). I have a musician friend who just got a new hearing aid (years of music have taken their toll) that is digital and can be programmed to boost only the frequencies he's missing. He said he stepped outside the other night and could hear crickets for the first time in years!

I believe in the power of sound to heal. I'm rather concerned about using sound to repel or control the population. Our government scientists have invented and are 'experimenting' with a device that emits a piercing sound that is to be used for 'crowd control'. Pretty scary. Sonar used by the Navy is routinely bursting the eardrums of whales. Sound has a power that can scramble our innards. I suppose anything has an inherent duality that can be used for benefit or for harm.

Next time you're feeling uneasy in a public place, you better make sure you're not being bombarded with repellant sound frequencies!

Music Helps Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Patients

I recently read another article about the effects of music therapy on Alzheimer's patients. The article by Jule Klotter, states:
"A music therapy program raised melatonin levels and improved behavior and sleeping problems in 20 male Alzheimer's patients. The Alzheimer's patients underwent music therapy for 30-40 minutes, 5 days a week for one month. Blood samples were taken before the first session, at the end of the four weeks of therapy, and 6 weeks after the study's conclusion. Dr. Ardash Kumar and colleagues at the University of Miami School of Medicine (Florida), who reported the study in Alternative Therapies (1999;5:49-57), checked the levels of melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin. These brain chemicals are known to affect mental state. They found that melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine blood levels had risen significantly by the end of the 4-week therapy program. Moreover, melatonin levels remained high 6 weeks after the program had stopped. In addition to the hormonal changes, the participants in the study also became more active and cooperative and slept better."

In my work with Parkinson's patients, I see remarkable results when patients use singing therapy as a means of strengthening their voices. Their breathing, articulation and speech rhythm all improve, making them much more understandable. This is a Godsend not only for the patient, but for their caregivers, also, who sometimes get as frustrated as the patient when communication is difficult.

Music and singing are a part of our core being. With the musical arts, we can bypass the thinking brain, and go right to the emotional center of the person. Many Alzheimer's patients remember songs and lyrics easily, when other mental faculties may be lost or difficult to access.

I believe that the field of music and voice therapy are just beginning to emerge as the key to helping patients with non-invasive treatments, and I'm proud to be a Music Practitioner who can help others get more joy from their lives.

Nyle Steiner Goes Country!

My good friend and music collaborator, Nyle Steiner (he's the genius that invented the Electronic Wind Instrument, played by jazz musicians worldwide) and I did a benefit for Wasatch Humane on Saturday. (You can see Nyle's invention in this photo). This was a really worthy cause and we were glad to help this organization that does a lot of horse rescue and rehab here in Utah.

When we got to the gig it was a decidedly 'horsey' event so we pulled out some of our more 'americana' tunes, and with the help of keyboardist Cary Hobbs, we did some fun music, very fitting for the occasion - stuff like 'Don't Fence Me In' Ha!

Before we played Nyle jumped in and played a few tunes with the cowboy band 'the Hometown Pickers'! A good time was had by all as Nyle can create the sound of harmonica, pennywhistle etc., all sounds that fit just great with the cowboy music.

Here are a couple of pics with Nyle in his farmer's hat and me with one of the adoption horses.

Curing Nodes

I recently had an inquiry from a singer/songwriter who was diagnosed with nodes, and wondered if I had any advice for her. This is the response I gave her, and hope that it might be of help to anyone else who has, or has had nodes:

"I'm sorry that you're having voice challenges. For a singer/speaker, nothing is more stressful than nodes.
If you haven't done so already, you should read "My Story" on my articles page. It details my own vocal challenges until I finally FOUND THE RIGHT TEACHER! I haven't had one problem with my voice for over 20 years! (www.vivalavoice.com)

You might also check my Blog and look at the archives; lots of helpful info.

I will tell you that no amount of vocal rest is going to save you from nodes in the future unless you begin SINGING CORRECTLY! Trust me when I say that nodes don't come from overuse of the voice; they come from too much compression on the vocal chords, pushing, jamming the larynx etc., and you've got to learn to get rid of those destructive habits. I have sung for hours on end 7 days a week and have never damaged my voice, thanks to finally finding a technique that was healthy.

I'll be coming out with a new Vocal Mastery Exercise CD and booklet, and you might think about getting that. When I had nodes I began studying with my Mentor, Giuseppe Balestrieri, and was very worried about using my voice. My teacher said, 'even if you have nodes, they'll go away once you start using your voice correctly'. AND HE WAS RIGHT.

I wish you luck. Not being able to use your voice is heartbreaking. It's your passion, and also, your vocation. Find a good teacher who teaches Bel Canto and make the investment; it will be worth it and it will change your life as it did mine."

Dry, Summer Throat?

Are you suffering from a dry, summer throat? Do you run, bike or play tennis outdoors in the hot, dry air? If so, you may be suffering from a scratchy voice due to drying out your vocal chords. Allergies can also dry out the vocal chords and irritate the throat.

If you're having any 'dry throat' symptoms, why not try my 'Viva La Voice Tonic' recipe? It's fantastic for soothing and hydrating the voice, cleansing the system, and cutting plegm. And best of all, you can now get this fantastic recipe online! Go to my website, www.vivalavoice.com and click on 'Products'. I'll send you the recipe and an article about how I developed the Tonic due to years of professional singing in sometimes hostile conditions!

You'll love what this Tonic will do for your voice, whether you're a singer, speaker, salesperson or outdoor athlete. Enjoy!

Music Eases Labor Pains

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 10 contractions, women listened to songs they'd previously used as part of their relaxation techniques. They then alternated 5 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.

Singing: A Natural Act

My Integrated Voice Method is based in Bel Canto, an old Italian method which is said to date all the way back to the middle ages. In line with the philosophy of Bel Canto, I believe that singing is a natural act; an extension of relaxed, released speech.

Usually, when a client comes to me, the moment they begin singing, they create a phony, forced tone. Why do we believe that we have to DO something different the moment we start singing? I like to demonstrate to my students the speaking of a line (in my 'actress' voice) then immediately singing the line in exactly the same place (voice placement) with exactly the same tone quality. I didn't do anything different! Singing shouldn't be a big, mysterious production; it's just a natural use of our voice. When you were two years old you didn't obsess about technique, how your voice sounded or whether you'd hit those 'high' notes; you just SANG because it was fun and felt good! I'm constantly urging my students to 'stop thinking, and start feeling!'

We spend so much time in our heads, analyzing every note, every 'mistake', whether we're doing everything perfectly. Practice imperfection! Stop thinking and just enjoy the experience of singing. You were born singing, just let it happen. Get out of the way of your voice and let it spill out in all its magnificence! The challenge most singers have is trying to control their voice. Over the years, this mechanism of control translates into constriction and holding, which keeps the voice from releasing fully and naturally.

Singing is a natural act! Don't try to intellectualize it. You've always known exactly what to do to sing beautifully. Strip away all the controlling and manipulating and let your voice be free! There's nothing difficult about singing, unless you've created challenges from years of limiting your own brilliance. Sing because you love it!

The Spirit of Findhorn

"When your desire is to bring peace and harmony into the world, then you will have to start by finding peace and harmony within your own heart. It is a waste of time talking about peace. You have to seek and find that consciousness of peace which nothing and no one can disturb, and remain in it." - Eileen Caddy

Great quote, no? Eileen Caddy was one of the founders of Findhorn, a spiritual community in Scotland. I first read about Findhorn in the book 'The Gardens of Findhorn', and became entranced with the underlying philosophy. On an unforgiving sandspit of land, the Caddys, along with Dorothy McClean, created a magnificent, world-renown garden by cooperating with nature spirits, 'Devas', who helped them turn out lush flowers and vegetables in the worst of conditions.

Findhorn has grown and gone on to be known as a center for spiritual growth, and many global workshops and seminars are held there. While there may not be 50 -pound cabbages, still held there is the vision for world peace, working in cooperation with the natural elements, and a sense of the simple life.

We would all benefit from creating peace in our own lives. When you look around and see such strife and divisiveness, it's easy to want to 'change the world'. Sometimes it's overwhelming in its scope, and you wonder where to begin. As Eileen Caddy said, you must find peace within so that nothing and no one can disturb your calm center. It's from that point of strength that you will affect others. They will feel that positive energy flowing from you and will want to be a part of it. Your inner peace will be a comfort and example for others to follow. So don't think you have to change the world. Change yourself first, and others will surely follow in your footsteps. Start by 'finding peace and harmony within your own heart.'

The Wisdom of Johnny Cash

Blaring from the car radio today was that characteristic dum ta da dum ta da dum bass line you hear in many Johnny Cash songs. Then that thick, flat, splayed out voice, unmistakably Johnny. I'd never heard this song before (not really being a JC fan), but it really struck me as great wisdom.

The song was 'Get Rhythm' and the lyric holds so true: 'Get rhythm when you get the blues'! Go Johnny! One of the best things you can do if you're depressed is put on some music and start dancing! Bang on some pots and pans; make weird rhythms with your voice; use your body as a percussion instrument!

To get yourself out of that blue funk, try singing! Even if you think you can't do jazz 'scat' singing, put on a jazz instrumental CD and sing along, pretending your voice is a trumpet, a bass, or even drums! It's all about having fun, and getting your mind off your problems. Remember singing and dancing release endorphins, and endorphins make you feel good!

So even if you're not a fan of good old Uncle Cash, pay attention to his lyric and 'Get Rhythm when you get the blues!'

Mary Blige Uses Music as Therapy

In an article by Malcolm Venable in the Virginia Post, he talks about how Mary Blige has used music to heal her own demons. In his article about her latest concert Venable says "Blige, who's been public about her addiction, abusive relationships and rough inner-city upbringing, demonstrated the legitimacy of music as therapy. Women in the audience - most of them African American - roared as she sang mantra-heavy songs like "Good Woman Down."

Later, he quotes Blige as saying, "Ladies, we are so necessary!" she said. "We're very special, very beautiful! There's not a man or woman or child that would be here if not for a woman that carried them for nine months and pushed them out into this Earth!"

The next time you have challenges in your life, try writing a song about it. Write down your feelings, stream of consciousness if necessary, and then let yourself make up any melody that comes to mind. It doesn't have to be perfect; let the melody come from the emotions or frustrations you're feeling. There's no right or wrong; no one's listening, and it's a great way to heal yourself with music. When you bypass your thinking brain, and begin singing your lyrics you can tap into that emotional place that needs expression and healing.

Music has been used as therapy since time began. Next time you have a challenge in life, do as Mary K. Blige has done - write about it!

Learning to Breathe

Most vocal challenges are directly related to an inability to correctly support the voice while singing or speaking.

It's crucial that you are using 'active breathing' so that you can let go of 'holding' or tensions that are keeping you from releasing your voice with a relaxed, open sound.

A good exercise to learn proper breathing is this: lay on the floor, placing a book in the diaphragm area (in the center, just above and between the bottom of the ribcage). As you breathe in, 'fill up' with air so that the book rises. As you exhale, the book will lower as the diaphragm area flattens. Keep doing this exercise until this type of breathing becomes natural and habitual, and you can breathe this way standing up. As you sing or speak, 'fill up' with air and try to keep 'filled up' even as you're using your voice, although, naturally, with the exhalation of air, your diaphragm area will flatten somewhat.

Remember, your breath is your engine; never your throat. If you want power and volume, simply fill up with more air and use the 'cushion of air' as your vocal support mechanism.