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When you come to the fork in the road....take it

Lindsay Mitchell / Guitarist

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Voice Tip...

Warm up Warm down

One of the first questions that we ask before starting a vocal session is “are you warmed up?” Most students will say something to the tune of “I’ve been singing all day” or “I sang in the car on the way here”.

Guess what? Singing is not warming up...this is why.

There are a myriad of vowel consonant combo’s that take place throughout your register when you sing. If your voice isn’t warmed up and you go for a big wide AH in your upper register, it isn’t going to happen. You will likely fail to hit the note, or strain your voice, or both.

Why is warming up important?

Would you run a marathon without warming up first? No!  Would you do a high intensity workout at the gym without stretching your muscles first? Nope! Before you sing songs, or work your voice, you should warm up. If your day job includes a great deal of talking-- you should also warm up before you begin work.

When should you warm up?

You warm up before you exercise so that the voice is able to build new habits and skills correctly. You also warm up before you sing songs. This is so that you keep your voice safe and healthy.

So what does it mean to warm up the voice?

To warm up the voice means to activate the vocal cords and related muscle groups to a place of balance, connection and ease.  A good warm up needs to be done mindfully and gently. When we warm up we don’t say anything. We use semi occlusive, non articulates that move easily throughout our register. In simple terms, we make sounds with our mouths closed, or mostly closed.  A proper warm up should take 5-10 min (approx) The warm up is complete when you can sing a song with ease and freedom.

Lisa Witt / ViP vocal instructor

Need help with your voice? Reach out to us today In Studio / On-line / On the Road Darcy D Music Group

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Here are a few tips from experience. I lifted these from Dave Strouds Blog.

Great advice for all your creative people.....#9 is my fave

12 tips for ’15

Be Grateful

Train like a professional athlete- healthy diet, plenty of rest, enough water, make a routine

Discover your own style- can’t recreate what someone else is doing because they have already mastered it

Be calm- yelling is bad for the vocal cords

Wash hands to avoid getting sick, if you do get sick take the time to rest- don’t strain yourself

Wake up and have a game plan

Set specific goals for yourself- short term and long term

Work on your mind as well as your voice- happy thoughts and positive thinking

Schedule personal time to relax, song write, work on technique- etc.

Make connections with other singers, musicians, and people in business

Work with an accompanist to get used to that or perform at open mic nights- set up your own gigs

Be Grateful

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Never Stylize the Exercise

Vocal exercises are prescribed to provide a result intended to counter and/or balance the individual singers “tends to’s”.

A “tends to” is a habit. In this case a bad one. 

The prescribed exercise most often provides a sound that is unlike the singers style and approach. But the discipline of the new exercise will provide healthy access to the “new” sound. Repeating the new exercise produces a “good habit” and in turn assists the singer to balance the voice. 

Once the new placement is habitual or second nature, the approach will apply itself to the singers sound. The result is a healthier more balanced voice.

Knowing what your voice can or can’t do is imperative when developing style!

Always consult an authorized voice coach to be sure what your doing is not going to damage your voice beyond repair.

For more information or to book a session live or online visit:                     Darcy D Music Group

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Some Services we provide at DMG

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Plan for Success 

A Series Continued...

      Winston Churchill was the one who said 

"He, who fails to plan, plans to fail".

  These are wise words to live by for any one, in any business. Does this mean that if you have a plan you will automatically succeed; certainly not. However, there are rules that govern when it's time to take the next step, and having a plan will help facilitate that next step. You will know when you know.

  Something I convey to new clients in the very first session, no matter where they are in their journey, I tell them - 

"It's what you don't know that's holding you back." 

  And everyone has something they don't know. It usually comes in questions like these: Do I really need a voice coach? What genre best suits my sound? Who can I write songs with? Where do I record? Who should produce the music? Who should play on the project? Does the sound fit a radio format? What's a radio format? How do I brand my product? How do I register my songs? When do I need a publisher? When do I need a lawyer? Can't I manage myself? Can I just make YouTube videos and get discovered? Can you tell me how to be famous? And on and on....

  There are so many factors, circumstances experiences that contribute to the path and outcome of an artist. Every lesson, session, consultation, jam and performance has the ability to become a pivotal moment in an artists' development. The answers to the questions provide the sequence of the plan. Some details of the plan can be executed simultaneously whereas others may need a more focused attention.

  This requires a disciplined work ethic and a thirst for knowledge.Find out what you don't know and you will find out what you need. Keep asking questions.

  Intrinsically: Singers, Sing, Songs.

They tell stories again and again.

The expedition begins with a voice.

  Good singers have technical ability to go to required notes and maintain consistent resistance levels with ease and grace. They possess dynamic qualities to provide power when needed or the ability to release without letting go to be subtle or subdued. And these are all fabulous, necessary qualities.

  But Great singers feel! They know what the song is about. They've experienced the pain or the joy and they can emotionally relate to the lyrical content. They give the listener a reason to believe what they're singing about as if it was happening to them right now, in that very moment. The song is theirs. And their passion, honesty and vulnerability take the listener to a place beyond understanding.  In that place they swallow lumps, cry or stand with fists held high in agreement. It can be magical.

  When a singer sings a song without emotional value to the lyrical content, this is a strong indication that they don't know what the song is about. If they don't know what the song is about, it's going to be difficult for them to tell the story. It could be that they've never experienced or they are too young to have experienced the theme and topic of the song. So in order for the singer to make the song believable they have to be able to relate to the content. The performance is more than just notes and melody; more than words and rhythms. 

  Below is an ephemeral check list. This is an example of the artist development process. Each point in the list will become a topic for expansion and retrospect.

  A typical chain of events for an artist in development 

  Every circumstance and outcome will be varied from artist to artist

That is pretty much guaranteed!

   Voice lessons / music lessons

Study with a voice coach and music influence you can relate to

One that understands you, one that provides you with results

  Repertoire development:

Learn as many songs as you can

Work through them with your voice coach

Perform them in front of anyone who will listen

Can be any genre, any style, of any influence

  Discovery:

Tear apart your favourite songs and determine what the attraction is for you. Is it the melody, beat, chord progression, key, lyric or genre? What specifically gives your that "this is it" feeling?

  Write:

Don't wait. Just write. Write a short story. Take in a Wendy Parr workshop. Paraphrase the story. Use as few words as possible to tell the same story. Use a key, chord progression and style that move you. Complete a verse and a chorus and call it done for now. Move on to the next song and after you've collected a few you'll begin to see a pattern emerge. Record these songs on your iPad or phone and listen to them. Share them with others in the industry. Get an opinion before doing anything with your ideas.

  Perform:(this is a series in itself)

Put together a list of songs that make sense musically. Don't be too scattered genre wise. Play covers that compliment your originals. Play covers that people want to hear. Add your own music. Reach out to your audience. Develop a rapport.

  Book house concerts, coffee shops, clubs, bars, private parties, contests and local events

  Build a social network:  

Everyone needs a webpage-doesn't have to be huge. Start with a squeeze page. Experience a photo shoot with a photographer that knows what he's doing. Use a shot that represents who you are. Get a second opinion from someone in the industry, (not family and friends). From your web page link to only the social networks you will utilize. Stay active on line and provide useful information only.

  Record:

This process is a big one. You can't do it too cheaply and you don't need to break the bank. You need to discover your sound. Everything you've done to this point will influence the recording process. From here you should be able to determine who you are becoming as an artist.

  Know your intentions before selecting a studio, producer, session players etc. If you're only creating demos you can record just about anywhere...

  Release:

If your intention is to create product to release on-line and/or to radio this raises the bar on every decision you make. Everything you release will then be direct competition with every other artist in your genre. If you want to see growth and success you must have a plan of action that involves some market research, strategic alliances and usually a team of people to work toward reaching your goals and intentions.

  ......Repeat the steps above over and over. If it feels like work-it is!

   If it also feels like you are not complete unless you are creating this way and you can't sleep thinking about the next song - then its passion......keep going.

  As this series continues I will begin to explore and uncover details of these topics I've listed. Ill share experiences I've personally encountered and knowledge I've collected from many industry professionals around the world. 

  I'll finish with a quote from an article I read by Dave Stroud.

"Create a system, and then go find Chaos"! 

  Brilliant.

  Most importantly - Don't fail to plan.

   ____________

     The VIP teacher network is filled with hand-picked qualified, experienced individuals from around the planet, whose passions and skills enhance and assist artists to develop distinctive qualities.

    The Vocology In Practice (VIP) system is a vocal methodology based on proven, cutting edge voice habilitation practices.  The individuals authorized to instruct these methods are experienced or have experienced what it takes to drive an artist to the next level. The experiences and in depth training of VIP teachers coupled with proven scientific vocal research is the reason thousands of voices around the world are attaining and maintaining the success they strive for! 

  Whether you are just discovering your voice or you are a major label artist on a world tour. . .VIP has you covered!

Author Bio

  Darcy D is the only authorized VIP voice coach in western Canada. He has spent his entire working life in the music business....

  Quick Links

  Vocology in Practice

Darcy D Music Group

Book a Consultation 

  Darcy D Music Group 33783 Essendene Ave Abbotsford, BC V2S 2H2

darcyalive.com 

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BLUE PRINTS FOR SUCCESS Introduction to a series

The Front lines of Artist Development 

The quest for success in the music business is a never-ending journey; a maze ridden path of uncertainty, trial and error. For the developing artist, knowing the steps to take, how to build a presentable image, define a sound, look, style and a presence that represents who and what they are, is a daunting task. Finding people qualified to assist them in reaching their goals can be like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack.

Knowing what to do next, with whom and where to attain the correct resources can alleviate much confusion, trial and error.

The VIP teacher network is filled with hand-picked qualified, experienced individuals from around the planet, whose passions and skills enhance and assist artists to develop distinctive qualities. The Vocology In Practice (VIP) system is a vocal methodology based on proven, cutting edge voice habilitation practices. The individuals authorized to instruct these methods are experienced or have experienced what it takes to drive an artist to the next level. The experiences and in depth training of VIP teachers coupled with proven scientific vocal research is the reason thousands of voices around the world are attaining and maintaining the success they strive for! Whether you are just discovering your voice or you are a major label artist on a world tour. . .VIP has you covered!

In the issues that follow this introduction, (and I’m not sure how many as the topic can be profound), I’m going to reflect and dig deep into this thing called artist development. I invite everyone who comes across this, who has experienced either side of the coin, developee or developer to share and/or comment.

I’ll finish this post with this:

When does Artist Development begin?

Artist development begins the moment a person starts taking voice or instrument lessons. This activates a routine of gathering knowledge and applying skills to enhance and make palatable each individual song or performance. The type of instruction received, sets a course.

As voice coaches distributing knowledge and methods, we are in a sense on the front lines of the artist development process. What does or does not happen with an individual while we educate and inspire them vocally, musically and through our experience network, can very well be the catalyst that launches their thirst for stardom or the lead role in the school play. Then again, we possess the ability to likewise steal their dreams. The privilege to share in the personal development of any aspiring talent should never be taken lightly. And those who teach should likewise always by hungry for knowledge.

Ultimately, and I believe this to be true; it’s what the client doesn’t know that prevents them from experiencing exponential growth. We’ve all experienced it. Someone comes into your studio struggling with a multitude of issues and in an hour’s time we’ve introduced them to an array of methods & physiology, done a vocal analysis & explained what is or isn’t happening followed by a prescription of simple exercises, enabling the singer to experience as never before….vocal freedom.

Voila! The beginning of artist development!

More Information:

vocologyinpractice.com

Darcy D Music Group

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We have expanded our services to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Partnering with Dzyne Graphix we are now able to offer in house, Head Shots and Video shoots for all levels of production. 

In addition we'll be posting mini videos of all of these services.

darcyalive.com  

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With a myriad of ways to negotiate the maze of a career in the music business....

We ask what aspects of development independent artists find difficult?

Voice?

Finding Songs? Writing?

Recording? Finding the right producer?

Branding/Design?

Marketing: Social and/or Traditional?

Releasing product? When, where, why, how, with whom? 

Finding gigs?

Funding?

How are you coping with some of these obstacles and what solutions do you still need to find?

Please respond here . . .

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Here at Constant Contact, we never miss a chance to celebrate the success of our customers. Their success is not only an inspiration to us, but it’s also a

This looks interesting. . .

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The DMG mobile Studio!

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This is a very interesting view of a singing head. Filmed using MRI technology. You can see the vocal cords adducting, the epiglottis moving out of the way, the tongue & lips.....fabulous view!

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Semantic Intuition - for writers

I found this post from "Fast Company" very interesting. . .

I thought perhaps all my songwriting clients would find this interesting.

Semantic intuition is responsible for any number of creative works--including much of Sting's repertoire, the movie "The Princess Bride," and "The Odd Couple." Use this brainstorming technique to improve your creativity and power innovation

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Victoria Duffield - Platinum Recording artist and former Valley Voices finalist discusses her experience with "Valley Voices" and what how her career has advanced since.....

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The 4th annual Valley Voices vocal competition auditions take place June 2&3 at Darcy D Music Group. To register go to http://www.valley-voices.ca For updated info join valley voices vocal competition on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/home.php?refid=9#!/home.php?soft=side-area&__user=533529922

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Victoria Duffield with her Platinum Award for "Shut Up and Dance" http://www.victoriaduffield.com

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DMG artist Stephanie Spence has reached #1 status on Reverbnation. http://www.stephaniespence.com