We know don’t we, that life has the habit of getting in the way and very often one of the things that can get squeezed out,  is adequate opportunity to follow our passion.

Here, of course, I'm referring to singing.

Life's stresses and strains take their toll. Everyday timetables don't always allow us those moments or the mental space we crave to think about singing and perhaps do a little bit of vocal exercise to keep our instrument ticking over.

I've written blog posts about years gone by and the frustrations I suffered because of domestic duties and the family timetable that seem to allow no time for my own singing.

Can you relate? I certainly can.

It's a very understandable dilemma, actually.  All the focus is on learning the song, being able to deliver the tune, to know the accompaniment well, coming in at the right time singing all the phrases with not too many extra breaths and obviously give some expression and reach out to the audience - communicate. Of course, lots of ...

By ‘yodel’, singers, I don’t mean ‘a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch between the low-pitch chest register (or “chest voice”) and the high-pitch head register or falsetto.’

No no. This is different. Yet there are similarities …

The infographic alludes to those moments when you’re singing, everything is going smoothly until suddenly your voice does something weird. A ‘yodel’ or a ‘blip’ - a fluctuation in pitch/sound. It can feel embarrassing.

(A good analogy would be: when you’re driving - perhaps negotiating a speed change or a tricky corner - and you don’t quite change gear smoothly enough and the gearbox complains.)

Often when learning a craft or skill, (at any stage of development) there are moments when new muscle memories wrestle with the old, and the result can often mean a spot of spontaneous ‘yodelling’ happens.

There’s an imbalance going on somewhere in the mix.

The remedy lies in reapplication of very basic vocal technique principles a...

One of the best reasons I sing is that it keeps me sane. Quite literally. Singing has been and continues to be both my linchpin and my salvation. It may have been challenging to maintain the learning regime at tumultuous times, but I always have returned to music - to singing - to restore balance.

Reason #1: It’s a question of balance

Singing restores my equilibrium. It lifts me up in unseen ways and gives permission to engage with my inner self. It helps me express and communicate, share thoughts and even commemorate. In 2001 I gave a concert to celebrate the life of my youngest daughter Alice, who had died earlier that year at just 7 years old. We recorded the performance live; to this day I consider it to be one of the most healing actions I have ever taken. All I wanted to share and vocally express that night is on the CD recording, and it is still so very, very consoling. Like a time capsule, it takes me right back. I gave a similar remembrance performance in 2014, with ‘21 Ca...

Sing Joyfully October 2019

Are you a singer, in search of effective vocal learning, and authentic leadership within a fully supportive learning environment? I invite you to join me for this enriching mini-retreat weekend event, in the wonderful setting of Dartington Hall, South Devon, UK.

The title, ‘Sing Joyfully!’ sets the theme - evoking the idea of having fun in good company, and small group ensemble singing.

The weekend is geared towards vocal learning for all; new singers are encouraged to apply, regardless of experience as there is always so much to learn by just simply diving in, allowing yourself to be guided by those who have had more singing opportunities and experiences. 

4 workshop sessions initial ideas will include:

• Issues of vocal technique and basic warm-ups. 
• Vocal blending and part-song singing via simple repertoire.
• Singing and stage-direction, moving around the stage.
• Costume and the singer.

For more details about this event, please visit www.littlesop...