Do you have a question about singing or vocal lessons

FAQ: Answers To Your Questions:
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Vocal Science Pedagogy for teachers and students available at your local library or for purchase:

The Diagnosis & Correction of Vocal Faults, by James C. McKinney.
The Structure of Singing - System and Art in Vocal Technique, by Richard Miller.
The Larynx, by William H. Saunders. (out of print)
You Are Your Instrument, by Julie Lyonn Lieberman.
A Singer's Guide, by Cheryl Hodge.

Music Pedagogy for readers and music lovers available at your local library or for purchase:

Music of Yes - Structure and Vision in Progressive Rock, by Bill Martin
Listening to the Future - The time of progressive rock 1968 - 1978, by Bill Martin
Avant Rock: Experimental Music from the Beatles to Bjork, by Bill Martin

Question: Do you know a teacher in my area?

There isn't a day that doesn't goes by that someone in the world doesn't ask me if I know of a great vocal teacher in their area. I obviously am unable to answer every single request but I have some general information for this specific request. Firstly, check bulletin boards at your local music stores. Contact your closest college or university and ask their music department for a reference. I would also suggest that you ask at your local church(s). You can also look up the American Federation of Musicians (A.F. of M.) in your telephone directory or online at: http://www.afm.org. The Music Union will be happy to recommend performers/teachers in your area. If you live in the U.S. or Canada please try http://www.musicstaff.com or www.privatelessons.com. These online directories have a plethora of music teachers listed allowing you to search by postal code. Hope this helps everyone. All the best in 2005!

Question: There are numerous vocal places to choose from, how do I know what one is right for me?

Answer: This is a very good question. Try to arrange one lesson with the prospective teacher. If you are encouraged to pay for several lessons at one time (for example 10 lessons at a rate) then think twice about this establishment. Any reputable teaching studio should allow you to try a lesson.

See if you get along well with the teacher. You must be able to trust this teacher with your voice. Are the teacher's methods in line with your goals? Ask the teacher about their professional training and accreditation. Any reputable teacher will have no problem divulging their background.

You should hear, feel and see results right away. If not, find another teacher. If you experience a sore throat, hoarseness or any other side effect from the lesson, STOP immediately and find another teacher.

Question: Can you pay as you go or do you have to pay a lump sum up front?

Answer: Students are encouraged to pay as they go. Some students and families however, prefer to pay in advance on a monthly basis.

Question: "How do I find a reputable vocal trainer and manager for my 11 year old daughter?"

Answer: Check with your local Music Union (American Federation of Musicians) in your telephone directory and ask for reputable teachers in your area. A manager should be a separate individual but more importantly make sure to find good legal representation to help with contract negotiations and the soliciting of your child's music to record labels, management etc....

Question: "Do you teach in Canada, or do you teach in the United States"?

Answer: Primarily Canada.

Question: What if your stage fright but have a really good voice you should use?

Answer: There are many ways to overcome stage fright to enable you to perform. I would suggest that you begin vocal lessons with a reputable teacher. Be sure that this teacher is a regularly performing musician. The teacher must constantly be developing their own skill sets and goals in order to best assist students with stage presence skills.

Discuss your issues of stage fright and begin addressing these in your lessons. I would also suggest that you take some improvisation/acting lessons to begin to overcome your 'stage fright'. These classes allow one to perform in front of a classroom audience. I have had a few students who enjoyed standup comedy classes immensely.

Question: "yes, i have a problem with my nose called sinusitis, it happened when i was in middle school, do you think that has any effect on how my singing will sound? thank you so much"

Answer: Yes, having sinusitis would have an affect on the sound of your singing voice. More importantly are you taking medications which could be drying out the nasal passage and/or your vocal chords. Speak with your family doctor or specialists about your voice and again find an Ears, Nose, Throat Specialist to work through this health issue. You may even have symptom management success with acupuncture and Holistic Medicine.

Question: My lifelong dream is to become a singer, but I have asthma so my voice is weak. Can you please suggest anything that could help me with that?

Answer: This is a very good question. I would suggest that you see your physician/respirologist specialist and let them know of your ambitions. They may recommend speech/voice lessons with an accredited speech therapist to strengthen your speaking voice. They may recommend alternative medications to steroid inhalers to control your asthma symptoms. If you are using steroid inhalers to control your asthma always remember to gargle in the throat after each application to avoid drying out the chords.

Find a teacher who can teach you how to breath properly for singing.

Question: I was an actor/singer/dancer who performed on many musical theatre productions. I damaged my voice from having a tracheotomy. I no longer have the range I had before. I no longer have a falsetto, and my voice is very raspy. I am looking for a speech therapist or a doctor who may help me recover if not 100% of my voice, but at least a little bit. Can You recommend some?

Answer: If you live in the U.S. or outside of Canada, I recommend that you seek out the best E.N.T. (Ears, Nose, Throat) Specialist and Speech Therapist you can find. All the best with your recovery.

Question:Do you know a website i could go to,to try and start a music career?

Answer:

Try: thesongwritingcompetition.com There is always an international songwriting contest to enter. Always read the fine print.

Question: Hi! I'm 11 and my friends were thinking about making a singing group. We all know how to sing but we still need a vocal teacher. We live on Kauai, Hawaii and we don't know any teachers that can help us...We need help 11/8/2001 Time: 8:11:11 PM

Answer: I would suggest that you ask at your local church or other churches in your area for a reputable teacher. There may even be listings/postings at your local music supply store. You can also look up the American Federation of Musicians (Music Union A.F. of M.) in your telephone directory. You may also ask the music union (A.F. of M.) for the number of a singer named Louis Lambert. Louis used to teach in Canada but moved to Hawaii some time ago. Good luck in your search.

Question: What is the difference between vocal coaching and vocal lessons?
Submitted August 25, 2001

Answer: Vocal lessons encompass the teaching of specific methods for developing proper posture, diaphragm breathing (breath management) and voice production for singing, vocal warm-ups, safe vocal habits and practices, and the learning of specific stage craft skills. Vocal coaching involves a more individualized program of repertoire building, vocal strength training, and a more in-depth look at the singers approach to live performance, microphone technique, and practice.

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