Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?

Subject: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: GUEST,Lane
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 01:13 AM

I'm looking for a good instruction tape, CD or video on vocal technique - I don't want something overly technical, just some range/tone building.

Suggestions?

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: RichM
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 02:56 AM

Have a look Here

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: Nemesis
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 05:54 AM

I'd be interested in some feed back from anyone that's bought any of these CDs?

Hille

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 08:21 AM

A friend of mine bought a vocal instruction CD, and was pleased with it (though he didn't persist with it beyond the novelty phase).
He gave me a taped copy, which I duly had a go with. But to be honest it was really useless compared with having a proper teacher. You need feedback - and its much better if you can SEE and discuss examples rather than just hearing them. Unless you already know what you're doing then you're unlikely to derive much benefit beyond what you'd get by listening to any good singer's regular CD, I reckon (judging by the example I heard).
If there is any possibility of your getting lessons then I'd suggest you do that & not bother with a tape/cd. You can record your lessons to practice with in between whiles - and if you space out your lessons according to your finances then it needn't break the bank.

Kris

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: Alice
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 09:40 AM

Guest Lane, I agree with Kris. Each voice is as unique as a finger print, so a good coach would first have to hear what you are doing with your voice and then tell you what needs to be worked on and how to do it, listening to each phase of your progress. It isn't like going to a shop and buying an instrument. When the instrument is your body, you are not going to be the same as someone else.

You can get individual instruction by taping your voice and sending it to Suzanne Gorder for feedback and coaching by correspondence. Email a query to her first at: [e-mail]

Alice

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: Don Firth
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 03:51 PM

It's real easy for a person who sings a lot (not just the casual and occasional 'round the campfire songfest) to fall into some vocal habits—poor breath support, tight throat, etc.—that can cause problems later on.

It's a pity that so many people who sing or want to sing folk songs seem to be afraid of voice teachers; afraid that if they find themselves in the same room with a voice teacher, they'll catch something and wind up sounding like an opera singer. Believe me, there are many aspiring opera singers who wish it was that easy! The best advice I could give anyone who wants to sing more than just now and then is to spend some time with a voice teacher. Instructional tapes or CDs might be helpful after one takes some voice lessons, but I wouldn't rely in them for initial instruction. A good voice teacher can hear what's going on with your individual voice, help you correct any problems, and set you on the right track—without making you sound like Placido Domingo or Renée Fleming. Unless you were born with that kind of vocal apparatus, in which case you might want to re-evaluate your musical direction (!).

I don't know if Pete Seeger ever had any vocal instruction. He was one helluva singer, but to my ear his voice always sounded a bit tight. Perhaps if he had spent some time with a voice teacher or vocal coach, he'd still be singing now. A few nights ago on TV, I heard an eighty-some-year-old operatic bass-baritone—didn't recognize his name—and he sounded great! It was all there! I'll be 71 my next birthday, my voice still feels strong, and people tell me I sound as good as I ever did. Thank you, Mrs. Bianchi!! Here's to vocal longevity!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: Lane
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 04:22 PM

OK - I get the point about vocal lessons - and I agree. Actually, I have taken a few and, while I share that fear that Don mentioned - she actually wasn't too scary after all, in fact it was very worthwhile. At this point, and back to my original question, I'm looking for something that I can use, CD's or tapes, for practice, warm up... driving down the road, that sort of thing... I bought one set a while back that was WAY too completx and deep - I dont want to sing opera, just not drive folks away from the campfire (they'll get cold) Lane

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: artbrooks
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 05:23 PM

Herself likes the "Singercise" material...its basically a tape of vocal exercises that she can play in the car on the way to work. They can be found here

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 06:19 AM

How about going to a voice teacher, explaining what you want, and recording a set of exercises tailored for you. You could go back periodically to update/extend the tape.
I minidisc all my lessons, and practice the exercises every day (almost..) along with the latest recording. The added advantage is that I also have my teacher's examples, comments and corrections which get reinforced each time.

Kris

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: Gypsy
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 09:04 PM

teachers are a good thing...when you can find them..we got the 6 tape set from homespun, and practice while driving. It can be quite helpful.

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: GUEST,Lane
Date: 10 Apr 02 - 02:17 AM

I'm checking out the "Singersize" tapes - are they good? I'll also look for the Homespun ones mentioned - which are they?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Good Vocal instruction tapes/CDs?
From: artbrooks
Date: 10 Apr 02 - 08:03 AM

Art says he refers to me as "herself". Huh. Tonstant weeder frowed up. Anyway, my fifty-plus year old voice doesn't suit me, since I could sing pretty well, even in public, when younger, and I have been using the "Singercize" tape every morning in the car while driving to work. I believe my voice is getting stronger though I'm still strictly limited to singing along in tolerant company. Besides, it wasn't expensive and it's convenient. Haven't wrecked the car yet, either.--Jenn