Taking A Different Path

All of us suffer blocks from time to time and very often the way forward is simply to take a different path, turn our ideas upside down and shift our thinking, even, dare, I say it,  try out what you may think is the “the wrong thing”. Many of the great scientists have [...]

Circles Of Energy

One of the many inspiring books I have read over the summer is Patsy Rodenburg’s “Presence”.  For those who don’t know already, Patsy Rodenburg is one of the most respected voice coaches in the UK and although she teaches actors her techniques can be used just as easily with the singing voice.  The main thrust [...]

Two Kinds Of Singing

I have just returned from a trip to Spain having thoroughly recharged the batteries. One of the joys of a holiday is more time to read. I decided it was time to drag myself away from books on singing technique. I had several waiting to be opened and the temptation was strong to pack [...]

More On Humming – It’s Only For The Bees!

I’m back after a protracted absence and I’d like to follow on from my last post about humming.  As I said, it is not recommended practice in the true bel canto training.  E. Herbert-Caesari in his book “Vocal Truth” writes in depth about this and I thought it worth quoting in full.
“In view of [...]

To Hum Or Not To Hum

The answer is NO!
I begin 2008 with a confession – I have used the hum in my own vocalizing and teaching in the past.   Indeed it has been and continues to be used in many 20th and 21st century studios.  The hum however, is not part of the true bel canto approach to technique.  The [...]

Christmas Post

As the year draws to a close and before I snuggle up to the fireside with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie I thought I’d better write you all a quick post. First of all I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and I am of course looking [...]

“If I Were A Bell”

In my teaching I tend to avoid the over-use of imagery.  Some teachers rely almost entirely on imagery which can be a bit wafty for my liking.  I personally want to try and understand the nitty-gritty mechanical aspects of my voice and to build up an awareness of what my muscles are actually doing.  However, [...]

A Honey Drop

A short post which follows on from “The Unruly Tongue”.  After I had written that post I suddenly remembered reading in Renee Fleming’s book “The Inner Voice” that she had struggled with tongue tension: “Beverley would have me place a honey drop in the center indentation near the front of the tongue to tame its [...]

The Mysteries Of The Larynx

I have recently decided to have yet another attempt at practising daily meditation. The benefits of meditation are well-documented and I think it is something a singer should do if possible. However, I have never had a great deal of success with it and I have tried using various methods. Either I [...]

An Unruly Tongue

A definite feeling this week of “back to the drawing board” yet again! I was having a singing lesson on Monday and in spite of me having always paid constant attention to my tongue (always allowing it to return whenever possible to the “resting place” with the tip touching the gum line of the bottom [...]