Unlock Your Best Voice With One Skill: Breath Control

Working with your body is a huge part to singing. Singing isn’t isolated to just your vocal folds and larynx, AKA voice box. It is a full body experience!

One of the huge parts of singing with your full body is using your breath. Sounds simple, right? Well, what is involved with the breath?

• Lungs

• Diaphram

• Oxygen

• The Core

Other parts of the body that are affected that I won’t touch on as deeply include: The Nervous System, The Lymphatic System, and the Heart.

Check out this video below that shows how the lungs, and diaphram work together:

Visually can you find the lungs? Now can you identify the diaphragm and see how it works in tandem with the lungs? One part of this video that’s not really shown well is how the abs work to support both the lungs and diaphragm.

Is it technically incorrect if someone asks you to “breathe with your abs”? Yes. That is incorrect. BUT. The abs do play a part in the process.

Many singers try to breathe high into the upper chest, which creates tension and limits airflow. Cues like ‘breathe lower’ can help redirect the breath and encourage the diaphragm to do its job. But ‘breathe with your abs’ isn’t my favorite cue because it implies the abs are the ones pulling air in, and that’s not how the mechanics work.

Here is a video of breathing with the upper chest. Remember - 1. It is incorrect for singing. 2. It is inefficient. 3. It will feel exhausting.

The abs work as a supporter. They are like scaffolding. They support the structure and help things stay steady. Similar to what straps do on a hiking backpack. Straps loosen or tighten depending on how the person adjusts the backpack. But they are not the thing doing the main job. It’s a secondary job.

The diaphragm should be the star of the show! Let her shine, baby shine! As the air fills the lungs, the diaphragm should drop, and the belly expands to make room! They need to make room as the lungs inflate, and on the exhale, they will help slowly move the air out of the body.

Some better cues might be: “allow the belly to respond and expand.” Or “drop the diaphragm into the pelvis.”

Below is a video that shows good diaphragmatic breathing:

One of my favorite things to do before I start a lesson with a student is to take 5 deep diaphragmatic breaths together. We think “deep breath” “low breath” “expand the air into your body” and “ground your breath”. Literally have been starting my lessons this way for years!

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

When You Don't Feel Motivated

There are times in life when we feel incredibly unmotivated. Motivation can be a difficult barrier or a starting point for someone, depending on what they are going through. When you don’t feel motivated to practice singing, for example, what do you do? Do you ignore the thought “I should go practice”? Do you act on it? Do you push it aside and keep scrolling, reading, or sitting?

 Today, I feel unmotivated. For me, a lack of motivation often comes from repeated hits of discouragement. I feel discouraged when students don’t try to connect with themselves during a lesson to understand what their voice actually feels like. I feel discouraged when a client doesn’t communicate with me—maybe they’ve ghosted me, maybe they’re unsure if lessons are working for them right now, or perhaps assumptions were made about scheduling. Whatever the discouragement, it all roughly boils down to human interactions and connections. 

When humans feel seen, they show up. When they feel connected, they prioritize those interactions. I recently had a student tell me they love coming to voice lessons, not just to sing, but because they feel important, seen, and connected. That was one of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received! My goal is always for someone to feel safe enough to be coached and to pivot their skills to improve. It’s harder than you think, you know? It’s pretty tough sometimes to hear feedback about your voice, even if it’s given with love and the best intentions. Students really have to come with the mindset to learn and be moldable. 

So what can you do? To find your motivation again? Let’s brainstorm this…

• Make a list. A list can help you refocus your efforts. Lists can get you out of your head. Lists can give you a new perspective. Lists are FUN! Crossing off stuff on your list?? What a hit of dopamine! We need it. 

• Create a practice schedule and STICK TO IT. Sticking to a schedule, regardless of your feelings, is a great way to maintain momentum and find motivation. Your motivation can come and go. Your feelings are always changing - stick to a schedule. 

• Give yourself rest if you need it. Sometimes we try to do too much for too long. If your head and body are screaming at you, listen. Take a rest. Not a phone scrolling rest, a REAL rest. If your rest needs to be longer than a day? So be it. We all need mental, emotional, and physical rest.  

• Get out and walk. Walking is a great way to change your scenery and breathe some fresh air. Walking gets your blood moving, and even a short walk can have tremendous benefits. 

• Write. Write out your thoughts. Brain dump your thoughts without editing. Pulling them out of your brain gives you new perspective to catch things you may have missed while they were stuck in your head. 

We all need ideas to find our motivation. And really, this blog post was a good way for me to gain perspective on my discouragement of the day, and truly? Nothing has gone wrong! But writing has given me something else to focus on and stop worrying!

Cheers, my friends!

Vocal Practice Made Easy: Create a Routine That Works for You

One of the most common questions singers ask is, “What’s the best way to practice?” The answer: there’s no one-size-fits-all vocal routine because every voice—and every singer—is unique. That’s the beauty of working with your own instrument. However, there are key elements that every successful practice session should include. Let’s break it down so you can build a routine that works for you.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Why are you practicing? Are you preparing for an audition? Expanding your vocal range? Improving your breath control? Before you begin each session, identify one or two specific goals.

Example goals:

• Master a tricky phrase in your song.

• Build stamina for longer notes.

• Work on smoothing transitions between vocal registers.

• Practice for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Warm Up the Right Way

Warming up is non-negotiable! A good warm-up protects your vocal cords, enhances your flexibility, and prepares your voice for the work ahead. Dedicate at least 10-12 minutes to this step.

Some key warm-ups to include:

• Gentle Humming: Wake up your voice without strain.

• Lip Trills or Sirens: Great for connecting your range and airflow.

• Scales and Arpeggios: Focus on staying relaxed and resonant.

• Breath Exercises: Reinforce strong, controlled support.

Think of your warm-up as tuning your instrument. It also is a check in with your voice/body to see where you are that day. Some areas of the vocal folds may feel more “crunchy” and may need some extra attention to get them feeling ready to sing.

Step 3: Balance Technique and Repertoire

Your practice routine should always balance technical work with time spent on actual songs. Technique gives you the tools, while repertoire allows you to apply them.

Technical Work (10–20 minutes): Choose exercises that align with your current goals.

• Expanding your range? Practice sirens or scales. Apply to your song.

• Struggling with diction? Focus on articulation drills. Apply it to your song.

• Wanting smoother vowel transitions? Work on vowel shaping exercises. AND apply it to your song.

Repertoire (15–30 minutes): Practice sections that challenge you rather than singing the whole piece from start to finish. Taking your song in chunks can feel way more approachable thank thinking you have to get through the ENIRE song that practice session.

Step 4: Work Smarter, Not Longer

Effective practice doesn’t mean hours of nonstop singing. Vocal fatigue is real, and over-singing can be counterproductive. Quality always trumps quantity. Aim for 30–60 minutes of focused, intentional practice. If your voice starts to feel strained or tired, that’s your cue to stop for the day. If you’re more of a beginner, practice for 20 mins. Intermediate singer? 30-40 mins. Advanced singer? 40-60 minutes.

Pro tip: Break your practice into shorter chunks if needed. A quick 10-minute session in the morning and another in the evening can sometimes be just as effective as one long session.

Step 5: Record, Reflect, Repeat

Recording your practice sessions is one of the most powerful tools you have as a singer. It allows you to hear your progress, catch areas for improvement, and celebrate what’s going well. Listen back with a critical but kind ear, and take notes for your next practice session.

Ask yourself:

• Did I hit the specific goals I set?

• Where am I improving, and where am I stuck?

• How does my tone, pitch, and diction sound?

• Evaluate: What things am I noticing in my singing that I can keep working on by myself, and what should I write down to ask my voice teacher for help with?

Step 6: Stay Consistent and Flexible

The key to progress is consistency. Aim to practice regularly, even if it’s only for 15–20 minutes a day. At the same time, remember that life happens, and it’s okay to adjust your schedule. Some days your practice might be shorter; other days, you’ll have time to dive deep. What matters most is staying committed over the long term.

Bonus Tips for Success

I’ve linked a great nebulizer to this photo that’s on Amazon.

1. Create a Dedicated Practice Space: Find a quiet, distraction-free area where you can focus on your singing.

2. Stay Hydrated: Your vocal cords need hydration to work efficiently, so keep water nearby. Another great way to hydrate your vocal folds is to use a nebulizer. A nebulizer can be highly underrated but is vital in a healthy vocal journey. There’s a lot of fancy expensive ones online you can order but my favorite is a budget friendly one from Amazon. No need to get fancy for this type of tool!

3. Work With a Coach: If you’re struggling to design an effective routine or overcome specific challenges, a voice teacher can provide personalized guidance.

Final Thoughts

Building a vocal practice routine that works for you is about finding a balance between structure and flexibility. Your voice is as unique as you are, and your practice should reflect that. By setting clear goals, warming up properly, balancing technique with repertoire, and staying consistent, you’ll see progress—and you’ll enjoy the process along the way.

Your voice is your instrument. Treat it with care, practice with purpose, and watch it grow. Happy singing! 🎶

Picking an Audition Song for Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical

Frozen Auditions: Hale Centre Theatre

Hello local talent! (Local to Salt Lake County, UT) With auditions for Frozen: The Musical at Hale Centre Theatre opening soon, it's time to prepare and show off your vocal skills. Submissions are due by April 4th, and as a local vocal coach, I'm here to help you get ready for this exciting opportunity.

Choosing the right audition song can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. The song you select will not only showcase your vocal range and personality but also demonstrate how well you fit the character you're aiming for. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect audition song:

1. Know the Character: Understand the traits and emotions of the character you’re auditioning for. Choose a song that reflects these qualities.

2. Show Your Range: Pick a song that highlights your vocal abilities, including range and dynamics.

3. Connect Emotionally: Choose a song you connect with emotionally, as this connection will come through in your performance.

4. Less Is More: Sometimes, choosing a less well-known song can set you apart and make a memorable impression.

Important Details:

• Audition Deadline: April 4th

• Location: Online video submission for Hale Centre Theatre

Anna & Ensemble Sopranos

Anna's character is bubbly, optimistic, and full of energy. These selections are not only great for auditioning for Anna but also work wonderfully for ensemble sopranos, offering a chance to shine with cheerful and dynamic pieces.

1. "What Only Love Can See" from Chaplin

2. "I Can't Take My Eyes From You" by Alan Menken

3. "The Color of Your Eyes" from Daddy Long Legs

4. "Pulled" from The Addams Family

5. "My Grand Plan" from The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

6. "What It Means to Be a Friend" from 13: The Musical

7. "Times Like This" from Lucky Stiff

8. "Waiting for Life" from Once on This Island

9. "Journey to the Past" from Anastasia

10. "I Know Now" from Snoopy!!! The Musical

11. "The Life I Never Led" from Sister Act

12. "Let It Sing" from Violet

13. "No One Else" from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Elsa & Ensemble Altos

These songs are perfect for showcasing Elsa’s regal presence, vocal range, and emotional complexity. These songs could also work for the ensemble altos.

1. "Once More I Can See" from Wonderland

2. "The Life of the Party" from The Wild Party

3. "I Know the Truth" from Aida

4. "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret

5. "With You" from Ghost The Musical

6. "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar

7. "Back to Before" from Ragtime

8. "Woman" from The Pirate Queen

9. "She Used to Be Mine" from Waitress

10. "You Learn to Live Without" from If/Then

As a vocal coach, I'm not involved in the audition process at Hale Centre Theatre, but I'm here to support our local talent and help you put your best foot forward. If you need any assistance with song selection, vocal technique, audition prep, or filming your audition, please reach out so we can get you prepared today!

Prepare your best performance and bring your favorite characters from Frozen to life. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of a professional and high-quality production.

Break a leg, and I can't wait to see you shine at the auditions! ❄️✨🎶

Vocal Coach vs. Voice Teacher: Which One Do You Need?

What’s the Difference Between a Vocal Coach and a Voice Teacher?

Hi, I’m Serene, a vocal coach and voice teacher at Serene Vocal Studio. One of the most common questions I hear is, “What’s the difference between a vocal coach and a voice teacher?” It’s a great question, and while there’s some overlap, they’re actually two distinct roles. Let me break it down for you—and share why it matters for your vocal journey.

What Does a Voice Teacher Do?

As a voice teacher, my goal is to help you build a strong and healthy foundation for your singing. This means we’ll focus on technique—things like proper breath support, mechanical efficiency including, resonance, registration, phonation, diction and vowel work, and keeping your voice healthy over time. Think of it like laying the groundwork for a sturdy and flexible instrument that can adapt to any style you want to sing.

Some of the things we might work on together include:

• Expanding your range.

• Developing resonance and improving tone quality.

• Strengthening your breath control.

• Preventing vocal strain and injury.

With the right technique, you’ll have the tools to take your voice to the next level—no matter the genre or style.

What Does a Vocal Coach Do?

Now, let’s talk about my other hat—being a vocal coach. This is where we step into the world of artistry and performance. As a vocal coach, I help you bring your songs to life. Whether you’re preparing for an audition, a performance, or a recording session, my focus is on polishing your delivery and helping you connect with your audience.

Here are some things I often work on as a vocal coach:

• Choosing the right repertoire for your voice and goals.

• Adding emotional depth and interpretation to your performance.

• Exploring phrasing, dynamics, and stylistic elements unique to a genre (like pop, musical theater, or jazz).

• Building stage presence and confidence through acting the song.

It’s all about helping you tell the story of the song in a way that feels authentic and powerful.

Sometimes, I Wear Both Hats

At Serene Vocal Studio, I take a balanced approach to teaching because I believe both roles are equally important. For many of my students, I act as both a voice teacher and a vocal coach. We’ll start by strengthening your technique and then layer in the performance aspects so you can shine on stage or in the studio.

We Also Specialize in Musical Theater Performance

If you’re a musical theater performer, this is especially important. Musical theater requires a unique blend of vocal technique, emotional storytelling, and stage presence. At Serene Vocal Studio, I specialize in helping performers meet the specific demands of this genre. From character development to creating unforgettable performances, we’ll work together to ensure you’re ready to wow audiences and nail those auditions.

Additionally, 50% of my students study pop music! Pop is such an exciting and diverse genre, and it demands a unique approach to vocal technique and expression. Whether we’re working on vocal agility, breath control for those extended notes, or the nuances of emotional connection, I love guiding my students to find their authentic voice in pop. Together, we’ll explore how to make each performance truly your own.

What’s Right for You?

So, do you need a voice teacher, a vocal coach, or both? It depends on your goals:

• If you’re just starting out or working on improving your vocal health and technique, voice teaching will be your focus.

• If you’re preparing for a specific performance or looking to bring more emotion and artistry to your singing, vocal coaching will be key.

• And if you’re looking for a combination of both—well, you’re in the right place!

At Serene Vocal Studio, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My goal is to help you strengthen your voice, find your unique style, and feel confident expressing yourself through song. Your voice is your instrument, and together, we’ll make it truly shine.

The best part? You don’t have to figure out whether you need coaching or teaching on your own—I can help with that. With my professional experience, I’ll work with you to understand your goals, assess where you are in your vocal journey, and create a plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether we focus on technique, performance, or both, I’m here to make sure you get exactly what you need to grow and succeed.

Am I a Good Witch Or a Bad Witch? Discover Your Singing Spells!

With the enchanting world of Wicked casting a spell on us once again, it's the perfect time to ask a bewitching question: Are you a good witch or a bad witch when it comes to singing? Whether your voice soars like Glinda's high notes or conjures a powerful presence like Elphaba, here's how to tell if your singing skills are magical or need a little more potion mixing.

1. Listen to Your Enchanted Echo: Every witch needs a mirror, and every singer needs a recording. Capture your voice and play it back. Do your notes sparkle with magic, or do they fizzle out like a dud spell? An honest listen will reveal your true vocal powers.

2. Seek the Wisdom of the Coven: Don't go it alone—ask your fellow witches (friends, family, or vocal coaches) for their truthful incantations. Their feedback can be as revealing as a crystal ball, highlighting both your enchanting strengths and areas that need more practice.

3. Perfect Your Pitch Potion: A good witch can always hit the right magical notes. Use a piano, a tuning app, or other mystical devices to see if you're in tune. If you find your spells often misfire, you might need to refine your pitch control ingredients.

4. Master Your Voice Spellbook: True magic comes from control and technique. Study your spellbook (vocal exercises and professional training) to master your breathing, pitch, and transitions. A skilled witch knows how to weave her spells seamlessly.

5. Explore Your Vocal Range: A wide range is a sign of a powerful witch. Experiment with high and low notes to see the breadth of your magical abilities. Practice and exercises can help you expand your range, making your voice more versatile.

6. Enchant with Your Tone and Timbre: The quality of your voice, like the glow of a witch's wand, is essential. A pleasant and unique tone can captivate an audience, even if all other elements aren't perfect. Make your voice's color as magical as a moonlit night.

7. Cast Spells with Emotion: Good witches convey their spells with passion. The same goes for singing—expressing the emotions behind the lyrics can captivate your audience. Remember, it's not just about the technical skill but also the heart you put into it.

8. Consistency is Key: A true witch can perform spells reliably. If you can consistently deliver enchanting performances, whether in practice or in front of an audience, you're on your way to becoming a master singer.

9. Consult a Magical Mentor: If you're serious about honing your singing magic, seek out a vocal coach. They can provide personalized guidance and structured spells (exercises) to improve your craft. I am one such vocal coach and could help you harness in your witchy vibes! Go check out my video coaching here: https://shorturl.at/qLr26

10. Enjoy the Magical Journey: Whether you’re a good witch or a bad witch in training, enjoy the process of learning and improving your singing spells. Celebrate your progress and let your love for music guide your journey.

Determining whether you're a good witch or a bad witch (singer) involves a mix of self-assessment, feedback, and honing your magical skills. Embrace your journey, seek constructive criticism, and continually work on your craft. With dedication and a touch of magic, you can always improve your singing abilities and enchant those around you with your voice.

How to Pick the Perfect Audition Song: Tips for Intermediate Singers

Choosing the right audition song can make a significant difference in showcasing your talent and landing the role you desire. As an intermediate singer, you have a solid foundation, but selecting a song that highlights your strengths and fits the audition requirements is crucial. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect audition song:

1. Know Your Voice

Understanding your vocal range and strengths is the first step. Choose a song that showcases your best qualities, whether it’s your powerful high notes, rich lower register, or impressive vocal agility. Select songs that fit comfortably within your vocal range.

Tips:

• Watch my video on How To Find Your Vocal Range:

2. Match the Style of the Show

Ensure your song choice aligns with the style and genre of the show you’re auditioning for. If you’re auditioning for a musical, pick a song from a similar genre to demonstrate your suitability for the role. Shows that were produced in the same year like the 1950s are going to have a similar feel to them. Shows like Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Damn Yankees, Brigadoon, and High Society were all shows written in the 1950s. Do your research and use the Google machine.

Tips:

• Research the show’s musical style and choose a song that fits.

• Avoid songs that are too different from the show’s genre.

3. Show Your Personality

Your song choice should reflect your personality and the type of roles you want to play. I would pick a specific role that you’re interested in and let that guide your choice for music. Also choose a song that you connect with emotionally and can perform with confidence and authenticity.

Tips:

• Pick a song that tells a story you can relate to.

• Ensure your performance feels genuine and heartfelt.

4. Avoid Overdone Songs

AVOICE OVERDONE SONGS. I wrote that in all caps for a reason. While popular songs might be tempting, they can be overdone in auditions. Choose a song that is unique but still showcases your abilities. This can help you stand out from other auditionees. When theaters receive hundreds of auditions to sift through, the last thing you want is for your audition to be bland. Do something less well-known and you will automatically stand out.

Tips:

• Research common audition songs and avoid them. Repeat. AVOID THEM.

• Look for lesser-known songs that highlight your strengths.

5. Prepare Multiple Cuts and Follow Audition Guidelines

Auditions often require different lengths of song cuts (16-bar, 32-bar, full song). Be prepared with multiple versions of your song to meet any audition requirements. This is mostly an issue if you’re auditioning in person. If it’s an online audition, follow the guidelines exactly. If they ask for 32 bars, that is about one minute to showcase your voice and acting. DO NOT send it 3-4 minute audition of you singing the entire song. They do not want options. They want specificity so they can make a decision. Make it easy for them to pick you and follow the audition guidelines.

Tips:

• Practice different cuts of your song to ensure you’re ready for any request.

• Make sure each cut has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

• Follow audition instructions to the letter.

• DO NOT send in the full song if they did not ask for it. Less is more.

6. Consider the Accompaniment

Ensure the sheet music for your song is clear and easy for the accompanist to read. Avoid songs with overly complex arrangements that might be difficult to play on the spot. If you’re using a track, make sure the track is qued up properly. Only give yourself about 2 bars before you begin. No need for a long runway.

Tips:

• Choose songs with straightforward piano arrangements.

• Mark any cuts or changes clearly on your sheet music.

• Que up your track to right before you start singing.

7. Get Feedback

Before your audition, perform your song for friends, family, or a vocal coach. Constructive feedback can help you refine your performance and make any necessary adjustments.

Tips:

• Record yourself singing and review the performance.

• Take note of any areas that need improvement and work on them.

• Contact me if you want help reviewing your audition!

Final Thoughts

Picking the perfect audition song is about showcasing your unique talents and fitting the audition’s requirements. With careful selection and preparation, you can submit your audition with confidence and make a lasting impression. Good luck, and break a leg! 🎤

Exploring the Lessac Technique: Mastering Vowels and Consonants

The Lessac technique, developed by Arthur Lessac, is a unique approach to voice training that emphasizes the natural, organic use of the voice. This method is widely used by actors, singers, and public speakers to enhance vocal quality and expressiveness. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how the Lessac technique can be applied to vowels and consonants to improve your vocal performance.

Understanding the Basics of the Lessac Technique

The Lessac technique is built on the concept of “Kinesensics,” which focuses on the physical sensations associated with sound production. By tuning into these sensations, you can achieve a more natural and efficient use of your voice. The technique is divided into three main areas: Consonant NRG, Tonal NRG, and Structural NRG. (NRG refers to Neuro Regenerative Growth.) 

Vowels: The Heart of Vocal Expression

Vowels are the core of vocal sound and carry the emotional weight of speech. In the Lessac technique, vowels are explored through what is known as Tonal NRG. This involves focusing on the resonance and vibration of vowel sounds within the body. Here are some key points to consider:

• Feel the Vibration: Pay attention to where you feel the vibration of each vowel sound. For example, the “ah” sound might resonate in your chest, while the “ee” sound might be felt in your head.

• Forward Facial Orientation: This concept encourages you to focus the sound forward in your facial space. 

• Y-Buzz and +Y-Buzz: These exercises help in developing a clear and resonant tone by focusing on the buzzing sensation in the facial mask. Y-Buzz is an “ee” sound, while the +Y-Buzz is an “A” sound as in the word “ate”. 

Consonants: The Percussion of Speech

Consonants add rhythm and clarity to speech. The Lessac technique treats consonants as musical instruments, referred to as Consonant NRG. Here are some tips for mastering consonants:

• Play with Consonants: Think of consonants as percussive elements. For instance, the “d” sound can be likened to a drum tap, while the “s” sound can be seen as a cymbal crash.

• Taste the Sound: Instead of just hitting the consonants, explore the sensation of each sound. This can make your speech more dynamic and engaging.

Practical Exercises

To integrate these concepts into your daily practice, try the following exercises:

1. Vowel Resonance Drill: Choose a vowel sound and hum it softly, paying attention to where you feel the vibration. Experiment with different pitches and volumes.

2. Consonant Play: Select a consonant and repeat it in various contexts, focusing on the sensation and energy of the sound. For example, try saying “t” in “tap,” “top,” and “tune.”

3. Forward Facial Orientation Practice: Practice speaking with a gentle forward focus, imagining the sound moving towards the front of your face.

The Lessac technique provides a sensory-rich method for voice training, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their vocal abilities.  You can create a more lively and resonant voice by tapping into the natural energies of vowels and consonants.

Take The Next Step!

If you’re seeking help to master your vowels, my personalized online video coaching sessions may be perfect for you! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your advanced skills, my sessions are designed to help you sing with confidence and ease. Start your journey to vocal excellence from the comfort of your home today! 🎤✨

Mastering Vowels: The Key to Beautiful Singing

When it comes to singing, vowels play a crucial role in shaping your sound and enhancing your vocal performance. Unlike consonants, which often interrupt the flow of air, vowels allow for a continuous, resonant sound that is essential for singing. Here’s a deep dive into why vowels matter and how you can master them to improve your singing.

Vowels Matter

Vowels are the backbone of singing.These sounds occur when air moves unobstructed through the mouth. This openness allows for notes to flow freely. In songs, most extended notes are held on vowels. 

The Five Basic Singing Vowels

In singing, we focus on five primary vowels. Each of these vowels requires a specific mouth shape and tongue position to produce the correct sound:

1. Ah (as in “father”): Open your mouth by dropping your jaw and relax your tongue.

2. Eh (as in “met”): Slightly open your mouth and position your tongue in the middle.

3. Ee (as in “meet”): Try to keep your lips neural and raise your tongue towards the roof of your mouth. Try to feel the vibration of the “ee” in your mouth and focus on that feeling. 

4. Oh (as in “home”): Round your lips and lower your tongue.

5. Oo (as in “blue”): Pucker your lips forward (like Sebastian in Disney’s the Little Mermaid) and keep your tongue low.

Techniques for Mastering Vowels

1. Mouth Shape and Position: The shape of your mouth and the position of your tongue are crucial for producing pure vowel sounds. Practice in front of a mirror to ensure you’re forming the correct shapes.

2. Resonance: Focus on where the sound resonates in your body. Feel the “ee” vowel and focus on the vibrations. Do not push into these vibrations with your airflow, just try to keep them vibrating consistently in one spot. 

3. Breath Control: Proper and consistent airflow is vital to creating a beautiful sound with your vowels. Use diaphragmatic breathing to maintain that steady airflow. 

4. Consistency: Practice singing scales and arpeggios using different vowels to maintain consistency in your tone and pitch. This helps in developing muscle memory for each vowel sound.

5. Recording: Record yourself singing and listen for any inconsistencies in your vowel sounds. 

6. Seek Feedback: Consult a vocal coach to refine your technique. A vocal coach can identify areas for improvement and provide specific guidance to enhance your overall singing. Their expertise will help you achieve more effective and polished vocal performance.  

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Muddy Vowels: If your vowels sound unclear, you might be opening your mouth too wide or not enough. Adjust your mouth shape and practice with a mirror.

• Strain and Tension: Tension in your throat or jaw can affect vocal production. Practice relaxation techniques and ensure you’re using proper breath support.

• Pitch Issues: If you’re struggling with pitch, focus on adjusting your airflow. Improper airflow can cause your notes to be sharp or flat depending on what’s going on with your pressurization.

Mastering vowels is a fundamental aspect of becoming a better singer. By focusing on mouth shape, breath control, and resonance, you can produce clear, powerful, and beautiful vowel sounds. Remember, practice and consistency are key. 

Take The Next Step!

If you’re seeking help to master your vowels, my personalized online video coaching sessions may be perfect for you! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your advanced skills, my sessions are designed to help you sing with confidence and ease. Start your journey to vocal excellence from the comfort of your home today! 🎤✨

How To Find Your Vocal Range

How to Find Your Vocal Range: A Step-by-Step Guide for Singers

Finding your vocal range is an essential step for any singer. Knowing your range helps you choose the right songs, improve your technique, and understand your voice better. Here’s a guide to help you discover your vocal range.

Step 1: Warm Up Your Voice

Before you start, warm up your voice. This helps prevent strain and ensures you get an accurate measure of your range. You can do some gentle humming, lip buzzing, or scales to get started.

Step 2: Find Your Starting Note

Begin by finding a comfortable middle pitch. For women, this is often middle C (C4), and for men, it’s usually C3. You can use a piano, a keyboard app, or an online piano to find this note.

Step 3: Determine Your Lowest Note

Sing the starting note and then move down the scale one note at a time. Continue until you reach the lowest note you can sing comfortably and clearly. This note marks the bottom of your vocal range.

Step 4: Determine Your Highest Note

Return to your starting note and now move up the scale one note at a time. Continue until you reach the highest note you can sing comfortably and clearly. This note marks the top of your vocal range.

Step 5: Record Your Range

Write down the lowest and highest notes you found. Your vocal range is the span between these two notes. For example, if your lowest note is G2 and your highest note is G4, your range is G2-G4.

Step 6: Compare and Classify

Now that you know your range, you can compare it to typical vocal ranges to determine your voice type.

• Soprano: C4 - B5

• Mezzo-Soprano: A3 - F5

• Alto: F3 - D5

• Tenor: B2 - G4

• Baritone: G2 - E4

• Bass: E2 - C4

Tips for Expanding Your Range

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve your vocal flexibility and strength.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your vocal cords hydrated.

3. Use Proper Technique: Work with a vocal coach (like me!) to ensure you’re using the correct technique and not straining your voice.

Finding your vocal range is an essential skill for any singer. It helps you understand your voice better and choose songs that showcase your strengths. With regular practice and proper technique, you can even expand your range over time. Happy singing!

How To Prepare For An Audition - AUDITION SERIES Part 3

What are some of the WORST musical theater audition mistakes you can make? In this video, we talk about some of those mistakes as well as how to properly prepare for an audition so you can see success in your labor! Now - does every audition always work out the way you want it to? No. Do you ALWAYS get the role you want? No. BUT each of these auditions teaches you something incredibly valuable that will make you a better auditioner for next time because guess what?? Number one thing to remember! THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER SHOW. ALWAYS. If a director says no to you, it is not the end. It just opens the door for a different show and director to say YES to you. There is always another show.

Things we discuss include:

• how to pick which role to audition for.

• Character descriptions and why they matter.

• Being familiar with the show.

• Analyzing roles.

• How to pick a song.

• Figuring out what range to sing in.

• How much time should I spend preparing?

• How much time should I spend on virtual auditions?

• Dressing for auditions.

Each of these topics discussed will make you a stronger and smarter auditioner. Don’t work harder! Work Smarter! But sure, you do need to put in a fair amount of work to make yourself stand out! Don’t get lazy on the job now. If you are in theater it’s part of your J.O.B. to audition. Get good at it. Geek out about how to get better at auditions. In-person OR virtual auditions. Start creating a wardrobe specifically dedicated to your auditions. Always be on the hunt for unique audition apparel. If you’re creating virtual content consider getting a better setup. A light situation, camera, tripod, backdrop. Maybe consider keeping a permanent audition space setup so that you can easily record on a regular basis. Like I said, geek out and be weird about it. All the things. I cannot wait for you to get brave and put yourself out there! If you need help prepping for your audition, reach out to me and I’d love to help!

Figure Out Your Casting Type and LAND the role - AUDITION SERIES Part 2

This video is all about typecasting. Do you know your typecast? Is not knowing your typecast holding you back? Are you stuck in a specific typecast? If you want to understand how to audition for roles that suit your casting type check out the video below as we discuss the pros and cons to type casting, why it’s important to understand for yourself and how to apply it to your auditions.

Knowing your casting type is important in musical theater productions because it allows you to better serve casting directors and the audience. By knowing your type, you can play those roles perfectly since they naturally suit you, and you can perform them better than any other actor - you’re the best possible match for that character type. Understanding your casting types mean that you can increase your changes of getting cast in a production and improve your audition.

Common casting types include:

• Adult actors who can appear as younger or older

• Ensemble members who fill scenes and dance numbers, and serve as the chorus in musical numbers

• Mom, lawyer, cop, spy, teen, criminal

• Quirky, serious, intellectual, sexy, loud, innocent

Some common mistakes actors make when auditioning for shows include:

• Being unfamiliar with the show or having a general sense of the theme of the show

• Not understanding the character they’re auditioning for

• Not coming in prepared to the audition

• Assuming that if they set their age range on online casting platforms from 0 to 99 years old, it will give them the best possible chance of getting cast

• Not preparing ahead of time (which is different than being prepared FOR the audition)

AUDITION SERIES - How To GET CAST and Impress a Casting Director

Have you ever wondered what you need to DO and BE in order to get cast in a theater production? Have you been auditioning and haven’t gotten cast? Have you wondered if you’re doing anything wrong when it comes to auditions you submit? Well! Let us have a conversation about auditioning! Heck. We need more than one conversation, we need several. So join my friend, Mr. Danny Keetch and me in the studio as we talk about all things theater and auditioning in particular. In this video we discuss how to get cast, how to impress casting directors, what is the vision of the production, The Directors Network, breaking into theater, breaking BACK IN to theater, auditioning energy, and much more!

How To Show Up For the NEW YEAR 2023! Motivation Vs DOING

Hey there! Serene here.

New Year, new….you? Naww! Same you! New desire to change SOMETHING though. Sometimes it’s easy to say, ‘I’m going to find my motivation’ or ‘I’m going to find my “why” before doing anything. Before auditioning for that show. Before starting that business. Before signing up for lessons. Some would even say that if you don’t have a deep and meaningful “why” that all your efforts will be fruitless.

I said that about my Youtube channel this last fall, 2022. I decided to take a break. Much needed break might I add. Creating content for Youtube is a never ending process and if you’re not careful it can take you down roads you may not realize you are taking. For example, when I started making reaction videos, it started with an inspiration to react to a well known video that was going around. It was a blast to make, pretty easy to do and once I got it published, it began getting view after view! FINALLY! A video I made was making some real traction! It was the first time ever for me and it felt GREAT. Especially when online viewers started to comment, chat and even disagree with me on the video. That part was a surprise but I allowed it. I allowed all views and comments to flow forth. So I started making more reaction videos. I got requests from my subscribers. I listened to them and started reviewing the most requested videos. It became a rabbit hole of reaction videos.

While I did enjoy some musical artists that truly inspired and WOW’d me, I began to feel burnt out. I lost my motivation and made some reaction videos that felt fake to me. I hated the music, but heaven help me I could not say that I hated it! Strong words Serene! My viewers would be so upset if I reacted to a video I truly hated and I would too. Why put something on the Internet that wasn’t bringing SOME kind of value to your channel? Well, I did and it did not take me long to stop doing that. I could just FEEL it wasn’t me. It wasn’t the kind of content I wanted to created and had no passion for it. I will say, some of my favorite artist to listen to and react to have been, Felix Irwan, Dimash, Aurora and Alip Ba Ta. Those artist light me up! I love them!

I took a break from Youtube to “find my motivation” and my “why” for why I created and would eventually continue to create videos for my Youtube channel. As of today, my channel has 40.7K subs. It feels like a great success and feat for me. I feel proud of the hard work I’ve put into it thus far. BUT I am not done. No I am not. You know what I found out on my break? I couldn’t find my motivation. None. I still did not have a “why” for my channel and did not feel motivated in the slightest to create content. Hello motivation? Excuse me? WHERE ARE YOU???

You know what I did learn? I had a DESIRE to be motivated? Magic fix? Nope! From past experiences with, em!, running, I had learned that motivation came from the DOING. Not the wanting to do. So….from the small seed of WANTING to create content and valuable information for my audience, I started. Do I feel motivated? Not particularly. Do I have massive inspiration for what content I am making. Hahaha! No. But I KNOW that through the DOING I can FIND 1. momentum 2. motivation 3. inspiration 4. community.

Enjoy the video below as I expand on these thoughts and MORE! Thanks for being here.

Halsey - Without Me Reaction Video

Halsey. Have you seen this video?? This is one of the best live performances of Without Me, originally by Halsey. The grit and tone that she has in her voice is so unique. The radio version of the song is so vanilla in comparison. Do you agree? Vanilla is nice for things that are universally accepted but what if you want something with more underlying feeling? Something with more angst? Something with more pain? Something with more joy? Enter. Halsey singing live. The live version of Without Me is pure magic and it speaks to my soul. Check out my reaction video to Halsey singing, Without Me.

AUDITIONS - Part 2

I know I know…You’ve been waiting with bated breath to hear the results of my audition right?? Yeah, I’ll bet you have. 😜

I sent in my audition video and waited. And waited. And waited. Waiting to hear back from something like this is probably the worst part. THAT and actually imagining them watching your video. If I’m unsure about the video I sent, that will actually make my stomach turn. I digress. In actuality, I only waited about 48 hours before I got the email asking me to come in to the call back. Whoo hoo! I made the call back. But wait. Plot twist here my friends. I got called back for the hot box dancer part. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE dancing. It was my minor in college. I’ve taken years and years of dance. Some of the genres I studied include ballet, tap, modern, jazz, creative, ballroom and hiphop. The question for me has always been - which do I love more? Music? Dance? Music? Dance? Why not BOTH?? I do love both. Each speak to my soul quite differently.

So this dance call back. It has been a hot minute since I took an actual dance class so I felt a little overwhelmed with being called back as a hot box dancer. No matter! I’ll practice! I had one week before the actual call back day, so I had time. Every day (or night) I would go to my dance basement space and practice. I looked up YouTube videos of dance combinations that I thought were a similar genre and learned them to death. I even looked up specific dance routines for the show itself. I’ll link my favorite video below:

I loved learning this routine. It challenged me and forced me to think ahead. The genre was perfect too! It was definitely a show piece. It spoke to my jazz training quite well. I’ll be honest. Jazz was never my forte’ but I knew I had a strong background in performing and was confident that if I kept practicing, all would be well.

The day of the auditions arrived! I was SO excited. Like, so excited that my driving skill were slightly impaired. Sorry local friends. On the drive, I wanted to PUMP myself up. You can tell when someone has high energy or when someones energy is more melancholy. This show did NOT call for melancholy so I needed high energy. The song that I listened to that really gave me some good energy was by Fall Out Boy - Light ‘Em Up. Oh you better believe it. I was feeling PUMPED. That and the song by Pharrell Williams - Happy. I tell ya! Happy does it for my every time. Great song.

I arrived slightly early - totally didn’t want to be late - phew! Temperatures were took (still during covid time), 98.8 (oh good! I’m not sweating my nervous brains out.) I stood in line to check in and get my number. After which we went strait in to the audition room. It looked more like a massive warehouse which was very cool. Oh! Mirrors! Oh! An actual dance floor. Cool. Then it began. We learned the first part of the combination, then the second, then the third, then the fourth, then the fifth…and on it went. I don’t really remember HOW many sections of this routine we learned but it seemed to just keep going. Not gonna lie. This type of routine was what I feared. The length. Keeping the sections in the correct order. That’s really where I felt I was falling short and that’s where taking dance classes comes in handy. Too late for that now, I just had to press on!

You know what got me through this audition? Making believe that this wasn’t a call back, but a dance class. I was there to take a class and learn some new things and have fun! That really helped me. It helped me to keep perspective on my mistakes and it helped me to keep perspective on learning. This particular class did have a “class presentation” at the end aka - perform the combo you just learned. That was fun but boy! I did make some mistakes. I got in my head too much. I got in my head when the combo was being learned. BUT I did have a blast performing the combo. When everyone had performed the routine the producer talked to us. She gave us some wonderful advise and encouraged us to keep auditioning as this show was only going to cast 8 people out of the 90 that did call backs. I’m no math whiz but that’s what? 10%? I think so.

Call back over! Thank goodness. I left with a really positive sense of the experience and gratitude that I was able to audition at Hale Centre Theatre. It really had been so much fun. The next fun part? Waiting. I’m curious how long it actually took them to cast everyone but the final cast list was posted 18 days after the call backs. It felt like an eternity. Every time my phone went off with an email notification I would - as calmly as I possibly could - check my phone. The emails I did receive ranged from Old Navy trying to get me to buy all the clothes (could have used that as a good buffer but didn’t,) to emails from my voice teacher, the local church and the library. I heard nada from Casting Manager, which is where any important email would come from. I imagined what it would be like to receive that email. “Congratulations! You’ve been cast in our production of Guys and Dolls! Do you accept this role?” This is where the hard part is. You have to click on the YES button. I imagined the thrill of excitement as you realize that your life will infinitely change for the next 6 months. These are the thoughts that made my stomach turn in anticipation. I really just needed a firm answer. I was willing to take the answer, whatever it may be, but I NEEDED an answer. Till one day…..

I received an email from the administrative assistant. It was titled Guys & Dolls update. Nervously, I read that casting would be announced the following week and gave the instructions that if you are cast, you’ll receive an email from Casting Manager that you MUST respond to. I wondered if people had forgotten this crucial step. Hit YES. Ya know you want to! Press that YES button and move ahead! PLEASE! For all our sakes. Some of us are dying here. My favorite part of the email was the closing statement in all caps, “HANG IN THERE!” Oh! This gave my heart hope. Deep down I felt like I would not be cast this time but that statement gave me HOPE. Hope I needed. There IS a possibility that I could be cast but even if I wasn’t, I knew I could accept the decision with grace. There was SO many talented people who auditioned and I knew that they would be able to get a fantastic cast from all the auditioners.

In the end when the final cast list was posted, no I was not cast. Was that OK? Yes. I felt so grateful to have the decision made. Waiting had been brutal BUT it was worth it. It was worse then waiting for Christmas but I would do it all over again. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions and thoughts but it was good practice to keep my mind and faith in check.

Will I audition again at Hale Centre Theatre? You bet your bottom dollar I will! Such a generous company to audition for. They put out some incredible musicals and plays to be sure but also the experience of auditioning for them was SO POSITIVE. They were so kind.

Stay tuned for future auditioning stories….

Your truly,

AUDITIONS - Part 1

AUDITIONS. The big. Exciting. Scary. Word.

OK to be entirely honest. I LOVE doing auditions. Something about it is so exciting to me, similarly to going on a roller coaster, going skydiving or asking someone out on a date. The RUSH is REAL. The unknown of everything also brings excitement.

Recently I participated in a number of auditions but the one I want to highlight today is my experience in auditioning for a local professional theatre - Hale Centre Theatre. I found out about auditions for Guys and Dolls from a student who was preparing to send in an audition video. Because of Covid-19 2020, the initial auditions are done via video submissions. Guys and Dolls is one of my absolute favorite shows. I adore the story line, characters and music. It holds a special place in my heart. So what did I have to lose in sending my own audition video in? Not much really. So I rehearsed my favorite song, Adelaide’s Lament and prepared to film my audition video. Some things I considered in the days leading up to filming was my song. Did I know it well enough? I tried to memorize memorize memorize. What kind of character did I want to embrace? Who is Adelaide? What are her struggles? What is the thing that she connects with most? How do her struggles show up in her body?

After several days of pondering and slightly putting off the filming session - I pressed record. I had a half an hour at best to do the recording. I recorded again and again and again and again. After about 25 mins of takes I FINALLY felt like a had a solid grip and WHO Adelaide was to me. I adjusted how I was singing the part. I added character flaws. I added looks and mannerisms that matched the character for Adelaide that I had created in my mind. I was in LOVE with her. After another 25 mins I finally had two takes that I was really happy with. Now to decide which one was my money take. I struggled to decide. I sent both videos to 4 different trusted coaches. Each gave their advise and I sent in the one I felt was the strongest. I’ll post both videos below. Can you tell which one was my money take? The one I ended up sending into Hale for my audition? Let me know in the comments below.

Video #1

Video #2

Find The Beat In A Snap!

This video is the BASICS when it comes to finding the beat of a song. We will learn 4 different beating patterns in this video and discuss 4 different time signatures. Each time signature is important to understand in order to feel the motion of different pieces and the beating pattern will enable you to FEEL the beat of any time signature.

BASE BEAT

The first beat pattern we talk about is simply find the BASE BEAT. How do we find the strong beat of the song? Finding this beat is essential when it comes to understanding how to sing any song.

2/4

The second time signature or beat pattern we talk about is the 2/4. Each beat per measure will get 2 beats. Beating for 2 beats is pretty easy. You can use this pattern when you want to simplify a more complicated time signature such as 3/4, 6/4 or even 12/4.

3/4

The third time signature we will discuss is the 3/4 pattern. This pattern is the one that feels like a Disney movie romantic scene dance. It’s the WALTZ pattern. This is the pattern that will either make you or break you. It has to be smooth, continuous and moving. If you feel like you have two left feet, this pattern might be a little tricky. Don’t worry! This video breaks it down so you can EASILY grasp this beating pattern.

4/4

The forth time signature we learn is the 4/4 pattern. This pattern gives us four beats per measure and is the MOST COMMON time signature. 4/4 is also known as ‘common time.’ This is the pattern we would use if we were to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Learning each of these time signatures and beating patterns will help you immensely especially if you struggle to stay on beat or even find the beat to music.

Feeling Throat Tightness? Tension? Use this warm up to keep your vocal chords and muscles relaxed.

If you’re feeling tension in your throat, neck, shoulders, abdomen or elsewhere? That is NOT GOOD. We do not want tension when we’re singing. The best place to start, is by keeping everything nice and relaxed is in warm ups! Here’s 4 ways to do that:

1. Take some deep breathes before you begin

2. Breathe from a LOW LOW LOW place

3. Use your hands

4. Lip Buzz on the notes

QUESTIONS

Why do you start with some deep breaths?

Deep breathing brings your awareness back to the NOW. It brings awareness to your body. Since your body is the instrument in singing, this awareness is vital. Take 2 -5 deep breaths and breathe into every part of your body. Take your breath into your hips, down to your feet, up to the crown of your head and out your hands.

Why do I need to breathe from a LOW LOW LOW place?

Breathing from a low place encourages the breath to have more power behind it. Creating more power behind your breath will strengthen your singing and ability to sing longer phrases. You don’t want to sound weak while you sing. Trust me.

I feel stupid when using my hands to sing. Is it really necessary?

It is REALLY NECESSARY. Since when does your instrument care how you use it to get the desired result? Turn off your brain thoughts for a minute and just do it. Will it feel weird? Probably. But it will help your voice and breath to move more freely throughout your body. The more you move, the more freedom your voice will have.

How do you get your lips to buzz? I’m struggling here.

First off, shake out your legs and loosen up your lips. Physically. Then as Sebastian would say “pucker up your lips. Like this!” If you need to, wet your lips a bit to get things moving. Still struggling to buzz? Try pushing MORE AIR through your lips - like you do when you sneeze.

The video below will help you with the exercise. Check it out and see if you can find success in your lip buzzing. Be sure to like the video on Youtube and comment below if you have any questions!

I'm Alive Cover (originally by Sia)

#alivecover #siacover #alivefemalecover Alive, originally by Sia, covered by singer Serene Parker

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LEAD VOCAL: Serene Parker

VIDEO: Serene Parker VIDEO EDITING: Serene Parker

AUDIO MASTERING: Lakeview Recording Studio

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: SING KING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0QBqsJF3aA