One of my greatest teachers once told me, “People hear with their eyes.” As I have journeyed down this musical road I have found that statement to be entirely true. Thus, it can be argued that a singer’s appearance carries just as much weight as does their sound. Image Consultant and Media Coach, Lori Bumgarner, from paNASH Style, has founded …
A Singer’s Worst Nightmare
The last thing any singer wants to hear is…. “You have nodules.” These are rough calluses on your vocal cords that hinder the allowance of cord closure. Worst thing ever!!!!! Trust me, I had them years ago! And I had my panic moment where I thought my world was ending!! (FREAK OUT!!!!) I was then signed and recording my record …
Why Take Voice Lessons?
I have encountered a very high number of artists who believe they do not need voice lessons because their voice is good enough. Yes, while half of them do really have amazing voices, the vocal cords still need to be exercised just like any other muscle in your body. Just because someone has a natural lean and toned build does …
Sometimes Waiting is Dumb
We wait for the bus. We wait for our sleeping babies to wake up from their naps. We wait for the oven to pre-heat. These aren’t dumb things to wait for. But often, subconsciously, we wait to create. This is dumb. We are so prone to perfectionism in our society. I’d wager that most people would call themselves “perfectionists” if …
Listen From the Outside
In this article, I want to talk to you about one of the best judges you can find, to help you grow both as a singer and as an artist: Your ear. Like Brett taught me, I record each lesson, and at the end of the session I give it to the student. This is not only useful for them …
Student Showcase
Over the last two years, I’ve had the extreme privilege of coaching a true gem of a human. Lexi James. Without a doubt she wins the gold medal of persevering diligence. Two years ago, the sweetest young curly haired redhead popped into my studio to get some help on a couple songs she was in town to record. I ended …
Affectations to Style: When is it too much?
Have you ever heard, or yourself been, a singer that you know is trying too hard? As singers, we can easily fall into the trap of overdoing a certain style choice that we deem desirable, or that is widely popular at the time. For instance, a singer having a consistently breathy tone, always doing runs, “knurdling” for a classical effect, …
The Top 5 Best and Worst Christmas Songs
Ho Ho Ho people! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! This is just for funsies guys. I’m an avid lover of Christmas music. But there are also some seriously awful Christmas songs. So here is my list of my top 5 favorite Christmas songs and my top 5 worst Christmas songs. BEST: 1) O Come O Come, Emanuel- …
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a vocal coach, I am constantly battling vocal fatigue due to the daily stress I place on my voice. Typically, I am able to teach 30-40 hours a week without much issue. But recently, I started feeling excessive soreness in my throat with no apparent explanation as to why. I spent three weeks trying a long list of natural …
Breathing from the Diaphragm: The Mystery Unveiled
As a singer, somewhere along the way I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “breathe from your diaphragm.” However, my guess is that unless you have taken an in-depth course in vocal pedagogy or anatomy and physiology, this concept may have eluded you. In this short article I hope to shed some light on the idea of diaphragmatic breathing, in …