http://rebeqa.com/blog Explore the Art of Living Mon, 12 May 2008 05:07:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en "I really enjoy singing, but my friends all call me 'tone-deaf.' Is there any hope for me to get better?" - Christian H. Christian, Although the term 'tone deaf' is thrown around with the assumption that improvement is impossible, I simply don't agree. The ability to 'stay on pitch' or 'match pitch' ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/05/12/is-there-hope-for-the-tone-deaf/ After my last post about the unfortunate development of Jordin Sparks' vocal cord hemorrhage, I did some more poking around the internet and discovered that there are very few helpful sources on vocal disorders in general. So, in efforts to change that fact, I am posting a glossary of Vocal ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/04/23/vocal-disorders-injuries-and-illnesses/ While browsing Yahoo! News this morning, I learned that 2007 "American Idol" winner, Jordin Sparks, cancelled three shows this weekend, including an opening night spot on Alicia Keys' concert tour. The article cited "acute vocal cord hemorrhage" as the cause for Ms. Sparks' cancellation. It also asserted that ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/04/22/jordin-sparks-vocal-cord-hemorrhage/ "Sometimes when I am singing in front of people I find that I become short of breath and can't make it to the end of phrases that I otherwise had no problem with. Is there any advice you can give me to make this stop happening?" - Michelle S. Michelle, Even for experienced ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/04/21/maintaining-technique-with-an-audience/ "I recently went to a rock concert and woke up with a scratchy voice. Are there any tricks of the trade to help avoid this? - Chris R. Chris, To avoid "morning after" voice - or that scratchy, hoarse throwback from a long, loud night - there are steps you ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/04/20/avoiding-morning-after-voice/ "What are some good exercises for me to do to keep my voice in shape when I'm not taking lessons?" - April S. April, I like the phrase "keep my voice in shape." Many people forget that singing is a physical discipline and that our singing mechanisms can "get ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/02/18/keeping-the-voice-in-shape/ "Is it important for me to practice on my own, outside of lessons?" - Virginia W. Virginia, Singing is a physical discipline as much as yoga or swimming. As with yoga or swimming, practicing for an hour, once a week will yield some improvement, but ridiculously less than ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2008/01/05/the-importance-of-personal-practice/ The basic principles of yoga are proper relaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, and positive thinking with meditation. This five-element equation is pretty much what the doctor ordered for any musician. Our profession demands long hours in high-stress situations, while balancing technique with emotional vulnerability. Yoga ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2007/11/09/yoga-for-musicians/ All performers get nervous - I guarantee it. For most people, those jitters never go away, they just become used to them. Eventually even the feeling of anxiety will be as familiar as feeling the shoes on your feet. The key to getting to that point is to ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2007/11/01/dealing-with-your-stage-fright/ Demanding performance schedules, smoky venues, and working two jobs can wreak havoc on a singer's instrument. Unlike other instruments, the voice is directly affected by each and every thing we eat, drink, and generally do throughout our lives. Keeping this in mind, here are some important guidelines for ... http://rebeqa.com/blog/2007/11/01/maintaining-vocal-health/