Every time I meet a new student, give a voice lesson, or sing intentionally myself, I learn something new.

Hearing “I can’t” dismays me. And I’ve been hearing those two little words a lot lately, especially from young female singers. “I can’t sing that high.” “I can’t breathe like that.” “I can’t hold a note that long.”

The more subtle and insidious message behind those I cant’s is “I won’t.” “I’m not willing to consider that I can.” “I choose to believe I am unable to do this.”

Admittedly, some of the suggestions I give students feel downright silly, and that can be embarrassing for tweens or teenagers. Say ‘nyaaa’ like an angry cat. Stick your tongue out of your mouth and tack it onto your chin with a finger, while you say ‘aaa’ (as in the word cat or hat.) Pretend you’re throwing your voice all the way across the room then down the street three blocks while you say, ‘money, money, money’.

Yet these exercises help free the authentic voice. Trust me…it’s not always easy figuring out how to help students get healthy and effective vocal technique into muscle memory, while keeping in mind how self-conscious we can be at certain ages. It’s not like I’ve forgotten my own experience of being 12, 14, 17…

Students of all ages tend to respond to the idea that your breath is a river – or a conveyor belt – carrying the sound of your voice. If you can picture your belly/abdomen as the bellows which bring forth the breath, which carries your voice on the river… you’ll be several steps ahead of most people who talk all day long without having this conscious awareness.

Just one little tip today to help free your voice.

You’re welcome. ?

TWO UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

October 5, Saturday, 2:00-4:00 pm

Dance with Joy Studios

8051 SE 16th Ave., Portland (Sellwood) OR

Embrace Your Authentic Voice: Four Critical Pillars for Effective and Healthy Vocal Technique

Learn to:

  • Harness the power of the Breath to create maximum vocal impact without weakening your voice or your throat getting hoarse.
  • Avoid harsh Onsets, which can cause damage to the vocal cords. (Internationally renowned pop singer, Adele, had to have vocal cord surgery due to this issue, not once, but twice.)
  • Create vocal Resonance, so your voice carries to the back of room without a microphone, and without pushing or straining your voice.
  • Speak in your natural, authentic Pitch to avert vocal fry.

Tuition: $25 preregistered/ $30 at the door
Register: [email protected] 503-704-5617

October 26, Saturday, 1:00-4:00 pm

In Partnership with Brenda Bryan and The Speakers Club

Location TBA

Four Vocal Superpowers Most Pros Don’t Know

Learn to:

  • Harness the power of the Breath to create maximum vocal impact without weakening your voice or your throat getting hoarse.
  • Avoid harsh Onsets, which can cause damage to the vocal cords. (Internationally renowned pop singer, Adele, had to have vocal cord surgery due to this issue, not once, but twice.)
  • Create vocal Resonance, so your voice carries to the back of room without a microphone, and without pushing or straining your voice.
  • Speak in your natural, authentic Pitch to avert vocal fry.

Tuition: $35/$25 for Speaker Club Members.

Register: [email protected]

In the meantime, love your voice and voice your love,

Laura

Please spread the love and pass this along to a friend!

In only a few lessons with Laura, my voice quality improved tremendously, both for singing and speaking. I’m noticing more resonance, clarity, and range. Laura has a great ear, and her teaching and coaching style feels safe, friendly and professional. She is supportive and stretches me. Her acting, singing, and speaking backgrounds blend beautifully to support presence and confidence in her students, as well. I’m excited to continue with her, and highly recommend her if you want to improve your voice. –Cricket W., MD

Lake Oswego’s Transformational Voice® Teacher (Transformational Voice® is a registered trademark of Transformational Voice® Training Institute, LLC, and Linda Brice.)