The role of the vowel in voice training In singing, vowels are important because we extend the vowels In order to create a vocal line. Consonants are not generally sustained or extended. This is why singers vocalize primarily on vowels. What is a vowel, and why is one vowel “better” than another? A […]
Pre-recorded vocalises available for COVID-19 teaching
Dear Readers, I am delighted to say that my vocal exercise MP3’s will soon be available for sale and download on my website! Why pre-recorded vocalises? More effective practice. In the past I often assigned a certain exercise in a lesson, only to find the next week that the student had done something different, or […]
Online lessons start March 16, 2020
Greetings everyone, Beginning March 16, Bonnie is offering online lessons. Contact me (bonniepomfret@verizon.net) for details.
The Concert Hall of One… or, Why do I sound different on a recording?
“The Concert Hall of One” was David Blair McClosky’s term for the way we hear ourselves when speaking or singing. The rest of the world hears us differently. Why is this so? The sound of your voice reaches your inner ear in two ways. Sound conducted by air enters the auditory canal of the ear and […]
FAQ’s about Breathing
FAQ’s about Breathing 1. Q: Should the chest rise and fall? A: No; the chest should remain slightly elevated during all phases of the breath. 2. Q: Do I need to tighten the abs? A: No, the abdominal muscles will be free to move, expanding for inhalation and contracting for exhalation and singing. […]
The Singer’s Breath
The Singer’s Breath Control of the breath is the foundation of all good singing. Often, careful attention to breath solves other issues. In this post I hope to provide some tips for the singer’s breath. Exercises to help keep the ribcage elevated If you have trouble maintaining the slightly elevated ribcage, you are not alone! Because […]
Take 4 -Putting it All Together for the Noble Posture
For many students, finding the noble posture is elusive. We are so accustomed to our habitual posture, that it is difficult to maintain any variation upon it for more than a few minutes. Here are three ways to find the proper alignment, while standing, lying down, or sitting. “The Wall “– standing.. Stand leaning […]
Posture in Four Takes: Take 3, The Lower Body
Posture in Four Takes Take 3 – the lower body The third area where small changes can make big differences is the lower body. In the head-forward posture, the arch of the lower back is often affected. In an attempt to stand up straight, many of us create exaggerated arch to the lower back. […]
Posture in Four Takes: Take 2 – The Head Position
Posture in Four Takes: Take 2 – The Head Position The second area where small changes can make big differences is the position of the head. Many singers come to me with what I call “social media posture;” that is, the head is forward and down as if looking at a mobile phone. In the […]
Posture in Four Takes: Take 1, The Noble Posture
Posture in Four Takes Take 1 – the “noble posture” Small changes in posture can result in major changes in breath control. Breath management is one of the most important technical factors in good singing. It may be counter-intuitive to some, but singers do not have to inhale and exhale tremendous amounts of air. […]