a learning space for voice teachers and vocal coaches
Placement is a word many voice professionals use in teaching. But is it a thing? Should we be teaching it? Should we even use the term? For some people, the word “placement” has been very helpful in their singing and teaching. For others, the use of that word may have been problematic or even painful. … Continue reading Voice Placement: What Does It Mean? Should We Use It? // Meredith Colby
How to Help All Your Students Learn More Easily and Faster It’s happened to you as a voice teacher. It may have happened to you as a voice student yourself. You’ve asked your student for a new or modified behavior or skill, or recommended treating a phrase a certain way, or introduced a technique. Your… Continue reading It Doesn’t Matter How Smart You Are // Meredith Colby
In recent years, I’ve become somewhat of a “gender killjoy” within my vocal pedagogy community. I wouldn’t say I ever set out to be THAT person, but I’m happy to accept the role. I am myself a nonbinary queer person, and so you could say this issue is personal for me. By “killjoy,” I don’t… Continue reading The Gendered Singing Voice: Burn it all down! // Jessye DeSilva
When I began teaching voice 22 years ago, I noticed that each student that came to me had their own individual package of strengths and weaknesses, some totally opposite others. After a few years, I noticed that breath issues, tight throat issues and communication issues are synergistic. Correcting flaws in one could correct the others.… Continue reading Communication Skills For Vocal Performance Power // Judy Rodman
“In these unprecedented times,” as every commercial unironically intones these days, big things are happening. Historical, world-changing events are occurring that would be difficult to comprehend, if we weren’t living through them. I’d never say I was grateful for a deadly global pandemic, but like many people, I’m trying to make meaning of these events… Continue reading Teaching Empathy through Singing // Kelly Hoppenjans
Nashville Vocal Coach Judy Rodman follows up on her last post with exercises and techniques to help your students work their voices back from the brink.