Ep. 62

Ep. 62 Lip Trill Warmup

In this episode, Sara answers a student’s question about lip trills/lip rolls, and shows you how you how to execute the exercise as a warmup. Sing along!

Ep. 61

Ep. 61 Bass Clef

In episode 61 Sara explain how to read in the bass clef (F clef).  Enjoy!

Ep. 60

Ep. 60

In episode 60, Sara revisits music theory by showing users how to read notes in the treble clef.

Ep. 59

Ep. 59 Tension In The Jaw.

In this episode, Sara answers a user question on tension in the jaw. Apologies that the video is kind of dark.

Just an addendum to the video to avoid misundertanding, when I saw said “tension in the jaw”, I obviously don’t mean tension in the bone, or mandible, but in fact tension in the masseter muscle. This is the muscle that clenches the jaw, and when it is too tense, can cause TMJ or make it difficult to open and close the jaw freely.

Enjoy, and give some comment love to Otis!

Ep. 58

Ep. 58 The Proper Standing Position For Singing.

In episode 58, Sara answers a user question on the proper position for singing. Make sure that you stand with your feet apart (about hip or shoulder width), knees unlocked, and your weight should be evenly distributed (don’t sit or lean against a wall). Lift your head slightly, as if you are hanging by a string. This will put your shoulders, chest, and lower back in the proper position. Enjoy, and practice!

Ep. 57

Ep. 57 What creates vibrato?

In this episode, Sara answer’s a viewer’s question about how vibrato is created. For this episode, we’ve consulted Dr. James Burns, a Doctor of Otolaryngology and a laryngeal surgeon at Massachusetts General’s Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation in Boston, MA. For more information on Dr. Burns, visit http://www2.massgeneral.org/voicecenter/staff/burns.htm .

Ep. 56

Ep. 56 Beginning Vocal Health; Not Straining…

In episode 56, Sara discusses beginning vocal health.  Very often today’s singers emulate what they hear on the radio, and this causes many young singers to try to sing high in their chest or lower register, without developing their higher, or head register.  Watch this episode to learn how NOT to strain your voice.

Ep. 55

Ep. 55 Riffs/Runs/Melismas/Licks – An exercise.

Hey singers!

The idea for episode 55 came to me in the shower, actually. I don’t usually actually sing in the shower, which is funny, because I think it’s where I sang the most as a kid. But I was trying to brainstorm my students’ questions on how to get better at singing riffs/runs/melismas/licks. And it came to me. Why not just make up a lick and use it as an etude, or exercise? Perfect. Watch this video and sing not only this exercise, but you can make any lick you’re working on into an exercise of your own. Just remember to slow it down before you can speed it up.

Enjoy!

Sar

Ep. 54

Ep. 54 A Warmup with a Wide Range.

In this episode, Sara introduces you to a new warmup that really works the entire range, from bottom to top. It covers an octave and a half, and functions as a way to work the lower and higher range to blend them together more freely.

Ep. 53

Ep. 53 Riffs, runs, and melismas with guest Matt Cusson!

In Episode 53 Sara invites her friend, Spectra Jazz recording artist Matt Cusson to sing some songs and talk about riffs, runs and melismas in the R & B/gospel tradition. Matt is well known as a singer, songwriter, and keyboard player, and won the 2009 Maxell Song Of The Year John Lennon Songwriting Competition for his original song “One Of Those Nights”. Matt Cusson has a wealth of touring credits including Brian McKnight and Christina Aguilera.  Learn more about Matt’s music at http://www.mattcusson.com and buy Matt’s awesome music on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/matt-cusson/id388203148.