IT'S YOUR SHOW, YOU CAN SHINE IF YOU WANT TO! VOCAL 101

It would take much more than a newsletter to cover ALL of the tools that you can implement to make your show shine. So for today, I am going to share some Vocal tips that can help to make a HUGE difference for you right away!
Next week I will cover Mindset

Here's a simple formula
PREPARATION + PRESENCE = CONFIDENCE!

The basics of Preparation are 2 parts - Voice & Mindset
When these pieces are in place, real confidence begins to manifest and from there?
You can begin to step into your brightest stage presence.

Vocal 101

Usually it takes til last song of a Nashville round or the middle of a regular 45min set, to really start getting into your vocal groove. BUT?
If you take the time to warm up before your show - well, then when you start the show you're already in your vocal 'zone!' With that piece of the puzzle already in place, you will be more relaxed, expressive and be able to have more Fun!
I mean if you were a runner, would you ever think to begin the race before stretching and warming up your muscles? Singing is no different!

Here's 4 things you can do, to get rockin' before you leave the house.
1. Connect with your breath
Feeling your stomach & ribs expand on the inhale and relax inward on the exhale
Breath is the foundation of your voice AND your key to staying focused & calm

2. Warm up your body
Stretch your shoulders, neck, back, jaw, tongue.
Do a tiny bit of cardio- jumping jacks, sun salutations, running in place - get the blood flowing in coordination with your breath

3. Vocal Warm Up
Always remember when you Warm Up you're beginning with gentle and soft exercises to open the voice. You wouldn't start a treadmill at 5mph, right? We start at a slow pace and then work up towards a run! Same rules apply- don't start loud or belt on your first exercise

4. Run through a song or two
Get yourself to a place so that you are beginning to connect with your emotional expression and thinking less about how your voice sounds- we want to be rehearsed enough so that when we are on stage we can rock out, in the moment - connected to our audience and our emotion
Vocal practice is the time to think about technique.
Stage is the time to think about having fun because it's your chance to share and express on a deeper level
So make sure your voice is READY and ROCKIN' to be the vehicle to take you there!
*Shorter the show the longer the vocal warm up* (so when you start you are Ready!)
*Longer the show the shorter the vocal warm up* (save your pipes for the stage and start the night with some easier tunes ;)

ALSO! Some 101 advice on taking care of your voice

Hydration ....
Water, Water, Water!
Gently steam your voice (easiest tactic is a long shower and let the room get foggy before you in there)

Why do we avoid.....
Caffeine? It drys the vocal cords
Alcohol? Once again it is drying and it can inhibit coordination
Dairy? Creates excess mucous on your cords and can hinder flexibility

Some other favorite tips....
Shhhhh....... Don't yell / talk loudly in the club before your set (or the night before!)
Get enough Zzzzzzz....
Throat Coat Tea (I like the Traditional Medicinals brand, just regular flavor)
Honey (sometimes, just a tbsp straight or dissolve in hot water)
Honey Loquat syrup (use same as honey- can be gotten at Whole Foods)
Chamomile Tea (add honey to this too!) can be calming for some people
Roxalia (made by Boiron- also at Whole Foods) for sore throat or hoarseness

May your week be filled with beauty, song and all good things!