The Engaging Performer

Auto-tune has been used in music circles for over 20 years as an audio processor for the voice to help keep it in tune. The question for today's show is: should it be used by singers in their studio recordings and in live recordings if they are professional singers?This question Tara addresses and gives some insight into finding the answer based on what our voices are capable of doing.

And… here is the link to grab your FREE singing helps and be aware of when I offer my next masterclasses and vocal course! https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4

What is auto-tune? An audio voice processor.

Auto-tune was created in 1997 to "disguise or correct off key inaccuracies".

"Effects in the studio can be used to enhance." It can make something interesting, creative, different or beautiful.

There can be several reasons why people don't sing in pitch:

Singing might not come naturally, maybe they don't learn it or maybe they don't take the time to learn it. People might also have pitch problems from a lack of great breath support. Or they might have laryngitis.

Solutions to pitch problems:

• Ear training. It can help people learn the details of a pitch—how far apart it is from another pitch and if it's higher or lower.
• If you might sing flat or sharp, it's often a lack of consistent breath support and maintenance. So making sure you are giving great steady air flow and air speed are the key to holding a pitch accurately.
• Listening to music often or playing an instrument can help with getting you used to the right pitches.

So, should Auto-tune be used in the studio to correct pitch?

1. If you are a professional singer, it seems you should be able to support pitch consistently without using Auto-tune. Since your voice is capable of it, then learning how to do it well is necessary.
2. If you can't sing with great pitch in the studio where you can do more than one take, how will you sing in tune for a live performance? You have to be able to sing accurately during a concert so that people enjoy you and see your professionalism. It's a skill set you need to have.
3. Also singing with other people and blending—such as choirs, bands, worship teams and more—requires the ability to have good pitch!

"Auto-tune is not going to encourage us to learn the best way to sing in tune consistently!"

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If you are a voice teacher and have struggled with using Zoom for online lessons, then this platform is for YOU! Tara talks to the creator of Muzie, a newer platform that hosts online teaching with amazing sound, video and so many other teaching tools that make life easier for both the teacher and the student! Join her as she and Sam Reti (the founder) talk all things Muzie!

And… here is the link to grab your FREE singing helps and be aware of when I offer my next masterclasses and vocal course! https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4

Sam's background as a child was being a part of a family where his dad had been in British heavy metal bands that toured in the 80's. Because his dad was a drummer, he would let Sam jam with him after school. It became a bonding time for Sam to his dad and to music!

At 16, Sam started recording and producing music for other friends and bands. It was good experience for the tech and music he did later. He ended up going to Berklee and got his degree in music with a technology focus.

The first version of Muzie was going to be for an on demand online lesson platform but with the pandemic happening soon after launch, Sam and his dad pivoted to what Muzie is today— a platform for music teachers to teach their students.

MUZIE—

• This platform is built for musicians only so sound/video was very important to fit musicians. Getting the sound quality to transmit well was a high priority.
• File sharing is also a big thing that Muzie wanted to provide. It gives a place for students and teachers via cloud sharing to share files right there in the platform.
• There is an interactive whiteboard that both student and teacher can write on.
• There is a tool called "clips" that allows the teacher to record during the lesson a part for the student to duet with while the lesson is still going.
• The file sharing in the platform is completely unlimited.
• You can also record a lesson so the student has access to it afterwards.
• You can have as many students as you want as well as have a lesson as long as you want.
• There is the ability to have group lessons.
• There is a recital room as well.
• And still more…

" We should be helping teachers grow their studios and expanding…we want to help that instead of hinder it in any way." Sam Reti

So many of the features of this platform help both the teachers and students save time.

"Muzie's not only for online lessons…we are really focused on hybrid education."

Muzie is created in such a way that teachers can use it for online or in person lessons as well.

You can find Sam and get on this platform here (and he will give you a free 14 day trial of the PRO version):

https://www.muzie.live/

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and

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If you struggle with finding time or motivation to practice voice, Tara has you covered in today's episode. She brings you 6 ways to help you get motivated and stay motivated so you don't just let your singing voice get out of shape. Practicing voice doesn't have to be a negative or hard task!

And… here is the link to grab your FREE vocal helps and be aware of when I offer my next masterclasses and vocal course! https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4

Some reasons people don't practice voice:

• You think it will take too much time.
• You may not know what to focus on or have too many songs.
• You may not have an end goal in mind.

Here are some possible ways to help with motivation:

• Get practice apps or journals ready to go. Put out music on a stand or near where you practice.
• Schedule your practice—could be Reminders on iPhone or Google Calendar.
• Book a concert or go LIVE on social media.
• Focus on one song and just some aspect of the song.
• Take lessons or masterclasses (group lessons). Invest your money and time.
• Set a reachable goal for that practice.

Do you love your voice? Then practice is a way to take care of it!

You can follow THE ENGAGING VOICE on the platform you listen on:

Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart radio, Youtube , Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Amazon Music Audible and PlayerFM too!! AND you can share this episode to social media or with your friends!

You can find me: @tarabrueskemusic on IG and

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In today's episode, Tara delves into the topic of what happened to many people's voices when they were not singing at concerts or in choirs or other gatherings this last year. Because much of singing was actually not allowed or cancelled during the pandemic, singer's found themselves with voices a little bit different than they had known before. Tara breaks down why it happened and what to do about it now.

Here is the link to grab your FREE vocal helps and be aware of when I offer my next masterclasses and vocal course! https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4

Here are some questions for you for your voice this year:

• Did your voice get out of shape during the last year?
• Are you intentional about the health of your voice?
• Do you assume that by just doing concerts, you will have all you need to take care of your voice?
• Did you lose motivation to sing with no live concerts?

Here are some questions to consider that might help you to know how intentional you are about your vocal health:

Do you still sing at home? Practice? Do warmups? Do you take lessons?

What are some things that can cause vocal problems right now?

• Maybe someone is pushing because they can't hear.
• Maybe the voice is having to put out too much energy for too many hours.
• Maybe someone is singing with too much breath pressure.
• Maybe the soft palate isn't lifting when they sing
• Maybe someone didn't pace themselves in their singing.
• Maybe someone had to sing with a mask and couldn't get the breath support they needed.

Even if you have struggled this year with your voice, what can you do to get it back?

• Set a time in your calendar 4 times a week to just do vocal warmups! Episodes 35, 26, 19, and 10
• Check to make sure that you are using a mixed voice so you don't have too much pressure on your vocal folds
• Take private voice lessons or a vocal masterclass
• Make sure you can hear yourself when you sing in person
• If your voice is tired, rest it.
• Be intentional about pacing your voice so you don't jump into longer shows.
• Check on the keys of songs and make sure they fit your voice NOW.

If you are intentional about noticing your voice and the ways that make it feel good, you are going to have better gigs!

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In today's episode, Tara gets to interview superstar backup singer Jana Anderson. Jana's resume is incredibly full of experience, having toured with Fleetwood Mac, Don Henley, Sheena Easton, and so many more. She shares parts of her amazing journey and what it does take to be a backup singer.

The Start of Jana's singing:

Jana remembered singing at her grandparents' anniversary at age 3 or 4 and that, along with singing on road trips with her family, was her start of music. But her interest around age 17 started changing with her auditioning for a musical show and a pep rally!

At age 18, she literally hit the road as a duo and then at age 23 she started touring with well known singers.

She had great preparation to be a backup singer with her work ethic, her ability to do many genres of music, her gift of emulation to be able to harmonize and blend well, and she was super reliable!

Jana found that not every singer would share those sensibilities.

"The most talented people are almost always the least prepared."

Jana shares all the pieces of a typical day on the road including:

1. Being sent a schedule for the day—meet in the lobby
2. Do a soundcheck
3. Go to catering
4. Warm up voices
5. Do wardrobe
6. Hang with the band beforehand to get ready
7. Get a call to showtime every so often, leading up to walking on stage
8. Then afterwards, being husked off in a limo or car to get to the next stage of transportation to go

Jana shared this about being on stage at the concerts:

• "There's something about being appreciated that makes me well up." She said this in context of watching others (the stars) being appreciated. It made her happy.
• "I get to watch all the people's faces…I get to watch the anticipation of their faces… and the second the stars come out, they light up."

She also talks about the behind the scenes stories of touring with people like Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. One of her highlights was dancing and singing on stage with her idol, Sheena Easton.

• Being around such talent and professionalism, Jana said that "It was inspiring to want to always do my best to make them look great."

Jana talks about her current music status in her vocation. One of the things she knows is; "Singing is my gift but teaching is my calling."

And she still doesn't get haughty with all the success she has had. She said this:

"Even now…it's as if I've never done a gig. I work hard on my range and the health of my voice as if I have no resume whatsoever."

There was a time when the backup singing abruptly ended. She came back to MN and did many pivots to start a different part of her career! It's the unglamorous part of being on the road as a backup singer. It can end at any time.

You can get ahold of Jana here:

Website: https://www.janaandersonmusic.com

Instagram: @janajadesarmy

Twitter: janaanderson1

Friends, you can get your own mp3 FREE vocal exercises right here and stay abreast of further singing help from Tara B:

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In today's episode, Tara dives into the world of studio singing. She talks about 8 helps that can make your experience as a singer be fun and productive, instead of having fear or feeling frustrated. Tara's knowledge of the studio comes from much experience and she wants singers to enjoy this platform, whether it's their first time or 25th time in the studio!

For those of you who would love to have The Singing Straw that I talk about, please go to my link here: http://bit.ly/Tarabsingingstraw

and put in the code for 10% off: tarab10

STUDIO SINGING

My background of studio singing includes, solo singing, singing with a band, background singing, voice overs for commercials, radio intros/outros, and doing some instrumentals as well. It started with humble beginnings as a child with my family being recorded via a tape recorder. And then grew into all these forms through the years!

Here are some tips to help you be at your best in the studio:

1. Be prepared solidly with the song you are going to sing. Know your music well.
2. Practice singing with a metronome so you are ready to sing with a click track.
3. Be mindful of your breath management—where you breathe, how you pace yourself and making sure your notes are supported.
4. Make sure your voice is warmed up throughout your ranges so you are ready to sing.
5. Have water and a green apple ready to eat to make sure your throat is hydrated and that you don't have too much mucous.
6. When you are singing with headphones, use one ear on and one off to get a natural sound. Remember your voice will be "dry" (without effects).
7. "Punching in" is when you are going to sing just a certain part that you have already sung, but need to fix something on it. You may be given a few measures to hear before the line that you "punch in" on.
8. Be intentional about singing with emotion and energy so that what is recorded sounds like the excitement that you would feel with an audience.

Also, don't worry about getting the perfect take of a song. We often have the best take in some of the first ones we sing!

You can subscribe to THE ENGAGING VOICE on the platform you listen on:

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In today's episode, Tara interviews professional songwriter/guitarist/producer Michael Elsner. Michael has been in the world of sync licensing for many years now and has had such placements for shows like American Idol, The Voice, and The Ellen DeGeneres show. Plus commercials like Audi, Verizon and a Super Bowl ad, as well as trailers like The Mandalorian. His resume is amazing with all the songs that have been placed. And he knows just how this platform can be a way for singers and singer/songwriters to be using their gifts as well.

Michael didn't start with a musical family but was introduced to music early through a Rick Springfield TV special, which piqued his interest. Then in 8th grade, at Christmas, he got his first guitar.

Micheal thought he'd have a music career but an arm injury kept him from guitar playing for awhile and he headed into audio recording production. HIs journey took him to Nashville and then on to Los Angelos.

It was in in LA that Michael learned about the TV world and the composing that he could do in it. He utilized his drive and motivation plus continuing to improve his songwriting and made great connections with people in a step by step process.

Michael learned that changing from the mindset of pitching to the music industry to trying to think how TV music supervisors think was a huge help in his sync licensing journey.

What is sync licensing?: Syncronization = you grant permission to people to use your music to be synced with moving pictures

Michael has written certain songs where he works with other singers and then they can use songs on their albums but he can also use it for getting a song placed.

• When a song is given to a music editor, they may only take parts of it to use for the actual scene or show.
• Vocal song placements may not be placed as much but they are paid much more than the instrumentals.
• Voices that are used in a song don't necessarily have to be the most amazing vocals—it sometimes is about the vibe.

Michael's advice is to for a week listen to the music on TV, not watch it!

*Music sync licensing can be both massive and passive income—the fee that is paid immediately and then the income that comes later over months.

Sync licensing can be about the long game!

Michael has an ebook called " The 4 Step Plan to Licensing Success".

You can connect with him here:

https://www.mastermusiclicensing.com

His book on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Music-Licensing-Step-Success/dp/1098941160/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1618091921&sr=8-2

You can subscribe to The Engaging Voice on the platform you listen on:

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In today's episode, Tara focuses on why it's good to work on a song until it's ready for a performance, instead of just stopping when you are only halfway through the process. Listen to today's episode for the reasons why this can become your practice!

For those of you who would love to also have The Singing Straw, please go to my link here: http://bit.ly/Tarabsingingstraw

and put in the code for 10% off: tarab10

Have you ever had a teacher who only works with technique or only works with the phrasing and because of their one focus, you miss the time to get to the level of a song where you could perform it at a concert?

What makes up working on a song?

• Melody
• Words, including a foreign language
• Dynamics
• Phrasing
• Emoting
• Tempo/Rhythms
• Technique—like breath management, the passaggio, range, vibrato, no tension in places like jaw, neck, shoulders, larynx relaxed and more

Why is it important to have these concert ready?

1. Shooting for a goal. Looking for an end result.
2. It can build our repertoire.
3. To be able to do something at a higher polished level so confidence is built.
4. To have the satisfaction of completing something and feeling fulfilled.

"Working through an entire song to get it to the level of performance can cause you to push yourself and step out of your comfort zone."

You can subscribe to THE ENGAGING VOICE on the platform you listen on:

Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart radio, Youtube , Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Audible and PlayerFM too!! AND you can share this episode to social media or with your friends!

Give them a gift today by sharing this free podcast with them!

In today's episode, Tara talks with singer/vocal coach Tiffany Van Boxtel all about training the voice and why it's so helpful to have a plan. We also discuss the value of one-on-one trainings and letting them be a foundation for all that we build on vocally.

Tiffany's first love of music might be traced back to playing a monster game in elementary music where she got to express dynamics of music. And then she had her first solo volunteering to sing "O Come O Come Emmanuel" for the Christmas program.

Tiffany originally wanted to be a choir teacher, but ended up being drawn to private voice teaching.

"It's great there's free information out there but it really makes people think that they can do it themselves and it really sets them up for failure when they can't."

We chatted that people sometimes get freaked out by "formal training". But having a one on one actual voice teacher is the way to be a solo singer and improve yourself.

Tiffany said that the biggest thing that tends to stop people from taking voice is time and money! But she also talked about that being a professional singer requires you to have that time commitment and money to invest in your profession.

She talked about how focused technique training 10-15 minutes 3-4 days a week can really help singers get where they need to go!

When people say they don't have time to practice, it's usually because they:

• Don't know what to practice or
• Don't know how to practice

When people don't get results, they usually don't want to train or keep training.

Helping people get extra feedback and then helping them listen back on their own can be the key to guidance from a vocal teacher. Teachers can help them observe and notice what is going on in small concepts.

Tiffany has her group called "The Star Singer Green Room" where people go through different stages of singing starting with a foundational stage.

You can get ahold of Tiffany here: https://www.starsinger.co/singnow

Or through her podcast: The Star Singer Podcast

Her Instagram handle is: @tiffanyvanboxtel

You can subscribe to THE ENGAGING VOICE on the platform you listen on:

Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart radio, Youtube and Apple Podcasts. And now, it's also on Amazon Music Audible and PlayerFM too!! AND you can share this episode to social media or with your friends!

Give them a gift today by sharing this free podcast with them!

Here are the exercises you can get for free to practice with:

https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4

In today's episode, Tara talks about one of the sicknesses singers dread the most: laryngitis. She talks about how we get it, what are the symptoms, and what we need to do to get better and in some cases, sing at at gig!

What causes laryngitis?:

(From the Mayo Clinic)—the vocal folds become inflamed through overuse, irritation or infection.

How long can laryngitis last?:

2-10 days (acute)

Over 10 days into months (chronic)

The most common cause of acute laryngitis is a viral infection.

The most common causes of chronic laryngitis are acid reflux, sinusitis, exposure to irritants, smoking, etc.

Some of the ways to help laryngitis is:

• Rest your voice
• Steaming yourself over a kettle
• Drinking lots of fluids—including "fire cider"
• And more

What kinds of exercises can you do if you have to sing with laryngitis?

1. Be sure to modify using songs within a smaller range. Transpose them to another key if you that feels better for your voice.
2. Check out what parts of your voice feel like they are working well and those that aren't.
3. Use a hum and go slowly singing 1-2-3 3-2-1
4. Use VVVV or ZZZZ and slide slowly 1-3-1
5. Sing "voo" on three of the same notes with a rest in between.

"Paying attention to breath management is everything."

You can subscribe to THE ENGAGING VOICE on the platform you listen on:Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart radio, Youtube and Apple Podcasts. And now, it's also on Amazon Music Audible and PlayerFM too!! AND you can share this episode to social media or with your friends!

Give them a gift today by sharing this free podcast with them!