My Voice Mentor

My Voice Mentor

By Clay CollinsEducationSelf-Improvement
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My Voice Mentor episodes

  • Be Your Best Critic and Embrace Progress

    On this episode, Clay discusses the damaging effects of being our own worst critic and the importance of identifying and overcoming our blind spots and barriers. He emphasizes the need to shift from a perfectionist mindset to a progress-oriented mindset in order to achieve growth and success. Clay provides practical strategies for embracing and loving our voices, recording and listening to ourselves regularly, and identifying specific areas for improvement. He encourages listeners to become their best critics and to focus on progress rather than perfection.


    Key Takeaways:

    1. Being our own worst critic is damaging and hinders our progress.
    2. Overcoming perfectionism and embracing progress is essential for growth.
    3. Regularly recording and listening to our voices helps us become familiar with and love our voices.
    4. Identifying one specific area for improvement and focusing on progress is key.
    5. Embracing the journey and celebrating small wins is crucial for long-term success.
    6. Quotes:

      • "Being your worst critic is rooted in perfectionism, which is an enemy of progress."
      • "Love your voice before making adjustments. Embrace the journey and celebrate small wins."
      • "Identify one area for improvement and focus on progress. Embrace being your best critic."
      • "Overcoming perfectionism and embracing progress leads to growth and success."

      • Chapters:

        00:01:00 - The importance of identifying blind spots and barriers.

        00:03:00 - The negative effects of being your own worst critic.

        00:06:00 - Focus on progress rather than perfection.

        00:08:00 - Record and listen to your voice regularly.

        00:10:00 - Love your voice first.

        00:12:00 - Identifying one specific area to work on and embracing the journey of progress.


        Links:

        My Voice Mentor 30 Day Free Trial



        27 min
      • Unlock Your Vocal Potential: Learn To Control Your Breath Support

        Is your voice running away from you when you sing or speak in public? Discover the game-changing solution in this episode as Clay dives into the crucial topic of breath support. Unleash the power of your voice and transform your performance overnight. Join Clay, a renowned voice mentor, as he shares valuable insights and techniques to optimize your breath support and unlock your full vocal potential. Get ready to conquer breathlessness and gain control over your voice like never before.


        Ready to level up your voice? Join Clay's free five-day vocal bootcamp designed for singers, content creators, and speakers who want to enhance their vocal abilities. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your craft and explore new possibilities.

        https://myvoicementor.com/bootcamp/


        Exciting news! The My Voice Mentor podcast is now streaming on YouTube, offering early premieres and even more content. Be part of our thriving community and unleash your voice on this transformative journey.

        https://www.youtube.com/@myvoicementor


        Don't let your voice hold you back any longer. Tune in, apply the powerful techniques shared, and watch your voice soar to new heights. It's time to take control of your voice and unleash its true potential.


        Join us now and start harnessing the power of breath support today.


        Timestamps

        00:00:00 How to Improve Your Voice Overnight

        00:02:00 The Foundational Concept of Compressing the Voice for Singers and Public Speakers

        00:04:00 Demonstrating the Effects of Breathiness on the Voice

        00:06:00 Exploring Breath Control Techniques for Singers and Public Speakers

        00:07:00 Vocal Compression: How to Soften Your Voice Without Losing Power

        00:09:00 Exploring Vocal Compression Techniques

        00:13:00 Exploring the Benefits of Breath Control for Singers

        00:15:00 Exploring Breath Control and Compression in Voice Performance

        00:19:00 An Exercise to Improve Your Voice

        21 min
      • Discovering Your Calling: Insights from Nicole Binion's Story

        Do you ever wonder if your life plans will work out the way you want them to? Do you find yourself comparing your journey to others on social media and feeling discouraged? Well, you're not alone. In this episode of the My Voice Mentor Podcast, Clay invites the talented gospel singer and worship leader, Nicole Binion.

        Nicole shares her journey of discovering her singing talent at a young age, thanks to her mother and an evangelist's wife who recognized her potential. Her story emphasizes the importance of having someone call out your talent and invest in your dreams.

        As a highly sought-after recording artist, Nicole has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including BeBe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Israel Houghton. She brings her wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, and in this episode, she discusses the role of faith in her music career and how it led her to ministry.

        And for those looking to invest in their own voice, Clay invites the audience to join his free five-day mini course, the Vocal Bootcamp, designed to help beginners get started in singing, public speaking, and content creation.

        So, whether you're an aspiring singer or simply someone seeking inspiration, join us for an insightful conversation with Nicole Binion.


        Links:

        https://myvoicementor.com/bootcamp/

        https://binionworship.com

        https://www.integritymusic.com/artists/david-nicole-binion

        https://www.amazon.com/Follow-You-Nicole-Binion/dp/B003QR2SO0

        Dwell: A Live Worship Experience - Album by David & ...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com › album

        https://dwell.church


        Timestamps:

        00:00:00 Exploring the Script of Life

        00:03:00 Interview with Nicole Binion: Worship Leader, Recording Artist, and Singer

        00:04:00 The Origin of Nicole's Musical Journey

        00:06:00 Recognizing and Investing in Musical Talents

        00:08:00 Pursuing Dreams in Music and Theater

        00:10:00 Surrendering Dreams and Experiencing a Full Circle Moment

        00:14:00 Maintaining Vocal Health in a Rigorous Schedule

        00:16:00 Vocal Care and Warm-Ups

        00:18:00 Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Voice'

        00:19:00 Stewarding Character as a Worship Vocalist

        00:21:00 Stewarding Stardom and Keeping a Humble Heart

        00:23:00 Surrendering Dreams to God

        00:26:00 Reflection on Holding Dreams Loosely

        00:27:00 Unlocking Your Voice and Finding Inspiration in God's Paths

        29 min
      • Gain A Five Octave Vocal Range: Tools, Tips & Benefits

        Have you ever wondered if it's possible to sing five octaves? In this episode, Clay explores the possibilities of reaching this impressive vocal range. While most singers may not even consider it, Clay believes that it's a great goal to strive for. He shares some exercises and techniques that can help you build your vocal skills and reach your full potential.

        Clay emphasizes the importance of having a healthy voice and exercises the full range of your voice to make the notes you do use sound better. He demonstrates the five octaves on the piano, starting with middle C and going up and down, hitting subharmonics at the lower end.

        So, how can you achieve a 5 octave range without pushing your voice? Clay recommends using his voice therapy course to strengthen each register equally and bring health and longevity to your singing.

        Are you ready to take your vocal skills to the next level? Join Clay's five-day vocal bootcamp, available now at myvoicementor.com/bootcamp, and sign up for his Voice Mentoring Program to see great results. Don't forget to like, review, and watch the podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and start reaching your full vocal potential today!


        Links

        https://myvoicementor.com/bootcamp/

        Shane Sings 5 Octaves on the Piano

        ⁠Shane Sings 5 Octaves on the Piano Autotune


        Timestamps:

        00:00:00 Exploring Vocal Range: Is It Possible to Sing Five Octaves?

        00:02:00 Unlocking the Possibility of Five Octaves: A Professional Discussion on Vocal Range

        00:03:00 Exploring the Possibility of Singing Five Octaves

        00:11:00 Exploring Five Octaves in Singing: Achieving Higher Registers Without Pushing

        00:14:00 Vocal Range Expansion: Benefits and Strategies for Improvement

        15 min
      • AI Assisted Songwriting

        What do you think of AI technology? Do you think it's dangerous or a useful tool? In today's episode Clay is discussing the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on public speakers, voiceover artists, and singers. AI is here for the foreseeable future, so it is important to understand if it is something to fear or to use as a helpful tool. There are growing uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in art and creativity. It is clear that AI can be a powerful tool, but also can bring up some trepidation. In this episode, we are putting AI to the test. We are going to write a song with the help of AI. Come and take this journey with us as we dive into the world of AI.


        Timestamps

        00:00:00 Exploring the Impact of AI on Public Speakers, Voiceover Artists, and Singers

        00:03:00 Exploring the Impact of AI on Art and Creativity

        00:04:00 Exploring the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence for Creative Pursuits

        00:09:00 Exploring AI-Assisted Songwriting: An Experiment

        00:11:00 Exploring ChatGPT: An AI Tool Taking the World by Storm

        00:13:00 Creating a Song with AI: A Real-Time Experiment

        00:15:00 Exploring the Possibility of Writing a Song in the Style of Ben Rector

        00:20:00 Exploring Songwriting: Crafting a Verse, Chorus, and Bridge

        00:23:00 Exploring the Possibilities of AI-Assisted Songwriting



        Artificial Intelligence (AI),Impacts of AI, Public Speakers, Voiceover artists, Singers, AI and Creativity, AI as a Tool, AI-Assisted Songwriting, Experiment, ChatGPT, Songwriting, Ben Rector, AI Possibilities, AI Benefits, AI Dangers


        24 min
      • Warmup Your Voice To Increase Your Resonance

        Do you warmup your voice before you speak or sing? On today's episode, Clay is discussing the importance of warming up the voice before singing, public speaking, or any other use of the voice. He emphasizes that warming up the voice is just as important as warming up the body and encourages singers and public speakers to take the time to do so. Clay explains why it is important to warm up your voice every day. It doesn't take a long time, only 15 to 20 minutes, but it does require daily discipline. Warming up can help singers have their voices for a lifetime. On this episode Clay walk you through a powerful exercise from his singing course and explains why it is important to focus on the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. If you want to take proper care of your voice and strengthen it for a lifetime, you won't want to miss todays episode.


        Links

        Vocal Bootcamp

        http://myvoicementor.com/bootcamp/


        Timestamps

        00:00:00 Exploring the Benefits of Voice Warm-Ups for Singers and Public Speakers

        00:03:00 The Benefits of Voice Warm-Ups for Singers

        00:07:00 Warming Up Your Voice: Why It's Important and How to Do It

        00:08:00 The Importance of Vocal Ligament Exercises for Voice Health

        00:10:00 Warming Up the Ligament: A Guide to Strengthening Your Voice

        00:12:00 Exploring Vocal Fry and High Resonance Compression

        00:14:00 Voice Compression: How to Access Upper and Lower Frequencies for Improved Tonal Resonance

        00:16:00 Vocal Warmup Exercise for Singers

        00:18:00 Exploring Multiple Registers in Vocal Warmups

        00:20:00 Vocal Warmup Exercise: Working Out the Ligament and Finding Your Range

        00:26:00 Warm Up Your Voice: Strengthening the Ligament for Maximum Results

        00:28:00 Voice Warm-Up Exercises: Strengthening Your Voice for Optimal Performance

        30 min
      • David And The Giants: Pioneering The Christian Rock Genre For 45 Years

        Do you think your voice has a shelf life? Today's guests will prove you wrong. David and the Giants is a Christian band that has been around since the 1970s. The band still performs today and recently rocked the house at an event in the DFW area and I was able to sit down and have a candid conversation about their lives and music. David Huff, his brothers Rayburn and Clayborn, along with drummer Keith Thibodeaux (Little Ricky from the I Love Lucy Show) founded the band David and the Giants in the 1960s. It all started when David suggested to his brothers that they learn to play instruments. Soon after, they joined the rock and roll band. David and the Giants were ahead of their time, pioneering the Christian rock genre before anyone else. The band was was a hit and doors opened for them to rock the house at any church that would allow their progressive rock style. Today they will share their story of being born again through their music. They truly are an inspiration and I can't wait for you to meet them.

        Timestamps

        00:00:00 Introduction

        00:03:00 The Unsung Heroes of Christian Rock

        00:17:00 A Look into their Music and Fundraising Efforts

        00:19:00 Conversation with David on Vocal Strength and Ministry

        00:21:00 A Story of God's Calling

        00:22:00 Expressing Gratitude and Inspiring Action

        Links

        https://davidhuff.com

        https://www.facebook.com/davidandthegiants/

        I'm Still Rockin (Intro Music)

        25 min
      • Unlearn The Voice: Speech Level Singing For Maximum Impact

        Do you want to know the secret to a perfect singing voice. Well, today I'm spilling the beans so buckle up. This is the one skill that every singer should apply to their voice. This skill is easy to do, but difficult from a mindset perspective. In order to embrace this super power within you, you must unlearn what they think they know and remove the barriers that may be preventing you from progressing. Today I'm going to use as an example one of the best speech level singers of our generation, despite not actually being a singer. He was able to reach the heart of every listener because he was not trying to impress them with his vocal skills, and his lack of formal vocal training allowed him to have a unique sound. As you listen I encourage you to start fresh and accept you own voice, no matter your experience level.

        Chapters

        00:00:00 The Easiest Thing You Can Do for Your Voice

        00:02:00 Exploring the Benefits of Deconstructing the Voice

        00:04:00 Exploring the Power of Speech Level Singing for Singers

        00:07:00 Mr. Rogers as a Model

        00:09:00 Exploring the Impact of Mr. Rogers' Singing on Our Lives

        00:11:00 The Benefits of Simplicity in Singing

        00:12:00 Speech Level Singing: A Step-by-Step Guide

        00:16:00 The Power of Storytelling Through Song

        00:18:00 The Power of the Voice

        Links

        Mr. Rogers Intro

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhAJnx5uwUU

        Nat King Cole

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFyuOEovTOE

        20 min
      • Using Autotune: An Insight Into Its Benefits And Limitations

        Auto-tune has become a popular tool for producers and singers to use to enhance their voice. It can be used to correct pitch, but if overused, it can negatively affect the artistic quality of the voice. It is important to understand how to use the tool appropriately as it is not going away anytime soon. Auto-tune is beneficial for those who need a small nudge in their pitch, but can be detrimental for those with more drastic pitch discrepancies. It is a useful tool for songwriters to reference the melody they are going for and for developing singers to get a sense of what their voice should sound like if they hit the right pitches.

        Links

        Cher “Do You Believe In Life After Love” (Autotune)

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZXRV4MezEw

        https://myvoicementor.com/bootcamp/

        Timestamps

        00:00:00 Exploring Autotune: How the Revolutionary Tool Has Changed Music Production

        00:02:00 The Impact of Autotune on Modern Music

        00:06:00 The Benefits of Pitch Correction Software for Singers and Songwriters

        00:09:00 Pitch Correction for Vocalists: Autotune and Manual Approaches

        00:13:00 Using Technology to Improve Singing

        00:14:00 The Benefits of Using Enhancement Tools While Developing Your Voice

        00:16:00 Tips for Singers on Using Vocal Production Tools

        18 min
      • Turning Back The Clock: How To Regain Your Voice And Achieve Lifelong Vocal Success

        Have you noticed a decline in your voice as you have gotten older? Today I am talking about the fear many people experience when they start to notice a  their voice changing after 40.  The good news is, there are tools that can turn back the clock on the voice and keep it youthful and healthy. In this episode, I encourage listeners that proper care of the voice will allow it to last for a lifetime. 

        People's voices can decline as they age, but there are measures that can be taken to ensure one's voice will last a lifetime. To illustrate this concept, the Clay compares the voice to a car. Some people pay a lot of money for performance vehicles. These vehicles are not built to last as long as an everyday, lower-priced car. This is also true for performance athletes; performance oriented sports like football or boxing have a limited shelf life, while sports like golf can be played effectively even as you age. There can also be extreme physical demands on singing in order to have an impressive voice, and singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey were very hard on their own voices. The answer to having a powerful voice is found in the middle part of the voice which is often overlooked, especially by singers.

        Links

        http://myvoicementor.com/bootcamp/

        https://myvoicementor.com/checkout-monthly-30-day-free-trial/

        https://www.youtube.com/@myvoicementor

        Timestamps

        00:00:00 Maintaining Your Voice Post 40: How to Turn Back the Clock on Your Voice

        00:05:00 Exploring Ways to Maintain a Lasting Voice: Comparing the Voice to a Car

        00:06:00 The Difference Between Performance and Longevity in Vehicles and Vocalists

        00:11:00 The Impact of Vocal Technique on Singers' Voices

        00:12:00 Reclaiming Your Voice: How to Achieve a Lasting Vocal Tone

        00:17:00 Vocal Transformation: Take the First Step with my Free Five Day Vocal Bootcamp

        18 min

      About My Voice Mentor

      From the publisher's feed

      Are you looking to optimize your speaking or singing voice? Tune in to this weekly podcast where I share expert tips and techniques to help you achieve your full vocal potential. From exercises to…