Sing what? In what Style?

So, it's Mother's Day 2013 and I've scheduled my first meet-up for the Valley Village Vocals. Yes, an alliteration at it's finest. lol Extra points! Any way....wth was I thinking? Who's gonna show up on Mother's Day? Now, don't think I'm callous. I spent Mother's Day with the important women in my life (my mommy....yes, I said mommy, and the grandma) the day before. But, I digress. Love you mom and grandma! Who's gonna show up? Well, people, of course. It was a small, but mighty group. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was a group of mostly strangers, who by the end of the day had become.....well.....acquaintances with something in common....a love for music.
The group started out with the usual "hi, my name is...." and "I love music, because..." blah, blah, blah. People were shy at first, but once music was brought into the conversation, inevitably, the walls came tumblin' down. It was an older group, so I scratched my "Be Banana" activity, thinking that nobody would want to "peel banana." Instead, I went straight into the main event.....head first. Now, hindsight is 20/20, and I do think some of them would've liked it, especially "go bananas!" Who doesn't wanna do that.....every day! Pick me, pick me! I do....and I do it! lol
Now, for the main event. A small sense of uncertainty enters the room as the victims....ahem....I mean....talented singers and musicians are given the following instructions: break into groups of three or four (math skills.....tested....passed), pick a song (decision making skills.....tested....passed), and sing that song in a genre other than the one in which it is written. Wha??? Yes, ANY other genre. Confusion filled the room, but the results were pretty NICE!
After about 30 minutes of team work, deliberation, and rehearsal the groups came up with the following: "Theme from New York, New York" sung as a Gregorian Chant (with harmonies......yes!!), "Stand by Me" sung as a good ol' Country song, and "Twist and Shout" as a modern Rap. The highlight? "So Darlin'......Darlin'....now Darlin;.....oh Darlin'....Stand By Me" sung with the twangiest accent you can come up with. Classic Country!! 
What did everyone learn? Taking risks in music is easy and fun, working together produces good results, and it helps the self-esteem when people actually applaud after your performance. Oh, and many discovered a new talent they never knew they had.....remixing songs. Oh, and if there's food....people will come. :) Until the next meet-up on August 4th.

Wanna Feel Like a Rock Star?

Who isn't tired of hearing their child or teen say "I'm borrrrred!"? Summer is coming, which means you will hear  this even more. Here's a solution to that problem. 5 weeks of fun with music and singing for a low price!
Why do this, you ask? Through Wanna Feel Like a Rock Star's vocal workshop program, your child or teen will not only improve their singing voice, but they will also increase their self-confidence.
Why is this important? Through having a high level of self-confidence, especially at such a young age, children and teens become more successful in many areas of life; including academic and social. For example: they focus better in school and communicate more clearly with others.
According to Don Campbell, "Children who play music do better in school and life."
I would add to that, 'and they have more fun.' Because, well, life is also about enjoying every day and music is a huge contributor to that.
Why not add (or improve on) (another) skill to your child or teens already long list? Music is said to ignite more areas of the brain than anything else, so why not take full advantage of this great (and affordable) opportunity. You will then avoid the ever-present "I'm borrrred," turning it into "I'm excited" or "Thank you for signing me up for this cool workshop!"
Research says "Teens see music as their "social glue" and as a "bridge for building acceptance and tolerance for people of different ages and social backgrounds."
This program will give your child or teen a deeper appreciation for different kinds of music. They will sing in 4 genres and make healthy friendships with people who enjoy singing as much as they do. Plus, they will have the opportunity, if they so choose, to showcase their talent. How amazing will it feel when your child or teen is applauded for their accomplishments! If that's a good feeling for you, sign them up today! Hurry, space is limited!
Email Liz at:beinthemusic@gmail.com

How do I breathe?

When asked the question, 'do you know how to breathe?' We answer, of course, I wanna stay alive, don't I? Uhhhh....yeah.

Well, breathing is a different story for a singer. What do you mean?

In every day life, we often breathe from our chest. That feels only natural, right?

Well, as singers, we need to breathe from our diaphragm. Why, you ask? Let me tell you a little story.

A woman came to me last Sunday, who was very hoarse. Here's her story, in a nutshell. She recently started teaching P90X classes. Can you say, INTENSE? She teaches 25+ classes a week. Now, here's the problem. She teaches most of these classes without a headset microphone. What? How is that possible? Well, it's not. That's why she has lost her voice. No mic= possible improper use of the voice= a big problem

When I met her, she sounded like she had just smoked a pack. Her words, not mine. Now, keep in mind, I just met her last week. I asked her how long she had been hoarse and she said "since February." Wha? Why didn't you come to me sooner, I thought? I think she was in denial.

How did I help her? 

 I gave her tips on how to rest and properly take care of her voice.

Do:

1. Stay hydrated (drink lots of water)

2. Drink decaf tea (with a little raw honey) at night

3. Use a humidifier (room and personal) to help keep the air moist and keep your throat hydrated

4. Rest your voice. When you have to talk, talk at a comfortable higher pitch

5. Avoid dairy

Don't:

1.Whisper

2.Force cough

3.Clear your throat forcefully

4.Drink alcohol, caffeinated drinks, milk

5.Chew gum (the sugar coats your throat and messes with your cords)

I educated her on proper breathing techniques:

Exercise:

-Lie flat on your back (on the floor) and place a heavyish book on your diaphragm (located just below your ribcage)

-Inhale for 5-10 counts (more if you can handle it) and watch the book rise 

*the book rising indicates that you are breathing from your diaphragm*

-Repeat several times to practice breathing from your diaphragm

I taught her a few vocal warm-up techniques to use before she teaches:

Exercise #1:

-lip buzzing 

-tongue trills

*both are done on a pitch of your choice*

-repeat 3-5 times each

Exercise #2:

-Start off humming on a comfortable pitch (mouth closed)

-Slowly open up to Mmmmm......ahhhhhhhh

-repeat 5-8 times

Exercise #3:

-Select a comfortable pitch

-Repeat Ma, May, Mee, Moh, Moo

-Do this exercise up and down the scale in your comfortable range

Lastly, I gave her a few extra pieces of advice:

1. If you feel tightness in your neck while you are teaching, you aren't breathing from your diaphragm. Check your breathing.

2.Loosen up your neck (give yourself a mini massage) and your jaw (massage your mandible) before you start teaching

3.If people have a hard time understanding what you're saying, it doesn't necessarily mean you are too quiet. It might mean that you aren't enunciating enough.

Here are a few tongue twisters to practice: (repeat each one 5-10 times or til your mouth is a bit tired.)

rubber baby buggy bumpers

she sells seashells by the seashore

unique new york

toy boat

There are many more, but these are just a few suggestions. 

I also advised her to get a proper amount of sleep, because that will help her voice even more. I am going to check back in with her this weekend to see how she is feeling. I am hoping that this is just from overuse and that she hasn't developed nodes on her vocal cords. That is a whole other beast that only an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor can take of.

Think good positive thoughts.

I hope this was helpful for all of you out there.

If you enjoyed my blog, check out my website:

www.elizabethjcampbell.com  -For more information on my 5 Week Vocal Workshops for all ages and levels!! Wanna Feel Like a Rock Star? Let me help you!! :) :)

Please Pick Me Larry, Pick Me!!!!!

Hi Everyone!!!
So, I am a semi-finalist in a competition called "Pick Me Larry!!"
If I win, I will be interviewed by Larry King!!!

Please do me favor and go to:
www.ora.tv/pickmelarry and vote for Liz Campbell!!!

I will love you forever, if I don't already!!! 

Thank you soooo much!!! :) :)