Tricks of the Trade

Vocal technique combined with microphone technique are a few strengths
that Dan has come to master over the years
through experience and on the job training.
These elements combined with healthy lifestyle habits account for his longevity
as a vocalist and performer.
Let Dan help you with some vocal survival tricks of the trade he's learned
over the years.

   The Spirit of Vocal Performance 

It is no secret among experienced vocalists and/or vocal coaches that 
posture, diet, rest, hydration, etc., play key roles in 
determining the health and longevity of a vocal performer's career.

I would like to share some insight with those of you who are just
beginning to discover your gift of singing in the hope
that you will nurture your abilities to reach their fullest potential.

Here are some of the techniques that I have learned along the way
and I refer to this section as KISS
(Keep It Simple Singers)
I encourage you to refer back to these techniques whenever required
or possible.
 

Dan's Vocal Training and Survival Skills

Unlike some vocal instructors you may come across, I am a full-time,
working vocalist; qualified with experience. I truly understand the concerns and needs of the day-to-day and evening working singer.

If you feel the need to check my qualifications and/or
accomplishments, I invite you to browse through this web site.

I define success in the field of vocal performance under the following equation:

TALENT + HARD WORK = LUCK

LUCK + ACHIEVEMENT = SUCCESS

Levels of success and accomplishment are determined on a personal
basis. Some individuals may want to become the next international
sensation and others are quite content singing in a local night club or 
around a campfire with friends while applying the knowledge of vocal
 technique to try avoiding those sore throats and lost voices.

 

Here are some survival techniques you may consider:

Posture     (avoid sitting or slouching; stand erect to support diaphragm for better projection)
Breathing    (practice breathing slowly. Choose note and test endurance; use a stop watch)
Diaphragm    (the foundation of all good singing and the key to endurance over time)
Mouth    (open WIDE; practice facial exercises in front of a mirror... over exaggerate!)
Lips    (massage and tighten and pucker to loosen up)
Tongue    (stretch forward, outward, inward, side to side, roll against cavity/teeth, wag!)
Technique    (develop phrasing, rhythm, timing, pitch, pronunciation, annunciation, expression, etc...)

Diet    (Avoid junk food, dairy products, alcohol consumption at least 24 hrs. before performing)
Lubrication    (Drink plenty of water when vocalizing; honey, lozenges, sprite & lime)
Mucus    (Avoid through proper diet and food consumption; unavoidable during illness)
Rest    (important! - sleep minimum 6hrs - not before performance)
Energy    (Approach each performance with exuberance)
Warm Up    ("Hung ahh, Aeh, Eee, Ohw, Ooou" and so much more...)
Work    (Practice often & concentrate... Try to relax during the process! A challenge to master!)

Mental Preparation    (Concentrate and think of what you're singing; be free... express yourself!)
Positive Attitude    (Very important! Leave all your mental baggage and hang-ups somewhere else)
Confidence    (placed on a foundation of genuine humility... Be gracious and thankful Always!
Be Patient    (To a point! Don't let Father Time pass you by!)

Spirit    (channel to another level of consciousness to enhance your performance and interpretation)
Persistent    (Don't Give Up!)
Believe!    (Don't Stop!)

Singing "LIVE"    (more info to come)

Singing in a Recording Studio    (more info to come)