Those of us who been in the theatre and musical arts for a while most likely have several horror stories to share, so I would like to offer a way that has helped me and my students overcome some of the potentially disabling aspects of the audition process.

It’s called, Visualizing the Audition. Hey, if it’s good enough for Olympic athletics, it’s good enough for me. Olympic athletics such as downhill skiers, have coaches that help teach them the process before they encounter the slippery slope that lies ahead. Actors and singers would benefit from taking the time to incorporate visualization in their prep time before they engage in their own ‘slippery slope’.

I know visualization sounds very relaxing and all but have you ever noticed the intense closed eyed concentration that a skier has before he tackles the hill? Okay, that’s what I’m talking about. However, the first time that skier visualized the downward slope was months before the competition began. AND, it could have been any slope. Months before an audition we don’t necessarily know if there will be an accompanist or not, what the theater/room/closet size will be. We don’t know who will be listening or if it will include others auditioning as well. If you can find out before – do so! Include it in your visualization – the more detail the better. Here’s a funky example.

Imagine you are singing, The Star Spangled Banner – a cappella. Make sure to chose a key that works best for you (a pitch pipe is handy). Work with your teacher/coach to find a unique arrangement that shows off the best aspects of your voice. Work out your physical space, posture, breath, and where your eyes focus.

Now go home and sit alone in the quiet and visualize every aspect of your performance, breathing, shaping words, physical movements, what you are wearing, how you want to sound. Finally, visualize the zealous reaction of those listening and your humble acceptance. This last one is particularly important and I’m not kidding. When you program your brain at this very deep level, over and over again, the results are positive. That is not to say you will get the part, win your place and or whatever the situation might be, but you can be assured that you have given your best and that is all anyone of us can expect of ourselves. The best part about visualizing is the assurance it give our psyches. You will find that you are more relaxed during the audition, your memory will be better served and you will appear more confident.

Those on the panel of judges listening to your audition will greatly appreciate the self-assurance you display. Jittery nervous people put everyone in the room on edge. It is not fun to pick up on someone else’s discomfort. You might even sound great when you’re nervous, but the discomfort vibe is stronger and will be remembered longer. So do yourself a favor, start visualizing todayJ

The originally title of “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Vocalizing”! was, “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Singercising. ” (pub in 1991) However, in 1996, a trademark issue came up using the term Singercising. It was suggested that in order to distribute worldwide, it would be better to find a different title and not spend the money on attorney and court fees. It was good advice for a number of reasons. Our customers were giving us feedback about how to better package the product and at the same time, the marketplace was switching from cassette to CD’s. So we switched rather than fight and never looked back or regretted that decision….but every so often we get a call complaining that….they have been looking for the singercising publication everywhere and no one has heard of it and they bought it many years ago and want to get the CD version now, or another cassette because after fifteen years the old one has gotten worn out, or melted, or lost or???

We are happy to inform them that they have come to the right place and that SINGERCISING has become VOCALIZING but the same goovey fun exercises remain the same.

Every so often we have a week when this issue comes up several times. We just had such a week and it suddenly dawned on me that I should let you know, just in case you happen to be one of those people looking for SINGERCISE.

So now you know the whole story.

When listening to samples isn’t enough! We are offering free downloads of specific exercises. It gives you a way to experience our vocalises and it give us a way to demonstrate their fine qualities to you!

Humming the Blues is a fine example of how fun, vocalizing can be. First of all, you have the big band backup and after you feel you’ve mastered the exercise,  you can go to the instrumental guide only track.

For years, I had no idea why my voice teachers asked me to hum. I kept wondering, what is this really accomplishing? Years later, I began to appreciate the benefits of humming. Especially if it is done correctly. Allow me to explain. When I go around the house humming, I don’t play much attention to how I’m doing it but if I start to pay attention, then the benefits become apparent. Pay attention to WHAT?!  Okay here we go.

Pay attention to your breathing. Humming the Blues consists of two short phrases and one long phrase. I recommend breathing after each phrase. Not because you need to, but because it allows you to notice in the inflow and out flow of air. Notice how easy a breath can be taken to accomplish a short phrase and how breathing for a slightly longer phrase takes in a little more air.

Resonance: This is the main reason for the humming vocalise. The melody starts on a B flat, medium low in the range of the average person. In fact, it will probably be in your speaking range -sooo—the first phrase can be experienced with the Breath hitting right behind the lips and teeth. For most people, the tickling and buzzing sensation is rather intense.

Here’s what people don’t like, besides the physical sensation, the aural or hearing of this does NOT sound good to the singer. But let me remind you, you are not singing for you own ears (at least I hope not), you are singing for the audiences ears and they are really going to dig the increased resonance they hear. But, don’t take my word for it, record yourself and listen back.

NEXT–when the key changes, the breath also changes so that your physical sensations change. As you approach more of you middle range, you will probably feel the buzzing and tickling around the upper lip/nose area. When you get to the highest note, the breath pressure against the sinuses can get really intense. Some people even say it makes them kind of dizzy. But hey, we’re singers after all:)

This may sound easy and it is after you get it- but there is ONE BIG road block in the way and that is the TONGUE!!! Your ultimate goal should be to do this entire exercise with absolutely NO TONGUE TENSION. Here’s how you get in touch with tongue tension. Place your thumb under your chin, way back to where you can feel the tongue move when you swallow. Notice how after you swallow, the tongue becomes soft and pliable. THAT’S the way you want to keep it when your are HUMMING THE BLUES! You heard me right. No tension, on high notes or any notes. If you are able to accomplish this task, you will feel your breath kick in and move through the vocal cords into the mask of the face and create the best RESONANCE you’ve ever heard.

This war has been raging for some time and I just read a very intelligent comment made by a ninth grader in 1935. Keep in mind that jazz was becoming more and more popular much to the chagrin of many parents. This young girl told her music teacher that she finally grasped the difference.

She said, “When you listen to popular music you enjoy yourself, but when you listen to art music (classical) you enjoy the music.”

Excerpted from: Music: A Career or way of Living, Marian Flagg, Columbia College November 1935

We just added several great new videos on YouTube! Please take a look and send me a note on other things you’d like to see.

Vocalizing.com just got a makeover that allows you to preview lessons and download them directly to your computer!

This gives me a chance to speak with you directly so please feel free to ask questions, give me your opinion, share your experience. One thing I’ve learned after teaching for 40 years is that I still have a lot to learn and love doing so. So please, let us know about your discoveries.

The springtime is traditionally the time when singers are preparing spring concerts, recitals, musical theatre shows, competitions and graduation ceremonies. It’s an exciting time. Tell us what you are up to?

Allergy season is also upon us. I’m a big believer in using products that thin the mucous such as MUCINEX. I also ascribe to NASAL HYDRATION during allergy season. Some people clean their nasal passages year round. It’s a good habit and can help eliminate sinusitis which is so difficult to get rid of. I know that nasal hydration sounds dreadful but really it only takes minutes and it’s not at all yucky. Blow you nose a few times and your good for the day.

Be mindful about what you eat before these big events. Deborah Voigt, an all-star opera singer was recently asked how she prepared for singing Wagner, the most difficult repertoire. She said she was very careful about what she ate (making sure she had protein), and that she was rested both vocally and physically. Good advice for all of us.