Judy Rodman's Blog – September 2008 Archive (4)

How to change vocal style

Sometimes our musical hearts are not where our vocal training is. Sometimes a classically trained singer or musical theater performer wants to find a more contemporary sound so they can sing pop, country, jazz, r&b, rock, or alternative in a way that fits the genre. Other times, a contemporary genre artist may wish to explore some classical or musical theater singing, either to claim new performance territory (think Linda Ronstadt or Gary Morris on Broadway) or to increase strength and… Continue

Added by Judy Rodman on September 24, 2008 at 9:20am — No Comments

How to make your next performance a masterful one

Performance is an art, not a science. But as in all art, there are techniques to learn, especially the subtle ones, which can bring it into the realm of masterpiece.

* First you must learn to sing well. Duh. It matters... if you are screaming, if you have a weak "spread tone" or you don't articulate well, your performance will not be a masterful one, even if you are a media star. We've all heard about the stars that gave publiclly humiliating performances from time to time. They… Continue

Added by Judy Rodman on September 21, 2008 at 12:30pm — 2 Comments

Sounding our Political Voices

As a vocal instructor, I am always looking for ways to be of service and offer helpful guidance to my students. Given the state of our economy, country and the volatility in the world right now, I would like to share a 'powerful and positive path' to facilitate your political voice as we move toward the presidential election. Please hear my best voice: Cast your vote!

How do we find our political voices?

First by listening.

Just like I found my… Continue

Added by Judy Rodman on September 19, 2008 at 7:00am — 4 Comments

Singers... Wipe That Smile out of your Voice...

...unless you're singing a smiling song!

A hallmark of a master vocal stylist - whatever the genre - is that the emotional color of the tone of voice chosen matches what the heck the lyric is saying. Can you imagine Bonny Raitt singing "I Can't Make You Love Me" with a big smile on her face and in her voice? Those lyrics contain ANGST - and if the tone her voice doesn't contain some kind of quiet but powerful angst, the listener would feel betrayed by ... vocal fraud. Yes, I'll go… Continue

Added by Judy Rodman on September 2, 2008 at 10:49pm — 2 Comments