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Jennifer John's Musings

musings, vocal tips and performance insight

Musings

 

NEW! Free Course: Art of Breath Control for Singers

Prefer to listen rather than read? Here’s the audio version of this blog:

As a professional music industry vocal coach, I work with a lot of singers, songwriters, bands, and choirs. The issues are generally always the same: vocal fatigue (especially for touring artists), vocal strain when trying to reach notes, the need for vocal agility (riff and runs), chest voice/head voice negotiation etc and the icing on the cake is when stage fright or a complete lack of confidence kicks in too.

I've always believed strongly that singers, and in particular, soloists and lead singers in bands need a special kind of treatment because, unlike performers whose instruments are external to them, singers are the instrument. How do you navigate this profession when you have had a terrible experience, are suffering from anxiety, have been called for everything on social media/in the press and are then expected to go onto a stage and act like it's the happiest day of your life and everything in your back yard smells of roses? It ain't easy!

In addition to teaching vocal techniques, I like to talk to my students and clients about the psychology of being a performer - because it matters. How you feel about yourself and what you do matters and being able to find tools to manage your mindset matters.

I believe that my role as a vocal coach is obviously meant to provide the necessary vocal techniques that promotes "good" singing for the masses to enjoy and the performer to feel sufficiently prepared. I have been thinking about vocal technique, in general, and for me, breath control is the hands-down favourite cure-all for so many things. It works technically in supporting all of the aforementioned vocal issues and it has a calming and centering effect when used mindfully. It increases clarity and focus, boosts a sense of well-being and stimulates creative energy.

In light of this, I have created ‘Art of Breath Control for Singers’, a free 4-week online course that will run throughout March 2024. Dates TBC.

My aim for the course is to advance you to the next level of your vocal development. Please find the application form below:

Art of Breath Control for Singers

Vocal CoachingJennifer John