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
There's no shame in not having major instrumental skills, and it definitely doesn't have to hold you back in helping your student (or yourself!) reimagine a cover song in a style that feels more authentic. Here are a few tools you can use. Ballad-ize It If you want to ballad-ize something, Look on YouTube/iTunes for… Continue reading Changing the Feel of a Cover Song with Limited Instrumental Skills // 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
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
A call to action for voice teachers and music educators on behalf of BIPOC and all singers of popular musics.
Independent Teacher Kelly Hoppenjans discusses the relationship between imitation and originality.
Belmont University Commercial Voice Professor Kate Paradise gives us an overview of some important developments in music over the last decade.
Berklee Associate Professor Marcelle Gauvin discusses her expansion from functional vocal pedagogy into artistic Wayshowing.