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Curious Vocalists
Curious Vocalists episodes
- #19 Losing Your Love of Music? Understanding Burnout with Psychotherapist Jessica Quiñones
In this conversation, Grace Hancock and Jessica Quiñones delve into the complexities of musical burnout, exploring its symptoms, the impact of perfectionism, and the relationship musicians have with their craft. They discuss the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of musicianship and how to reclaim joy in music through setting boundaries and addressing personal needs. Grace and Jessica explore the complexities of maintaining a relationship with music, setting boundaries, and the therapeutic process of reconnecting with one's inner child. They discuss the challenges of songwriting, the importance of play in creativity, and how to navigate burnout in the music industry. The dialogue emphasises the significance of creating a new relationship with music that fosters joy and fulfilment, rather than pressure and expectation.
Takeaways
- Musical burnout encompasses a variety of symptoms and experiences.
- Many musicians face existential exhaustion and performance anxiety.
- Perfectionism can lead to a toxic relationship with music.
- Identifying personal motivations for making music is crucial.
- Setting boundaries is essential for mental health in music.
- Musicians often need to redefine their relationship with music.
- Therapeutic work can help musicians reconnect with their essence.
- Not all musicians return to music in the same way after burnout.
- Understanding one's history with music can aid in recovery.
- Connecting with one's inner child can unlock creativity.
- Therapeutic techniques can help in reconnecting with lost parts of self.
- Re-entering music after burnout requires a new approach.
- Creating a new relationship with music involves changing expectations.
- Engaging in playful activities can replenish creative energy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jessica Quinones
03:04 Identifying Symptoms of Musical Burnout
05:46 The Impact of Feeling Like You Are Never Enough
09:06 Musicianship as an Abusive Relationship
11:55 Why Do We Perform?
14:12 Perfectionism and the Need for the 'Safe Zone'
17:55 Coming Back to Your Essence
19:20 Setting New Boundaries in Your Musical Relationship
22:28 The Difficulties of Accessing Creativity
25:02 Connecting with the Inner Child
27:17 Therapeutic Techniques for Reconnecting with Self
32:07 Rediscovering Joy in Music
33:12 Finding Time for Play to 'Fill the Well' of Inspiration
37:06 Re-entering Music After Burnout
39:45 Finding Support in the Music Industry
Mentions:
Contact Jessica: drjessicaquinones.com
The Music Industry Therapists Collective MITC: www.musicindustrytherapists.com
The Concept of ‘Artist Dates’ from the book ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#burnout #psychology #musician #mentalhealth #self-identity #perfectionism #musictherapy #creativity #innerchild #settingboundaries #therapy #fulfillment, #musicindustry
44 min - #18 From Jealous Rage to Creative Flow: Ending the Comparison Trap
Ever felt like someone else’s musical success is your own personal failure? If you’ve ever felt the urge to slam your instrument down in a fit of jealousy, this episode is for you. Grace explores the complex emotions of jealousy and anger that often arise in the creative process. She shares her personal experiences of feeling inadequate in the face of her partner's success and discusses the psychological mechanisms behind these feelings, including the concept of the 'amygdala hijack.' Grace emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing these emotions, understanding that each artist's journey is unique, and creating a supportive inner environment for creativity to flourish. She offers practical strategies for managing anger and energy, and encourages listeners to embrace their individual creative rhythms without succumbing to comparison and competition.
Takeaways
- Anger is often a defence response to a more vulnerable emotion, such as jealousy
- The amygdala triggers our fight or flight reactions.
- It's important to separate your musical journey from others’ in your mind.
- Comparison of your inner world with someone’s outer world can create an impossible standard for success.
- Creativity has phases or seasons; not every stage seems outwardly productive.
- Tending to your inner world is crucial for maintaining creativity.
- Physical activity can help release pent-up emotions.
- Trust in your unique artistic journey is essential.
- Embrace the love for music that inspired you as a child.
Chapters
00:00 How Others' Success Can Feel Like Our Failure
04:25 Understanding How Our Emotions Try To Protect Us
05:41 Naming Emotions to Regulate Them
06:46 Separating Your Journey from Others' Success
08:26 The Comparison Trap and Its Pitfalls
09:33 How We Can Attach Our Worth to Our Achievements
13:17 There Are Seasons in a Creative Life
15:00 Physical Manifestations of Anger and How to Release It
17:08 Practical Strategies for Emotional Reset
21:14 Embracing Your Unique Creative Path
Mentions:
What is meant for your will not pass you by - Episode 3 with Avionce Hoyles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZbWBXtSN4F5eha7IYNdjC?si=54b35d9088174a59
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#jealousy #music #creativity #comparison #emotions #mentalhealth #amygdala #personalgrowth #artisticjourney #angermanagement #selfacceptance #innercritic
25 min - #17 The Original Artist’s Reality Check: SJ Mortimer on the Adrenaline, the Burnout, and the In-Between
Singer Songwriter, SJ Mortimer pulls back the curtain on the reality of following her dream as a front-woman of multi award-winning Americana Rock Band, Morganway. From recognising the red flags of the burnout cycle, to the paralysing perfection trap that often kills the very creativity it’s trying to polish. We move past the highlight reels to discuss the need for healthy sleep patterns, a genuine support system and a deep look inwards as the cure for imposter syndrome, burnout and the balancing act of life, business and creativity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it—or just wondered if everyone else is struggling as much as you are—this conversation is the reality check you been needing.
Takeaways
- Live performance has potential to be your friend and foe depending on your mindset
- If the love for it is gone, don’t assume it’s dead; take a break.
- Support from partners and friends is crucial in the music industry. Don’t go it alone.
- Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point.
- The people you think have ‘made it’ probably feel the same about their life as you do.
- Perfectionism isn’t often in the best interests of the overall creation
- The first take is often the best
- Mistakes on stage can create a deeper connection with the audience.
- Community and shared experiences in music foster support and understanding.
Chapters
00:00 SJ Mortimer's Onstage Persona
02:56 The Stage as Your Friend or Foe?
07:53 Fear of the Unknown as an Independent Musician
09:30 Balancing Everyday Life with Music
11:35 How Going Full Time Changed the Creative Process
15:06 Sleep Patterns and their Impact on Creativity
19:19 The Reality of Life as a Gigging Musician
23:52 Mistakes Onstage and The Musician's Inner Critic
31:03 Remembering the Purpose of Music in Our Lives
34:33 Working Around Perfectionism in the Recording Studio
38:33 How to Keep the Creative Juices Flowing
46:58 Where to Find Sj and Morganway
48:34 Quickfire Questions
Mentions:
SJ’s Americana Rock Band: www.Morganway.co.uk
SJ website: www.SJMortimer.net
www.instagram.com/sjmortimer/
www.facebook.com/sjmortimermusic
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#Americana #rock #musicindustry #burnout #liveperformance #creativity #independentmusician #impostersyndrome #songwriting #singersongwriter #frontwoman #musicianlife
53 min - #16 Why You Shouldn't Sing How You Speak: Dipthonging is Holding You Back
Are you confused about whether to sing like you speak? Grace takes you through how singing in a speech-like quality can rob your voice of a certain ‘je ne said quoi’ and how to alter your vowels for that flowing, professional sound. The episode explains the concept of dipthonging and why it’s detrimental to your sound. It’s a practical, virtual lesson focusing on the importance of vowel alterations, tongue positioning, and airflow management in singing. The discussion includes practical exercises and examples from professional singers like Adele, illustrating how to navigate high notes and manage consonant sounds effectively. The session concludes with key takeaways for singers to enhance their vocal performance.
Takeaways
- Singing requires breaking the habits of conversational speech.
- Diphthonging is when a singer sings through the smaller vowel sounds in each word
- Maintaining a consistent airflow is crucial for singing
- Tongue positioning affects sound quality and resonance
- Professional singers often alter their vowel sounds without you realising
- The largest part of the vowel should be juiced for maximum resonance
- Narrow vowels should open up when singing higher notes, wide vowels should round off.
- Consonant sounds should be softened to maintain airflow.
- Understanding vowel trees can reduce pressure and resistance especially in higher ranges
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Diphthonging and Vowel Juicing
01:46 Understanding Diphthonging and Its Impact on Singing
06:17 Practical Examples of Adele's Vowel Alterations
09:52 Consonant Sounds and Maintaining Airflow Exercise
14:13 Vowel Trees Exercises to Relieve Pressure Up High
19:51 The General Rule for Making Your Vowels Work For You
21:10 Breath Support Exercise for Maintaining Open Throat
25:20 Conclusion
Mentions/Resources:
Brett Manning’s Singing Success - https://singingsuccess.com
Vowel Trees (part of Brett Manning’s Singing Success teachings): -
‘Oo’ as in ‘boot’ —> ‘Ouh’ as in ‘book’ —> ‘Uhh’ as in ‘buck’
‘Ee’ as in “beat’ —> ‘Ih’ as in ‘bit’ —> ‘Eh’ as in ‘bet’
Narrow vowels should open a little and wide vowels should round slightly as you sing higher in your range to enable better airflow and resonance. Feel the pressure lessen on the top notes as you migrate these vowels from left to right.
To use this in practise, pin point ‘problem words’ in any song you’re singing where the pitch is high and the vowels are narrow or splatty. You might find it feels squeeze or shaky. You can tweak the vowel more towards the left side of the diagram to release some of the pressure and stabilise the sound in your voice.
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#vocaltechniques #dipthonging #singingesson #diphthonging #vowelshapes #vocaltone #singing #vocalexercises #airflow #highnotes #consonants #singingcoach
28 min - #15 Musical Theatre Mastery and Mindset with Rebecca Southard
Need help navigating the technical and nerve-wracking world of Musical Theatre singing? In this episode, powerhouse vocalist, Rebecca Southard who won 2nd place in her vocal category in the New York IMTA contest 2023, talks about the vast landscape of the Musical Theatre sound—from the bell-like clarity of Julie Andrews to the more modern emotive belt. They clear up the distinction between twang and nasality, give practical exercises for vocal stamina, strengthening your head voice and ways to combat tension for optimal vocal performance. Rebecca gives tips on how to approach those dreaded auditions and reminds us that singing in character requires a surrendering to the role and a trade-in of anxiety for overt self-belief. It’s an invitation to stop competing and start trusting, ensuring your craft is driven by a love for the music rather than the weight of comparison.
Takeaways
- There are a variety of vocal styles to explore within Musical Theatre
- The Legit musical theatre sound is the classic, bell-like quality like Julie Andrews
- Twang and nasality are two different things
- Belting is a style, not a register
- Vocal stamina starts with a mindset shift
- Balancing head and chest voice can lead to natural development of mix voice
- Singing in character requires an element of self trust and surrender to the character
- Audition anxiety can be combatted with overt self-belief
- Singers should assess what drives them - the love of it or the culture of competition and comparison
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Southard
04:07 The Legit Musical Theatre Sound
08:57 The Belt Box for Muffling Loud Rehearsals
11:01 The Difference Between Twang and Nasal
13:47 Vocal Longevity For Regular Belting
18:16 The Importance of Strengthening the Head Voice
20:29 The Art of The Mix Voice
22:54 Character Development in Musical Theatre
26:20 Override Nerves With Belief
29:28 What Do You Do Onstage When NOT Singing??
36:11 Relieving Tongue Tension for Optimal Singing
41:36 The Importance of Self-Observation in Performance
47:44 Tips for Music Theatre Auditions
50:25 Finding Joy and Perspective in Performance
53:25 Where To Hear Rebecca's Work
54:53 QuickFire Round
57:14 Outro
Rebecca’s Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsouthard/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondNature-s7o8c
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G1JAoODQoiPyoB5kFEbT8?si=uwzybX9MS7G2I6KxSEdWhw
Website: https://www.rebeccasouthard.co.uk/
Mentions:
Belt Box: https://beltyafaceoff.com/
Curious Vocalists episode on vocal tone including mentions of difference between nasal and twang: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-b58qn-1a18f99
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#musicaltheatre #vocaltechniques #singing #characterdevelopment #auditions #performanceanxiety #belting #headvoice #chestvoice #twang #nasality
59 min - #14 Music & Motherhood: Reframing the Creative Career Balance with Cloudi Lewis
Singer songwriter Cloudi Lewis discusses the surprising benefits to her creative career since having children. Hear how she faced disillusionment with life and music after graduating from her Popular Music Degree and how the additions to the family have shaped her creative powers - from ultra efficient time management, to discovering her own resourcefulness in monetizing a wider range of her creative skills. This episode is a light in the dark for those anxious about the balance between family life and a creative career.
Key Topics
- The impact of parenthood on creativity, time management, and personal identity
- Strategies for juggling multiple roles: performer, teacher, photographer, and community contributor
- How moving back to Devon and networking transformed her music scene involvement and opportunities
- The role of support from her partner Sam and how shared responsibilities enable her to thrive creatively
- The effect of motherhood on her productivity, mindset, and self-confidence
- Practical insights on adapting to life's unpredictability and finding creative inspiration in daily routines
- Reflection on postnatal depression, anxieties, and how her perspective on time and self-care evolved
- Cloudi’s upcoming projects, including new singles, gigs, and freelancing work under her creative brand Studio Cloud Creative
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Cloudi Lewis
02:38 Disillusionment with Life and Music
06:13 Kids Made Me More Productive
09:09 Embracing New Opportunities
10:13 Motherhood Quietened my Inner Negative Voice
11:58 The Importance of Sharing the Load
14:00 Creating In And Around Family Life
15:58 Getting Creative With Skill Monetisation
19:19 How 'Mother Mode' Helps Conquer Fears
20:21 Anxiety Before Vs After Kids
22:53 The Hardest Part is Also the Most Fleeting
26:14 Financial Reality and Opportunity
28:43 Where To Find Cloudi's Music
33:14 Outro
Connect with Cloudi Lewis
- Instagram
- Spotify
- Facebook
- For more info on Cloudi's Music Photography and Videography: https://www.instagram.com/studiocloudcreative?igsh=MnZ5ajNhazZqYnVs
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
34 min - #13 The Courage Hack: Creative Growth in Adulthood (with Toby & Grace)
Lost that passion for your music you had when you were a kid? In this conversation, Toby and Grace explore the pitfalls of their courage in their creative lives as adults, how adulthood can grind your creativity down to a pulp, and the mindset shifts around courage that are key to claiming back your passion. They invite you to analyse your subtext: are you being impatient with yourself? Could your priorities be re-jigged a bit? Who are you ultimately trying to please? Avoid being crushed by your own ambition as a singer and put your craft firmly in the place of enrichment. Then you will see it blossom in an environment like the free, joy-filled one you had as a child.
Takeaways
- Courage is often misunderstood as the absence of fear.
- Creativity can become pressured as adults, leading to self-doubt.
- Courage can be engineered and is often the one thing missing in creative adults.
- Overcoming fear involves accepting mediocrity and failure.
- Setting small, achievable goals can lower inertia in creative practice.
- Poor creativity levels can be directly linked to poor self-care practices.
- The vague ‘what ifs' of negative thought need to be brought into the light to be countered.
- Relationships and community should take precedence over work.
- Creative work should be seen as enrichment, not your whole life and worth.
- Action is the key to overcoming fear and self-doubt.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Courage in Creativity
02:30 Falling Short of Childhood Expectations
08:23 Strategies for Building Courage
13:11 Fostering Self-Belief
18:54 Self-Care and its Impact on Creativity
19:52 Patience is Key for a Creative Life
22:51 Talk Back to the Self Criticism
26:48 Overthinking Sucks Balls
31:57 A Priorities Shift Changes Everything
35:41 Final Words of Encouragement
Books mentioned:
The War of Art - Steven Pressfield
Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
Find today’s co-host, Toby Brown on:
Facebook: @tobybrownmusic
Instagram: @tobybrownguitar
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
Keywords
#courage #creativity #self-doubt #mentalhealth #artisticjourney #overcomingfear #selfcare #relationships #creativepractice #personalgrowth
38 min - #12 Biological Hacks for Nervous Singers - Activate Your Vagus Nerve
In this episode, Grace explores the intricate relationship between singing and the vagus nerve and how singing can serve as a powerful tool for relaxation and emotional regulation. She explains the physiological mechanisms behind the vagus nerve's influence on vocal control and stress reduction, and shares practical exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of singing on mental health and well-being.
Takeaways
- The vagus nerve activation is crucial for vocal control.
- Singing can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Diaphragmatic breathing massages the vagus nerve.
- Singing activates a sense of safety in the body.
- Warm-up exercises can stimulate the vagus nerve.
- Singing in groups can synchronise heart rates.
- Vocal exercises can improve mood and emotional state.
- The vagus nerve connects physical and mental health.
- Singing is a way to manipulate your biological state.
- It's normal- and helpful- to feel a little nervous before a performance.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:34 The Vagus Nerve and Its Role in Singing
03:16 Singing as a Tool for Relaxation
04:50 Vagus Nerve Stimulation Exercises
14:39 Outro
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#vagusnerve #singing #relaxation #vocalcontrol #diaphragmaticbreathing #nervoussystem #performanceanxiety #vocalexercises #mentalhealth #musictherapy #optimization
16 min - #11 Good Vocal Tone Can Be Learned - Daniel Jarvis
In this conversation, Dan Jarvis, a musical director and vocal expert, discusses the intricacies of vocal tone, the anatomy of the voice, and various singing techniques to manipulate tone to suit the genre of music being sung. He discusses the differences between head voice and falsetto, nasal tonality and twang, the role of vowels and consonants in achieving a desired tone, and the techniques for developing a mix voice and belt. The discussion also touches on the essence of good singing, highlighting the need for emotional connection and storytelling in performance.
Takeaways
- There's a lot you can change and manipulate in your vocal tone.
- Vocal folds vibrate to create sound, and their thickness affects pitch.
- Head voice and falsetto are different, with varying anatomical positions.
- Vowels alterations are used in shaping vocal tone and quality.
- You don’t need more air to sing loud/high
- Nasality and Twang both create bright tone and are often confused for one another
- Vibrato often emerges as a byproduct of good vocal technique.
- A good singer connects truthfully with the material they perform.
- Technique work should complement performance, not overshadow it.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Vocal Tone and Choices
02:12 Understanding Head Voice and Vocal Folds
04:56 Navigating Vocal Techniques: Chest Voice vs. Head Voice
07:44 Falsetto vs. Head Voice: Anatomical Differences
10:38 The Role of Vowels in Vocal Tone
16:19 Twang vs. Nasality in Singing
19:04 Impressions and Natural Singing
21:53 Ways to Use and Improve Breath Control
26:28 Good Posture Makes a Big Difference!
29:48 Vibrato: Byproduct of Good Technique
34:18 What Makes A Good Singer?
37:02 Wrap Up and Where to Find Dan's Work
Mentions/ resources:
Dan’s Website: https://www.danieljarvismusic.com/
Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danjarvis7
Video showing the structure of the Cricoid and Thyroid cartilages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QhVoaVUGmM
Video of the vocal structures (Aryepiglottic Sphincter) used in Twang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPTBdcYiMy4.
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#vocaltone #singingtechniques #headvoice #falsetto #mixvoice #belt #vocalanatomy #musicaltheatre #vocalexercises #vocalscience
41 min - #10 Modify Your Vowels Like A Pro - Whitney Houston Study
In this episode, Grace delves into the intricacies of vowel alterations in singing, explaining their importance in achieving better pitch, resonance, and vocal health. She goes through the 12 vowels in the English dialect, practical ways to use them and how they resonate in different areas of the mouth. The conversation also includes an analysis of Whitney Houston’s vowel manipulation, how she gravitates each vowel towards the ‘neutral vowels’ for more powerful and fluid singing.
Takeaways
- Vowels are your steering wheel for tone and placement.
- The right vowel alterations can help relieve vocal strain and improve resonance
- Avoid dipthongs - sing into the widest part of every vowel
- Vowels are formed more by the tongue and less by the face and mouth than you think
- Different pitches resonate better with specific vowels.
- Closed vowels need to open and wide vowels need to round off as you go higher.
- Whitney Houston’s vowels keep the airflow as consistent as possible
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Vowel Sounds in Singing
00:43 Two Big Adjustments You Can Make Right Now
07:11 The 12 Vowels and Where They Resonate
13:26 Analysing Whitney Houston's Vowels
19:19 Vowel Modification Exercises and Experiments
23:30 Outro
Mentions/ Resources:
The diagram of vowels within the mouth from Heart of Florida Chorus (now singwithhof.com) -
https://www.heartoffloridachorus.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Craft.Singing-Better-Vowels.pdf
The 12 vowel sounds in the English dialect:
‘Ee’ as in ‘Pete’
‘Ih’ as in ‘Jim’
‘Ay’ as in ‘Dave’
‘Eh’ as in ‘Ted’
‘Aah’ as in ‘Dan’
Ah’ as in ‘Father’
‘Uh’ as in ‘Bud’
‘Er’ as in ‘Word’
‘Aww’ as in ‘ Aww look at that puppy’
‘Oh’ as in ‘Joe’
‘Ouhh’ as in ‘Woody’
‘Oo’ as in ‘Shoe’
Tricia Leines - Youtube Series ‘Perfect Vowels’ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR0uR6OzjcfZFlFUjLgBGtofu8lidaPUu
Vowel Modification Cheat Sheet: - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N73mYP-qQKbmHRguPAx4rZGDJYj48CPq/view?usp=sharing
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
Contact Method
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
#singing #vowels #vocaltechnique #resonance #pitch #tension #WhitneyHouston #vocalexercises #singingtips #vocalrange
25 min
About Curious Vocalists
From the publisher's feed
For the curious singers who want to find more fulfilment from their craft, join Grace for a deep dive into comprehensive vocal training techniques and profound emotional awareness.
Featuring insightful interviews with experienced performers and practitioners, listen in as Grace gleans wisdom about the technical know-how, mental resilience and ways to navigate this turbulent industry with integrity and purpose.