a learning space for voice teachers and vocal coaches
Imitation is Necessary I’m going to make a slightly contentious suggestion: That encouraging PM singers to ‘break down’ the sonic components of other singers’ voices – even to try and imitate them - should be a core and necessary part of their training. This is a potentially controversial statement because the music industry thrives on… Continue reading Do singers need imitation skills for greater employability? // Jo Sear
Often, I see us voice teachers describing a good artist as someone who exists at the intersection of good vocal technique and good expression/storytelling/etc. I have absolutely been on this thought train in the past, but I'm seriously questioning it. Here's why: I work with a lot of voice teachers who are exploring popular musics… Continue reading Good Artistry Doesn’t Require “Good” Vocal Technique // Jess Baldwin
I was reading this book recently about creating your dream life and one of the exercises in it was to write down your heroes. And I just stared at the page. For probably about an hour. Racking my brain. And then I cried. A lot. I don’t have any heroes. At least not in the… Continue reading Heroes // Kat Reinhert
Creativity and Artist Coach Jessica Baldwin clarifies definitions of artistry and provides practical starting steps to improve it.
I’m fascinated with the complicated relationship between Technique and Artistry, in part because I strive to help my students stay connected to (or discover) their own artistry. But the other reason is personal: as an artist and songwriter, myself, I feel as though I am often chasing wildness. I have an insatiable appetite for learning;… Continue reading The Delicate Balance of Technique and Artistry // Laura Donohue
One of the most frequent questions I get from voice teachers asking me advice about teaching in popular music spaces is: “What repertoire should I use?” The first time someone asked me this question, I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t actually understand what they were asking – or even WHY they were asking it. But, after… Continue reading The Thing About Repertoire // Kat Reinhert
Dr. Trineice (creator of Soul Ingredients® and author of So You Want to Sing Gospel) shares some fantastic wisdom with us about the ways academia can helpfully structure programs for singers of CCM genres, how she found her own voice and helps others find theirs, and ways we can be mindful of potential appropriation. https://www.facebook.com/singinginpopularmusics/videos/787454312093519… Continue reading Teaching CCM Styles, Finding Your Voice, and Appropriating Styles…and Yourself // Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin
There’s never been a shortage of advice when it comes to helping singers improve. However, the most obvious question has never been definitively answered: What matters most? How is it that there are miles of books and research papers and yet no unified answer? At first, the search for an answer just leads to more… Continue reading What Matters When Teaching is What Remains After Lessons // Mark Baxter
Independent Teacher Kelly Hoppenjans discusses the relationship between imitation and originality.
Contemporary Voice Specialist Kat Reinhert discusses her research and thoughts on CCM training and Popular Music Artist Development in higher education.