THE VOICE CONNECTION
SOUND OFF

Welcome to The Voice Connection Sound Off; a forum for users of books like Raise Your Voice, Melody to Madness, The Ultimate Breathing Workout, and Unleash Your Creative Mindset, as well as a place for Vendera Vocal Academy members to interact.

This message board was created so that singers could come together and "sound off" to help support each other during vocal development and the creative process of unleashing the creative spark that occurs when writing and producing music. Currently, myself and vocal coaches Ben Valen, Ray West, and Ryan Wall are here to respond periodicially to your questions, with new vocal coaches coming soon. But, feel free to help each other too:)

This board is here for you to ask questions about my and my fellow coach's books, videos, and MP3 programs, as well as offer others help with our vocal techniques. You may also post videos of yourself and your band to share your music and ask for critiques.

Please refrain from negative comments, profanities, spamming, and inappropriate criticisms of vocal methodologies, vocal coaches, and singers. All negative posts will be deleted and subject to banning without question. I will not respond to negative posts, because, as Mark Twain once said, “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” With that said, positive criticism is welcome because that is how you'll grow as a singer during the training process.


The Voice Connection - Sound Off
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Re: disappointed

Dan,

I also wanted to tell you that if you've been singing for years and want help with technique, you will not totally find that in a book, that's why I teach and why people fly in to study with me. I suggest that you try to find a vocal coach that you feel you connect with. And above all else, sing, sing, sing.

JV

Re: disappointed

thank u for responding. now that i have your attention. first off i was disappointed because you know as well as i do if you are up on vocal teachers and techniques being used than you know there wasn't many things brought to my attention that are diffrent from mark baxter, seth riggs, brett manning,don anderson etc. and no i'm not looking for a magic book.i happen to sing three four times a week live and still go over a huge assortment of exc like yours and some of the other teachers everyday for at least an hour and a half. i am just very frustrated as are a few of my singing friends that werent born with a gift like steve from journey.i practice hours a week, and i have improved over the years. but not to where i would like to be.i do have many friends that were given the gift to where they dont practice and can sing for hours do blo, smoke, drink and sing like stevie wonder to ray gillan. i however cannot and have to keep warming up watching what i eat and drink and practice practice practice.i've never heard anyone say core resonance but if you know the squeaky door it feels like that also as far as inhalation sensation goes i've been told by many to feel that. and i'm not knocking your book it is very informative. but if i would have seen it in borders i would have been able to clance at it and see if i already knew most of it or not. again thank u for the reply and i will keep looking on your site for new tech and exc

thank u dan

Re: disappointed

Dan,
Singing is a tough gig. You've got to find what works for you. About every one of the teachers you've mentioned has emailed m,e and said how much they enjoyed my book and respect me as a teacher. Although there are many books out there that do teach the same thing (like I said, technique is technique) I truly believe that the way I approach voice strengthening is quite unique. I created the Vocal Stress Release program becaus I was playing live every week about 8 weeks after having a major neck surgery and couoldn't handle the pressures of singing due to the incredible amount tension in my neck. I also, was personally very tired of doing vocal scales. That's why I created a simple 3 exercise system that can be performed without using a CD, with the aid of a pitchweel. I do use vocal scales while teaching becasue a lot of students prefer that method. That's why I offer the basic instructional videos and audio exercises on the Members section. I will be adding a video that walks you through the RYV using a pitchwheel very soon though.

Also, just to let you know, you are not alone in your efforts. Steve will be the first to admit that he wasn't born with an incredible instrument and that he even struggles with journey tunes sometimes. You'll read more when we release the interview. I wouldn't worry abhout your friends abilities to drink and smoke. the fact that you refrain from these practices and actually take time to warm up, sets you apart from other singers.

The core of resonance doesn't have anything to do with the squeeky door sound in order to get the cords to adduct. It's about using your body like a giant tuning fork and amplifier. As far as your progress, you should really look at what you are doing physically. I'm sure you know about breath support, but do you really know about breath support? This is a simple aspect of singing that I have worked with many professional rock singers, who thought nthey had it, but were barely off track. Some old habits can be hard to break, and sometimes are totally unnoticed. I highly doubt that Raise Your Voice is liie every other book, although I know there are some great books out there. RYV is a mass collection of information presented in a new view to help enlighten the singers to all aspects of singing in a simple manner. And, these are tried and true techniques given to me straight from some of the world's best coaches and singers. Besides, what other site continues to offer free lessons, interviews with professionals and updated support for their products If you are frustrated, I think you should find a great coach to help you.

Peace,

JV

Re: disappointed

I want to say something.I know that Dan has a right to his opinion but it sounds like he's complaining for the sake of complaining.It doesn't sound like he's given the book a try.That's like complaining about a peticular food without even trying it.

I say give Jaime's book a chance you will be surprised.

And if you are struggling then it's time to kick old habits and start doing something new and I'm 100% sure RYV will help you out in the long run.

Re: disappointed

Thank you James and Anthony for your support:) Dan, I too believe that you should put the book down and quit talking about you already knew and actually try the routine. You night be surprised :)


JV