Welcome to Vocalist's Insightful Practices(VIP) Newsletter!
September 5, 2002

Table of Contents:
1. Welcome Notes
2. Vocal "Trivia"
3. VIP Q & A
4. Vocal Tip
5. Notable Quotables
6. Trivia Answers

1. Welcome Notes

Welcome to Vocalist's Insightful Practices (VIP)! It is wonderful to see so many new subscribers! Have you checked out Music Simply Music's FREE REPORTS yet???? They are only available to YOU… VIP and M-TIP subscribers!

Welcome to our new subscribers and thank you to our friends who continue to forward VIP to their friends. That's how we grow and have a greater impact on the vocal community! Thank you again for all the positive feedback and for helping to make VIP such a successful e-newsletter!

VIP is a free monthly newsletter that's goal is to promote proper vocal health by providing valuable, yet simple tips to singers, vocal coaches, speakers and anyone else who uses their voice! I hope that this electronic publication assists you in creating a voice that is more healthy, powerful and enjoyable. Please let me know how I can be of service to you in reaching your vocal goals. Take care of your voice, if it breaks you can't get a new one!

A note to subscribers: Do you have all VIP issues since it's premier in June 1999? View the recent VIP issues today! http://www.musicsimplymusic.com/viparchives.htm

If you have a question that you would like to see addressed in an upcoming issue, e-mail me with the info! You may contact me at Mail to: dambrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

Shameless Marketing Plug: If you know someone who would benefit by subscribing to VIP, please forward them this copy and if they choose, they can click on the link below to become a monthly subscriber.

http://www.musicsimplymusic.com/newsletters.htm

Be sure to check our web site at: http://www.musicsimplymusic.com We have lots of information, and resources you can use. We're constantly adding and up-dating so check it often!

2. Vocal Trivia

Test Your Vocal Knowledge

1. Is the use of tremolo acceptable in vocal music or in instrumental music?
2. The term for the breathing process is called ____________.
3. True or False: A "trill" and "vibrato" are the same.

3. VIP Q & A

Q: I am always so nervous when I perform at my local coffeehouse. Any ideas on how to stay calm?

A: The best action you can take is to keep taking the performance plunge. Like all other skills, performing often will ease the nervousness and eventually become very relaxing and enjoyable. Here are some additional ideas to help you chill out:

-Sing a very different song other than what you would normally choose to sing (ex. If you usually sing ballads, sing an upbeat song instead). This gets you out of your typical pattern.

-Invite a friend for encouragement

- focus on that person in the audience as you perform.

-Sit down (just don't slouch!) instead of standing up for the performance.

-Do something different with the microphone.

-Nervousness and anxiety will speed up your breathing, which can lead to an out of control performance. Control your breath by taking long and slow inhalations and exhalations as you wait your turn to perform.

-Stay positive and enjoy yourself. Truly believe that you have something special and different to share!

-Keep room temperature water of seltzer by your side in case your throat dries up.

-Don't have an alcoholic beverage!

4. Vocal Tip

********DON'T DRINK AND SING!*********

Okay, we all know that alcohol impairs but to a singer, alcohol is truly an enemy.

- You throat gets dry (whoopie-now you can crack your way through your song!)

- You can lose the feeling in your throat, mouth, jaw, teeth, etc. making it extremely difficult to sing! - Your sense of articulation goes out the window!

- Your numb body looks weak and unprofessional!

-Your ears are impaired as well - you may think you sound great when you may actually be embarrassing yourself!

- Because of the overall numbness, you can unknowingly cause damage to your vocal cords (ouch!).

Remember this the next time you want to have a drink to "relax" before a performance!

5. Notable Quotables

"When I approach a child, he inspires to me two sentiments: tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become." -Louis Pasteur

"It has never occurred to me before that music and thinking are so much alike. In fact you could say music is another way of thinking, or maybe thinking is another kind of music." -Ursula K. LeGuin

6. Trivia Answers

1. Too full makes it difficult for your diaphragm to perform, too empty may make you light headed and dizzy-approximately 2 hours after you eat would be wise.
2. trachea
3. true

To subscribe, simply send an email to : VIIP-list@musicsimplymusic.com with the words "subscribe" in the subject line of the email.

"A sound approach to music education"

ph: 631-863-2069 fax: 631-863-2355

Click here to return to VIP archive page