24 Feb My Philosophy

We are all unique, our voices as distinct as our DNA.  Singing in a complete, organic way combines your physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual attributes, working in harmony through music to produce a talent that is distinctly your own.

Technique

Did you know that the “singing voice” is actually an extension of a correctly produced speaking voice?  At TNT VOX, I emphasize a three-step approach to improve your quality of sound, through proper breathing, sound formation, and amplification.

Breathing

Singers must learn how to breathe organically.  Breathing the way nature intended helps keep the voice connected to the body and chest resonators.  Improper breathing technique while singing will have a domino effect on the body; if you lift up your diaphragm when you breathe, that will lift the larynx and vocal cords, which will block the voice and disconnect the registers.  Proper breathing technique keeps the voice solid, free, supported, and full.

Sound Formation

Learning to sing is an individualized process.  A student’s age and gender will help determine the best educational approach.  For instance, prepubescent children require special guidance –if a young boy or girl is serious about singing through the adolescent vocal change, it is critical that he or she have a teacher to oversee this challenging transition.  The experience of singing, changes so quickly, and it is essential that adolescents be vocally and psychologically protected through this time in their vocal development. 

Many do not realize that adult male and female voices also require distinct technical approaches.  Adult women must learn to blend their chest, middle, and upper registers and maintain fluidity throughout their range.  Adult men must learn to blend their chest and head registers, and also be aware of the falsetto voice while keeping resistance on the vocal cords and releasing the larynx.  For both men and women, separation of the registers limits the quality and strength of the voice.

Amplification

You can use the different resonators in your body as an amplification system for the voice.  Physical cavities in your anatomy vibrate with your sound to magnify and intensify it. Think of learning to use these resonators as a way to maximize the acoustics of your own physique!

There are ways to use almost the entire body for resonating; the most important areas are from the chest cavity all the way to the upper sinuses. Where you place the voice in your natural amplification system will determine the quality of your sound. Staying relaxed and open will create the internal “clear path” required to help direct your sound into all of these resonators simultaneously, producing the optimum result.

Performance

My many years on the professional circuit as a singer, dancer, and actor have given me the experience I need to help students discover the creative joy of being on stage. I have always had a natural affinity for performing and a certain knack for teaching, and over the years I have developed a method to help others see their own potential… and to help them achieve it!

I emphasize complete performance training for my students.  As a professional it is important never to limit yourself; different opportunities will present themselves and you must be confident in your ability to take on any professional challenge.

Being a well-trained musician is essential for any singer in training. Beyond technique, I work with my students to develop a sense and understanding of dynamics, rhythm, tempo, phrasing, and all aspects of musicality to create a truly polished vocal performer.

In addition, all singers pursuing a professional career must seek some form of dramatic instruction. Learn to tap into your own creative instinct, and bring a level of sincerity and insight to your storytelling that will tremendously strengthen your performance. Free the body, mind, and soul while performing, creating your performance from a place of honesty and relish in the storytelling experience!