What singers need to be prepared for college applications.

Check out the latest edition of the masterYOURvoice podcast. In our second installment of the Majoring in Music for Singers series, we discuss the foundational skills that singers need to be successful college applicants.https://open.spotify.com/episode/7prsk5n2uBry1jnb1BFvBM?si=L1l11tLZT7Cv7pJbuXqciQ

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With so many options out there for musical themed gifts, it can be hard to know what to look for. How do you separate the kitsch from the quality? I’m never one to scoff at a musical mug or necklace – it’s always the thought that counts. If you want to look beyond the treble clef bracelets and grand staff throws to something your singer will actually use and love, read on. I’ve taken the guess work out of your holiday shopping this year with my great gifts for singers list.

Gifts for Singers: Practice and Performance

Looking for something that will help boost a practice session? Give your singer the gift of a voice straw. For a full product review, see my blog post on that.

There are lots of technical books on the subject of vocal pedagogy. While no one would say that this is a light-weight read, Richard Miller’s “On the Art of Singing” is an accessible place to start. It’s a lovely introduction to the subject of singing and a wonderful read for someone getting serious about mechanics of music making.

If your singer is always buying and downloading sheet music, a subscription to musicnotes Pro, is a practical way to show your support. With PDF downloads, 12 pro-credits for the year, and lots of additional perks, this is a great gift for that singer who is building her library of pop, musical theatre and contemporary songs.

Speaking of pop singers… Looking for a basic set up to start recording those amazing originals? The focusrite Scarlett Solo studio set up paired with garage band is all your singer needs to start cranking out hits. You may want to throw in a mic stand and a pop filter to really set them up. This is the perfect entry-level kit to get them rolling on those production skills.

Gifts for Singers: Vocal Wellness

Maintaining vocal health is at the top of every singers’ list. What better way to do that than to have some basic tools on hand to pamper and soothe those golden pipes? Though nothing beats having an amazing otolaryngologist on speed dial (did you catch this podcast with the incredible Dr. Panossian??), there are some tried and true remedies that every singer should consider having at her disposal.

A Voice Steamer. I like having one of these on hand. Inhaling steam feels amazing when you are struggling with a sore throat or inflamed vocal tract. Even when you are not under the weather a few minutes of steam therapy can help you relax and reboot. As a bonus, your pores may thank you too!

At nearly $50, this Manuka Honey is a pricey gift. But with it’s antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this stuff is worth every penny. There is nothing better to reach for, when you are dealing with that pesky cold or scratchy throat. It deserves a permanent place in every singer’s medicine cabinet or kitchen. It should be at the top of every singer’s wish list. Don’t take my word for – check out what the Cleveland Clinic has to say about this amazing golden goo.

When it comes to vocal wellness, it’s smart to have an arsenal of tools at the ready. Keeping a box of Throat Coat on hand is a great plan. At around $7, it makes a terrific stocking stuffer for your singer. While you hope they never need to use it, they will be thinking gratefully of you when that throat starts to tickle and they reach for some soothing relief.

Gifts for Singers: Some fun!

Every singer needs a water bottle! For that singer songwriter who plays guitar too, why not consider a fun decorative guitar water bottle? Of course, the chic black makes it the perfect accessory for open mic night!

For the oenophile who also loves to belt it out, the Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses from UnCommon Goods are a fun option. I’m not sure that A is tuned to 440, but after a few glasses, you probably won’t care.

If the manuka honey wasn’t luxurious enough, how about a cozy cashmere scarf? Help your singer keep her instrument warm as she is rushing from concert-to-concert making merry this holiday season.

Gifts for Singers: Voice Lessons

Of course nothing is more encouraging than giving a gift of voice lessons. Voice lessons are a surefire path to maximizing musical potential. Nothing helps a singer level-up like one-on-one time with an amazing voice teacher. Whether you are looking for a quick series of lessons, a single drop-in or a weekly meeting, I’m here to help. Scheduling is easier than ever with my calendly link. You can take a lesson In-person in Thousand Oaks, CA or on FaceTime. For more information on lessons see my lessons page. To purchase a gift card, shoot me an email or text heidivass(at)gmail(dot)com OR text/call 805-405-0148(c) 

I hope that this little list has helped inspire you. I hope it’s motivated you to find a truly special gift for the singer in your life. Whether it’s that luxurious cashmere scarf, a simple box of tea, or 6 months of private voice lessons, remember it’s not really the gift itself that will have the greatest impact on your singer. For performers, knowing that the people you love are your biggest fans is truly the best gift of all.

Note: This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

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On this episode of the masterYOURvoice podcast we catch up with singer, Kayla Bailey. Just in time for the holidays, we learn talk about her life in music, caroling season, and the tips and tricks she’s learned along the way.

Follow her on Instagram @Kaylabaileymusic

Listen on SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/VyMdHnhBnGk3e5dWA

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https://www.conejovalleychoralsociety.com/

https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3gleKh2J3FnhHlbsaEUbZi?utm_source=generator

Personal website: www.michellepina.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellepinasoprano

Instagram: @michelle.lauren

CVCS website: www.conejovalleychoralsociety.com

CVCS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conejovalleychoralsociety

CVCS Instagram: @cvchoralsociety

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Majoring in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance

This is primarily a classical music degree. These programs can be under the B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.M. (Bachelor of Music) umbrella. Vocal Performance is the most common major for singers. In these program you will study core music curricula – Music History, Music Theory and Musicianship. You will also be required to sing in an ensemble (choir) and take private voice lessons. Your repertoire will likely consist of Art Song, Opera, and Oratorio with a dash of Musical Theatre for some. You may perform in Operas or Opera Scenes. You will have to sing at least one solo recital by the end of your undergraduate program. Some programs require a Junior and a Senior Recital. The B.A. programs are more broad and include an emphasis on classes OUTSIDE your music major. The B.M. is more specialized and requires a more music focused in-depth training program. Singers who graduate with a degree in Vocal Performance may choose to teach private voice lessons or audition for singing opportunities after they graduate. The vast majority of serious classical singers will go on to graduate school to continue to train for a career (with the ultimate goal of singing for an Opera Company or Professional Choir).

Majoring in Music for Pop and Commercial Singers

If you like to write your own music and want to launch a career as a solo artist, this is the route you want to take. Most colleges and universities do not have Commercial Music Majors. Though this is changing by the year. As more and more schools see students who are seeking this major, new programs are popping up every year. For my contemporary artists, I usually encourage programs that are geared toward contemporary genres. For entrepreneurial singers, I suggest the Music Industry Degree. This teaches young singers the business side of the industry. It often helps them make valuable connections. It focuses on the practical side of launching a solo music career. If a singer is technically minded, I encourage them to consider the Music Production Major. This course allows them to understand the mechanical/engineering side of making music. It gives singers the skills they need to produce their own music. For those who are not interested in the business or technical sides of music, there are a handful of commercial and contemporary music programs out there that are worth auditioning for. The performance-based programs are often challenging to get into, but worth a shot if you really want to go that route. With any of these programs, you will have to study the basics of music – Theory, History, Musicianship. You may also be expected to participate in a musical ensemble. After all, these are Music Majors.

Majoring in Theatre: the Musical Theatre Route

This one is often not as closely aligned with Music programs as they are with Theatre departments. From time to time, you will find a Musical Theatre program that does have a strong emphasis on Music. However, most are geared toward acting. The best programs will have several mainstage productions that you can be involved in each year. Highly reputable Musical Theatre Programs will also require a lot of dance. For most Musical Theatre Programs, you will need to take private voice lessons. That is often the extent of your musical requirement. Most do not require foundational music classes. If you go this route, you may want to consider taking sight reading classes to supplement the music requirements.

Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Studies

Jazz studies programs have been around for decades. While the vocal music programs in many jazz departments are not as popular as the instrumental music programs, they are still worth investigating. If you are excited by the Jazz repertoire and have a talent for improvisation, consider looking into a Jazz Studies degree in voice.

New Opportunities for Singers Majoring in Music

As with contemporary music, some schools are working to expand their offerings to more singers. A new trend is the Worship Music Major. This is a great option for singers who want to go into contemporary worship leading as a career. Sacred Music has been an established field for over a hundred years. This newer iteration plays off the need to fill church ministry positions in congregations that prefer a more pop-oriented service (think Hillsong United or Bethel Music).

All these options for singers majoring in music can be quite overwhelming. If you are a singer or a parent of a potential college student who wants to pursue one of these paths, consider finding a reputable voice teacher. The best ones are not only great at teaching vocal technique, they are fantastic mentors. A good voice teacher can get you organized and prepare you to take that next step toward a degree in Music.

For more on this topic, check out the masterYOURvoice podcast episode, College Majors for Singers.

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If you are looking for a successful voice teacher who can mentor you through the college audition process, reach out to Heidi Vass. She’s successfully coached hundreds of singers into their ideal music programs. Let her help you. Schedule a consultation lesson today. You can take lessons in her Thousand Oaks, CA studio or Online from anywhere.

The post Majoring in Music: A Guide for Singers appeared first on vassvoice.

As a seasoned voice teacher and busy working soprano, I am always on the lookout for effective training strategies and tools. I will admit that using props and tools are never at the top of my list. There is no substitute for training with a great voice teacher and working with top-notch vocal coaches. That said, I do believe there is a place in your singing training for tools that helps you self-correct. Singers and vocal Pedagogues have used straws for decades.When used properly, voice straws hep relieve tension and support balanced phonation. Much like using a mirror, the voice straw system has a place in your arsenal of training tools for singers.

If singers have been using straws for decades, why would I need to buy the Voice Straw system?

Anything that comes in a convenient travel pouch and is heavily branded can feel a bit silly. Why not just pop onto Amazon and get a basic set of Straws“>stainless steel straws to use in teaching group voice classes and private studio voice lessons. They work as well as the voice straw – for sure. But the cheaper Amazon gifted voice teacher. When a voice teacher is not in the room to help coach you, the Voice Straw System is a far superior option. It comes with a library of voice specific exercises that are actually pretty good. Much like using workout videos online, they have their place in keeping you fit. But they are not a substitute for individual training.

Is the Voice Straw good for all Singers?

This can be a fun gift for the beginner. That said, this system is best for seasoned singers who already have a foundation in vocal technique. The Voice Straw and accompanying cups are an excellent adjunct to your vocal training. They are NOT an adequate substitute for proper voice lessons. The system is literally like dumbbells with an exercise cheat sheet. They can be really useful for people who already understand the principals of training and already have excellent form. To develop form and technique, you have to do the hard work. There is no asynchronous substitute for working with a top-notch voice teacher. If that is what you are looking for with the Voice Straw System, you will be sorely disappointed. My suggestion, if you are buying a handful of voice lessons for a beginner, throw in a voice straw set as a physical gift to go along with the lessons.

Do I need to buy the Voice Cups or can I just get the Straws?

In my opinion, the value of the Voice Straw is the system – the straws, the cups and the training exercises WITH the ability to level up. I don’t see much benefit in just buying the straws. If you are going that direction, head to Voice Straw system gives you a training option that allows you to level up your practice. Adding variety and the possibility to level-up (without changing your repertoire) combats practice boredom. As someone who has been singing for decades and training singers for over 20 years, it’s easy to be bored with a training routine. Anything that adds some interest and variety to your practice sessions can be a great motivator. The voice straw system can inject some much needed variety into your practice.

The Voice Straw for Vocal Rehab

I love adding the Voice Straw system into a plan of vocal recovery. Singers find themselves in vocal recovery for many reasons over the course of their professional careers. Most recently, I have incorporated this system into a singers’ routine who was healing from covid-related laryngitis. Building the voice straw and cup into the singer’s practiced plan was a great way to insure she was building back strength in her singing without introducing tension. I have also used the Voice Straw system in lessons where we are training for strength and stamina in singing. It is a great tool to add diversity to the training environment.

A Bonus Feature…

The major bonus that I didn’t anticipate with the system was the reduction in noise. Using the straws and cups were a great way to bring the volume down on my singing WHILE maintaining the efficacy of my practicing. As a soprano, I sing lots of high notes. I sing high notes loudly. Having the ability to practice without annoying the people around me has been a real bonus. That is an especially good feature for people who live with close neighbors or housemates.

All in all, as a seasoned singer and master voice teacher, I am happy to endorse the Voice Straw. It’s a great tool for the seasoned professional singer. For the beginning singer, it’s not a substitute for one-on-one training, but it can be a great add-on tool.

If you are interested in purchasing the Voice Straw System, use the coupon code: masterYOURvoice for 10% off your purchase.

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If you are ready to start your vocal music journey, reach out to Heidi Vass and schedule a consultation lesson today. You can take lessons in her Southern California studio or Online from anywhere.

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Commissions in no way impact the honesty of the above review. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Maybe you want to audition for that Local theatre company, sing better in your church choir, or are just want a mic-drop moment at Karaoke night. No matter what the motivation, finding a good voice teacher is the most effective path to becoming a better singer. As with everything else in our modern world, when we want answers, we jump online. More and more people are turning to online platforms and voice teachers to develop their singing skills. With so many options, how do you know if you are getting the best voice lesson? Using the following steps, you will be on the path to finding those amazing online singing lessons. You will be on your way to maximizing your musical potential.

Is this Voice Teacher Qualified to teach voice?

You want to make sure that you are working with a qualified voice teacher that has a background and training in singing. Read your potential voice teacher’s bio. They should have a college degree in Music. They should have some training in Vocal Pedagogy (the art and science of teaching voice). As a bonus, you may want to see if they are member of a professional teaching organization. For voice teachers in America, the most reputable organization is the National Association of Teachers of Singing. College degrees and professional affiliations don’t guarantee that you will get a great voice teacher. They do offer a guarantee that this person has, at the very least, actually properly studied singing.

How will the singing lessons be delivered?

Online voice teachers are using lots of different platforms to deliver online singing lessons. Whether it’s ZOOM, FaceTime, Google Meetings, WhatsApp or the myriad of other platforms, voice teachers are connecting and creating meaningful experiences. Singers want to make sure that they can connect. You want to be sure that you can hear the full lesson and see the voice teacher. This can be especially challenging in the upper ranges of the voice, so test the tech. Make sure you and your voice teacher are on the same page and can effectively communicate virtually. As a bonus, see if the lesson delivery method allows you to record. For example, in ZOOM, you can record lessons and store them in the cloud or to local files. Recorded voice lessons are an excellent resource for developing and even professional singers. More on that in another post.

Does your voice teacher offer additional online content to help you practice your singing?

Many voice teachers who offer online singing lessons will have content on YouTube or vimeo. These are videos you can practice with.

Some even have content to explain the principles of what you are working on.

These tools can be very helpful for singers. They offer points of clarification and don’t eat into that expensive lesson time. Face-to-face time with your voice teacher costs money. Watching YouTube content does not. Finding a voice teacher with a free content library can exponentially increase the value proposition of your online singing lessons.

Can I easily schedule my Online Singing Lessons?

These days, singers and voice teachers are very busy. In addition, many voice teachers and their singers are in different time zones. This can make scheduling your singing lessons a big challenge. That said, a great voice teacher is worth working a little harder to schedule. That said, if you can’t get a lesson, you won’t get anywhere. You will want to consider your level of commitment to getting better at singing. As with any other skill, the more you practice and the more lessons you take, the better you will get. Make sure your teacher has the time to schedule you consistently.

Should I take weekly lessons or drop-in voice lessons?

Some teachers will offer regular weekly voice lessons that are scheduled for a full season. Others teach in a drop-in format (singers schedule and take lessons on an individual basis). Singers who take regular weekly lessons will make faster and more consistent progress than singers who do drop-ins. Those weekly vocal training sessions keep singers on track and make it easier to chart an obvious path toward optimizing your singing. Obviously, weekly standing appointments are the quickest way to achieve your musical goal. That said, not everyone can make that financial or time commitment. That is when the drop-in lesson can be really helpful.

Are online Singing Lessons affordable?

As with anything else, you get what you pay for. A reputable voice teacher, whether online or IRL, will cost you. There is a reason that you can find voice teachers for $30 an hour with a lot of availability. Voice teachers with a track record of success will cost you. It’s not odd to find super high-end singing instructors in Los Angeles or New York charging over $300 an hour! Their students will tell you that they are worth every penny. That said, you want to find the teacher that works for you. If you can only afford one singing lesson a month, but it’s a really good lesson, it might be worth saving for. If you need the consistency of a weekly lesson, you may skimp on quality, but enjoy the quantity. You may also look to see if there are less expensive ways of working with a teacher. Can you buy discounted lesson packs? Are there monthly plans that are more affordable? There are lots of options out there at many price points.

The best benefit of online Singing Lessons

It used to be that to study with the best voice teachers you had to live in New York or Los Angeles. With the ubiquity of online voice lessons, those days are long gone. At the click of a mouse, you can connect to the best singing teachers in the world. So do your homework, find that amazing voice teacher and become the best singer you can be!

If you are ready to start your vocal music journey, reach out to Heidi Vass and schedule a consultation lesson today. For information on her lesson policies and pricing, click here.

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Welcome to vassvoice.com, the online home of soprano and master voice teacher, Heidi Vass. With over 20 years experience training singers in her private studio in Thousand Oaks, CA and the university level, Ms. Vass is an experienced teacher with a track record of success.

Whether you are working on your first demo, preparing for that next musical theatre audition, exploring career and college options in singing, are a seasoned professional working to keep your voice in shape or are simply enjoying your church or community choir, you want to feel more confident in your singing.

To build that confidence and develop your natural vocal ability, you want a clear strategy for improvement.

For most singers, that strategy starts with Voice Lessons.

With so many options for voice lessons and voice teachers in Thousand Oaks, it can be hard to know what to look for.

Is she a qualified voice teacher?

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you are working with a qualified voice teacher.

There is no accreditation for teaching music, so you want to be sure that your voice teacher has a baseline education in Voice and more specifically, Vocal Pedagogy (this is training in the art and science of teaching voice).

You will want to ask your potential teacher where she got her training/education. She will hopefully have at a minimum an undergraduate degree in Voice with studies in Vocal Pedagogy.

Many seasoned voice teachers will have Master’s Degrees in Music with an emphasis in voice. You can also see if she is affiliated with a professional organization that requires requisite experience to join.

For voice teachers in America, the most reputable organization is the National Association of Teachers of Singing. While college degrees and professional affiliations don’t guarantee that you will get a stellar teacher, they do at least offer a level of comfort in knowing that the person you are trusting your voice with has a serious background and is qualified to do the job, at least on paper.

Does she have a track record of successful singers?

Once you have established that you are working with a qualified teacher, you may want to see what kind of students they have worked with.

Have their students had success in singing? Often times a teacher will list the accomplishments of her students in her bio or information.

A good singer is not always a good voice teacher, so you want to be sure that you are choosing a teacher based on her results, not just her performing skills.

Are these voice lessons a good fit for you?

Of course, even if the teacher is great on paper, and has a list of accomplished students, it does not mean she will be the best fit for you.

You want to make sure you are working with someone who you get along with and understand.

You want to work with a teacher who encourages you and makes you feel like you can reach that next level.

Even the best teachers in the world won’t be the perfect fit for everyone. Don’t be afraid to do a trial lesson and get a feel for the teacher before committing to working with her.

Remember, it’s your voice and your musical journey, so don’t be afraid to try a few different teachers to be sure that you are getting the right fit.

Are you ready to start voice lessons?

If you are ready to start your vocal music journey, reach out to Heidi Vass and schedule a consultation lesson today. You can take lessons in her Thousand Oaks studio or Online from anywhere.

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For more information on Ashley, find her on Spotify, Instagram or TikTok

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