Ted's Voice Academy - BLOG

  Breath Support Across Genres: The Invisible Foundation of Singing Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. We have explored various vocal techniques from opera to belting in our ongoing series. Regardless of genre, one element remains universally critical - breath support. Let's take a deeper look at this invisible foundation of singing across different styles. Introduction: The Crucial Role of Breath Support in Singing Breath support is the powerhouse behind every note sung. It fuels the voice, allowing for sustained tones, controlled dynamics, and long, flowing phrases. Breath support not only improves your vocal tone and range but also contributes to vocal health by reducing strain on the vocal cords. It's the cornerstone of all singing, albeit applied differently across genres. Breath Support in Opera: Deep, Sus...

  Belting Vocal Technique: Power and Intensity in Singing Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. Welcome back to our dive into vocal techniques across genres. After uncovering the secrets of speech level singing, we now venture into a style commonly associated with musical theater and popular music - belting. This technique, packed with power and intensity, is key to delivering show-stopping performances. Introduction: What is Belting, and Where is it Commonly Used? Belting originated in the world of musical theater and has found its way into various other genres, such as rock, pop, and gospel. It refers to a specific technique of voice production that allows a singer to maintain their chest voice higher into their vocal range, resulting in a powerful and intense sound that cuts through a music mix. Physiology of Beltin...

  Vocal Techniques Across Genres - Basic Vocal Technique Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform.  Welcome to the first installment in our journey into the world of vocal mastery! In this blog post, we'll be exploring the foundational principles of vocal techniques, which form the bedrock of all singing, and introducing the genres we'll delve into in future posts. But first, let's establish why understanding these vocal techniques is essential for singers. Vocal techniques serve as your roadmap in the vast landscape of singing. They are crucial in shaping and developing your voice, enabling you to unlock its full potential. By understanding and mastering different vocal techniques, you're not just expanding your repertoire – you're also broadening your ability to express yourself and connect with your audi...

  Speech Level Singing Technique: Singing as Naturally as Speaking Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. Welcome back to our series exploring vocal techniques across genres. After our dive into the grandeur of opera, we now shift our focus to a more modern approach to singing - Speech Level Singing (SLS). Developed by Seth Riggs, vocal coach to numerous Grammy-winning artists, SLS offers a technique that promotes singing as naturally as speaking. Introduction: Understanding Speech Level Singing (SLS) SLS emphasizes a balanced and effortless approach to singing. It proposes that singing should feel as natural and strain-free as speaking. To achieve this, SLS encourages maintaining the larynx at the 'speech level,' which is its relaxed, neutral position during normal speech. You’ll recall that for opera, singers are ...

  Opera Vocal Technique: An introduction to the Grandeur of Operatic Singing Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform.  Welcome to the second installment in our exploration of vocal techniques across genres. In this post, we'll be venturing into the grand and illustrious world of opera singing. Opera, with its rich history and refined technique, offers singers a unique challenge and reward in mastering the full expressive potential of the human voice. Introduction: A Brief History and Significance of Opera Opera, a marriage of music, drama, costuming, set design, and spectacle, originated in Italy at the end of the 16th century. It has since evolved and branched into various styles, gaining popularity worldwide for its emotional intensity and vocal grandeur. Opera singers are lauded for their powerful, full-bodied vo...

  Welcome to a Journey in Vocal Mastery: Vocal Techniques Across Genres Hello, and welcome to a special 10-part series [plus this introduction] of posts dedicated to understanding and applying different vocal techniques across a variety of singing genres. Whether you're a novice just starting to explore your vocal abilities or a seasoned professional looking to fine-tune your artistry in a less familiar genre, these posts will offer you valuable insights, practical exercises, and an enriched perspective on vocal production. My name is Ted, and I have been on a fascinating musical journey for most of my life. My first classical choral experience began when I was 9 years old, as a soprano in the LaCrosse (Wisconsin) Boychoir. My lifelong passion for singing was further kindled at the young age of 16 when I first ventured into the richly harmonic world of barbershop music. Over the years, my commitment to singing led me to earn degrees in vocal performance and K-12 music education, an...

  Introduction "Oh my dear, please don't sing! You can mouth the words, OK?" There's a persistent myth that circulates in our culture, touching the hearts of millions who desire to express themselves through song. You've probably heard it or felt its effects: "Some people are just tone-deaf, and they can't learn to sing." But what if I told you that this is largely a misunderstanding? Today, we are going to debunk this myth and show how nearly everyone can learn to sing in tune. Unveiling the Truth about Tone Deafness True tone deafness, or amusia, is a rare neurological condition affecting only about 1.5% to 4% of the population. It is characterized by a difficulty in distinguishing different pitches, which is vital in singing. It is even possible (I think, likely) that percentage is even lower, but some diagnosed with the condition, may have simply not had enough exposer and guidance to help them in meaningful ways. Regardless, an inability to sing...