Hi Creative Explorers, Are you raising your shoulders and your chest when you breathe? Did you know that is called shallow breathing - as in “flight or fright” mode - and it’s not the best way to breathe? Yikes! Would you like to know how to breathe deep - in a healthy way that is better for you and your singing? 1. Breath Through Your Nose Let's kick things off by talking about the superhero of singing—your breath! Did you know that proper breathing technique is crucial for singing like a pro? It's true! Take a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, which moisturizes the air. Feel your belly expand like a big balloon? That's diaphragmatic breathing in action, and it's the secret to unlocking powerful vocals. Practice breathing deeply into your stomach, expand your lower ribs 360 degrees around, and you'll notice a big difference in your singing ability. 2. Meet Your Diaphragm Say hello to your diaphragm, your trusty sidekick in the world of singing! Your diaphragm is a wide, dome-shaped muscle located just below your lungs, and it plays a crucial role in helping you control your breath while singing. When you inhale, your diaphragm moves downward, allowing your lungs to fill up with air. Practice engaging your diaphragm by taking slow, deep breaths and feeling your belly expand as you breathe in. With a little practice, you'll become a diaphragmatic breathing pro in no time! 3. Relax and Chill Singing should be fun and enjoyable, so it's important to relax and let go of any tension in your body. Take a moment to shake out your shoulders, roll your neck from side to side, and release any tension you might be holding onto. Remember, a relaxed body equals a happy voice, so take a deep breath and let the stress melt away. 4. Keep a Steady Beat Rhythm is the heartbeat of music, and it's essential for great singing! When you're singing, try to keep a steady rhythm with your breath to maintain smooth and controlled vocalization. Imagine yourself floating down a calm river, with each breath flowing effortlessly like gentle ripples on the water. By staying in rhythm, you'll keep your vocals on track and sounding their best. 5. Use Your Core Your core muscles are more than just for show—they're your secret weapon for powerful singing! Engage your core gently as you sing to provide support and stability for your voice. Think of your core as the strong foundation of your singing house, keeping everything in place and allowing your voice to shine. Practice engaging your core by standing tall and drawing your belly button in towards your spine as you sing. 6. Practice Makes Perfect Like anything worth doing, singing takes practice and dedication. Set aside some time each day to practice your breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups. The more you practice, the stronger your voice will become, and the better you'll get at hitting those high notes and nailing those tricky melodies. Remember, it's all about progress, not perfection, so don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way! 7. Listen to Your Body Your body is incredibly smart, so it's important to listen to what it's telling you. If you start to feel tired or dizzy while singing, take a break and give yourself a chance to catch your breath. Your health and well-being are the most important things, so always listen to your body and take care of yourself. EXERCISE OF THE DAY - LAY ON YOUR BACK Lay on your back with your feet flat and knees pointing up. Place a hand on your belly and breathe. Feel your belly rise and fall naturally while you speak or sing. So there you have it—seven awesome tips and an exercise to help you breathe deeply and become a singing sensation! Keep practicing, stay positive, and most importantly, have fun along the way. With a little hard work and dedication, who knows? Maybe you'll make it big! ~~~~~ ANNOUNCEMENT - MOTIVATIONAL MUSICIAN LIVES Today is Day 7 of 30 days of my daily Motivational Musician Lives at 9:30pm CST on Facebook and Instagram. I talk about an inspiring quote from my Singing in Tune: Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems book and singing a song acapella. Come join me! Best wishes, Karen Lyu (she/her) Holistic Voice Coach / Keynote Concert Speaker / Author / Game Designer aka "Karey Poppins" ~~~~~ Karen's Links https://linktr.ee/karenlyu https://www.holisticvoicecoach.com
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Hi Creative Explorers,
Have you ever thought about how powerful your voice is? It's not just about saying words; it's about expressing the real you. But sometimes, using our voices can be daunting. We worry about judgment or messing up. But being brave isn't about never feeling scared. It's about finding the courage to speak up, even when it's tough. So, how do we tap into our brave voices? First off, let's be kind to ourselves. Feeling nervous is normal. Take a moment to breathe and remind yourself that you can do this. Next, let's practice using our voices in safe spaces. Whether it's chatting with a friend, jotting down thoughts in a journal, or belting out a tune when nobody's listening, the more we use our voices, the stronger they become. But remember, using your voice isn't just about the words you say. It's about infusing them with emotion and authenticity. Let your passion shine through when you speak or sing. And don't forget, it's okay to be vulnerable. When we embrace our true selves, we make genuine connections with others. So, be bold, embrace your brave voice, and let it ring out loud and clear - just like I did on the Conversations with Melissa interview! WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tcQhAemEvU&t=601s ANNOUNCEMENT For the next 30 days, starting TOMORROW, I will be brave and go live every day at 9:30pm CST on Facebook and Instagram. I will talk about an inspiring quote from my Singing in Tune: Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems book and singing a song acapella. Come join me! Best wishes, Karen Lyu (she/her) Holistic Voice Coach + Keynote Concert Speaker + Game Designer aka "Karey Poppins" ~~~~~ https://linktr.ee/karenlyu https://www.holisticvoicecoach.com Hi Creative Explorers,
In a world filled with noise, it's easy to feel drowned out, to feel like your voice doesn't matter. But let me assure you, it does. Your voice is more than just the sound that emanates from your vocal cords; it's your unique perspective, your experiences, your truth. And it's incredibly important. Having a voice means having the courage to speak up, even when it's difficult. It means advocating for yourself and for others who may not have the same opportunity. Your voice has the power to inspire change, to challenge injustice, and to spark meaningful conversations. But perhaps even more importantly, your voice is a reflection of your humanity. It's a reminder that you exist, that you matter, and that your thoughts and feelings are valid. In a world that often tries to silence marginalized voices, asserting your own is an act of resistance, of self-affirmation. When you speak your truth, you give others permission to do the same. You create space for empathy, understanding, and connection. Your voice has the ability to bridge divides, to build community, and to foster a sense of belonging. So, don't underestimate the power of your voice. Embrace it, cherish it, and use it to make a difference in the world. Whether you're speaking out against injustice, sharing your art, or simply expressing your feelings, know that your voice has value, and it deserves to be heard. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, your voice is a beacon of light, guiding us toward a brighter, more compassionate future. So, speak up, speak out, and never forget the profound impact your voice can have. Are you ready to transform your voice and express your soul? Book a FREE 25-min Vocal Discovery Call today! Hi Creative Explorers,
“Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain- unless it is done with play, in which case, it takes between 10-20 repetitions.”- Dr. Karyn Purvis In the pursuit of mastering the art of singing, structured lessons and technique drills often take center stage. However, the role of play in vocal development cannot be overstated. Embracing a playful mindset can unlock new dimensions of creativity, joy, and skill in your singing journey. THE POWER OF PLAY
This is in large part why I enjoy making my Holistic Zoom Voice Lessons FUN and MAGICAL! They call me “Karey Poppins” for a reason! TESTIMONIAL "It is my great pleasure to write this testimonial for Karen Lyu. She is - beyond all the details that follow - an inspirational and passionately dedicated spirit. Her depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and breadth of resources, esp. relating to body practices, make all of her teaching invaluable and practical. And beyond that, her lessons are FUN!" ~ Carl Phillips - English Teacher/Singer Are you curious? Would you like a FREE 25-min Vocal Discovery Call? CLICK BELOW! Hi Creative Explorers,
I'm about to reveal something sad, but true. In a 2019 study, 70.8% of voice teachers with bachelors degrees - and 82.4% of voice teachers with some graduate school - preferred not to work with a student who has poor pitch. A recent study by Erica Waxer, MA of 6 popular vocal pedagogy textbooks found that 4 out of 6 had ZERO solutions for teaching how to sing on pitch - The Functional Unity of the Singing Voice by Barbara M. Doscher (I had this in college) had 1 page of solutions and Teaching Kids to Sing by Kenneth Philips (published in 2013) had 12 pages of solutions. This is why many voice teachers and voice coaches out there often SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW much about how to teach good intonation aka singing on pitch. Sadly, these old-fashioned, uninformed voice instructors tend to tell students with poor pitch that they are a) just not trying hard enough, or b) they are tone-deaf and hopeless. Unfortunately, in my experience with over 1,000 voice students, I have literally worked with hundreds of voice students who were traumatized by past voice instructors like this. This is why I am so passionate and have taken the time to find and write about 25 different reasons for poor pitch - and 110 solutions for these issues. These 25 pitch problems can be grouped into 7 main causes. 7 MAIN CAUSES OF POOR PITCH 1. Hearing loss 2. Lack of feedback 3. Lack of mental focus 4. Physical issues 5. Insufficient warm-up 6. Lack of ear training 7. Issues with monitor equipment If you would like read about my 110 solutions for 25 pitch problems - which address ALL 7 main causes of poor pitch, please check out my new book: Singing in Tune: Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems. PS. It has a WONDERFUL foreword by Brian Witkowski, DMA, who earned 3 music degress while 100% deaf in one ear. |
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