Here’s a good tip on using good microphone technique: PUT YOUR LIPS RIGHT UP ON THE MIC!
Most microphones one-directional (not omni directional) which means it only picks up sound from one direction. In order to get the best sound, it needs to be as close to your mouth as possible, facing IN (not going up to your mouth). This is really important to make your voice sound it's best, especially if you’re playing in a live band where it can be really difficult to hear yourself.
Now, if you have a moment where you need to sing with a lot of volume, then you may want to back off the mic a little for that one one note or phrase. But in general, keep you microphone right at your lips when you sing.
“You don’t control your voice directly by working on or thinking about breath support, vocal cord adjustments, or resonance. These things are all by-products of Speech Level Singing.”
One product that I cannot do without is Sunrider’s Sunbreeze Balm and Oil! It is an all-natural, essential oil of the highest quality with so many uses that are great for singers and everyday life! Ancient Chinese temple priests developed this formula to aid in their recovery from injuries sustained while practicing extremely rigorous martial arts.
Here is a great video talking about the many uses of Sunbreeze!
If you would like to buy this product, let me know and I will tell you how you can get it from my studio!
OPEN UP THE SINUSES
Rub just a drop or two of the oil, or run a tiny bit of the balm on the tips of your fingers and bring the tips of your fingers to your nose. Inhale deeply.
SORE THROAT SPRAY
Mix a few drops of the oil with water in a small spray bottle. Spray to the back of the mouth and throat. I love my “Sunbreeze throat spray” over other sore throat sprays because it doesn’t numb out the vocal cords like other sprays do. I am also confident that it also helps the body to heal, whereas other throat sprays just numb the affected area.
SOOTHE SORE MUSCLES
Rub just a drop or two of the oil, or run a tiny bit of the balm into lotion and rub into the sore muscles.
SUNBURNS
Rub just a drop or two of the oil, or run a tiny bit of the balm into lotion and rub over the sunburn. Repeat as needed. Sunbreeze helps to relieve the pain, and it helps prevent peeling.
OTHER USES
RUB ON THE TEMPLES, FOREHEAD AND/OR BACK OF THE NEXT FOR:
-Headache
-Muscle Tension
-Drowsiness
-Motion Sickness
RUB ON OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY FOR:
-Canker Sores
-Minor Wounds
-Strains
-Toothache
-Rheumatism
-Arthritis
-Insect Bites/Stings
-Back Pain
PLACE ON THE TONGUE FOR:
-Heartburn
-Motion Sickness
-Upset Stomach
-Drowsiness
-Morning Sickness
Here is a great mySLSworld podcast by Dr. Nassari, an ENT Medical Doctor (Ears, Nose & Throat Specialist). This podcast has some wonderful information about how to care for the voice, and how Speech Level Singing helps to keep the voice healthy from a medical doctor’s perspective.
Here is a wonderful song that a young student of mine named Nadia Lawrence wrote called “Daddy Come Home” It’s about a girl missing her father in the military. The song was produced by Ron Saltmarsh. 50% of the proceeds for buying this song will go to the Daddy Come Home Foundation benefiting families of the military.
I love to sing. I've always loved to sing, ever since I can remember, and people always seemed to think I had a really good voice. I was almost always singing something when I was a kid. When I got into choirs in Middle School and High School, I fell in love with music even more. When I found my singing teacher who first taught me Speech Level Singing, it was a major turning point in my life, because it started to unlock my voice from the problems I had as a singer. I discovered that I had more talent than I ever thought, and I was filled with the desire to master my voice and let music be my life's pursuit and passion.
I started learning how to be a teacher of Speech Level Singing, and long story short I am now one of SLS's top vocal teachers. I get the priviledge and joy and helping others to unlock their hidden talents and to do something that THEY love, and I have a wonderful life because of it.
I also get to work with some of the music businesses' most talented and creative professionals. Great people, great music! What could be better than that....
