Hi, if you're having trouble with your voice I can help

[Rachael]

Hi, Rachael here,

I'm a singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. I am also a singing teacher. I teach people how to connect to their voices through mind and body awareness, and how to work though technical difficulties to achieve a free and open voice. If anyone has any questions about their voice, I'm happy to offer my advice.

Cheers, Rachael

[SamDrummerBoy]

Hey, if your giving out advice....... I'd love some tips. I tought myself to sing..... mostly in the car....... but, I guess you already know that. Give me a listen if you've got the time to waste...... No, really I like my music. But, vocals are kind of my weakest link.

Thanks

Sam

[Rachael]

Hi Sam,

It was good listening to your music. I assume they are all your original songs. Great to hear. It was a little bit difficult to hear your voice clearly in some of them because of the vocal affects. Can you tell me about any specific problems or limitations you experience with your voice??

Cheers, Rachael

[SamDrummerBoy]

Yeah, they're originals. Glad you liked them.

So, I guess quit hiding behind the effects????? Is your advice.......

I like effects....... Sometimes I may get carried away. Other times...... That's just the sound I was going for.

Not that I really have any problems or concerns about my voice, I guess just wondering if you think I can pass as a singer? And, wondering if you heard anything that was just plain bad (as far as voice coaching goes.....)

Again..... I tought myself how to do/play almost everything. I probably picked up a ton of bad habits (technique wise) along the way.

I'm always looking for tips on how to get better. (It's a never-ending journey.) If I ever think I've got it all figured out, I'll probably have to quit. BUT, I DON'T SEE THAT EVER HAPPENING......... I'm having way too much fun!

Sam

[Rachael]

Hey Sam,

I like affects too. I thought it would be great to hear a song with a little less so it reveals your natural tone.

As far as technique goes, a good place to start is noticing if you hold tension in the areas you use to sing. For example, the belly. Holding tension in the belly causes the throat to tighten making singing more difficult and it also inhibits the upper range. Try it out, if you take in a breath and hold it, and clench your belly tight you'll notice your throat feels tight.

Here's an awareness exercise for you. If you place your hand on your lower belly and breathe naturally, you'll notice that the belly moves in and out without tension, it feels loose or relaxed. If you take in a breath and begin to sing a scale from your low range to your high range, does the tension level change? Or is it the same as it was before you started to sing? Is it more tense in one part of your range than another?

Try it out and let me know what you notice.

Cheers, Rachael

[Reconsiderate]

[Rachael]

Cheers! I hope I can help.

Rachael

[BelovedLife]

Hey Rachel I find that I have two major weakeness when singing.
When I feel shy and considering I have severe stage fright I sound like Conor Oberst of Brighteyes. This means I don't have that much range because I get a frog in my throat kind of sort of speak and that.

On the other hand when few are looking I can scream and wail like Billy Corgan Joanna Newsom and on occasion hit falsettos like Jeff Buckley.

What can I do so I can develop a voice that I am comfortable using.

<3

[Rachael]

Hey there Belovedlife,

Thanks for your message.

A case of nerves or stage fright starts as a simple thought and immediately causes a physical reaction in your body. Usually the body becomes tense and or shaky, you may feel hot or cold, break out in a sweat, feel your heart beating faster and louder than usual etc. These physical reactions are all quite normal fight or flight responses to an uncomfortable situation.

When you notice you are feeling nervous, become very aware of your physical body. Notice how it feels, where are the strongest sensations? How do they feel physically? How would you describe the feeling? Try not to change or control them, just notice. Once you've become aquainted with the sensation, leave a light awareness on the area while you sing. Although your mind may chatter, see if you can keep your awareness consistantly on the physical sensation in your body.

The more you bring your full presence to your sensations, the more you are will be able to sing without them bothering you.

You can also practice with other situations in your life where you feel big emotions and sensations.

Good luck with it. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Cheers, Rachael

[Rachael]

Hi again,

If you want any more info on my teaching method, philosophy etc, check out my website www.connectedvoicecentre.com

Cheers, Rachael