Can you believe it's time to make summer plans again? We're SO ready for summer here at Finely Tuned Voice Lessons.  We love swimming and hiking at Mercer County Park, picnics at the Princeton Battlefield, eating ice cream at The Bent Spoon in Princeton, taking day trips to the shore and basically anything else summer-related. This summer we are stepping up our lessons for our extremely talented group of high schoolers who are interested in pursuing music/musical theatre in college and beyond.  Our summer intensive will equip you with the tools you need to have successful auditions next year.  Don't waste your summer...spend your time "off" doing something that will help you reach your goals for next year!

Over the span of 10 weeks, we'll be offering:

• Premium package: 10 private voice lessons OR Regular package: 8 private voice lessons (each lesson is 1 hour)
• 2 half-hour Skype coachings (Premium package only)
• Weekly Personalized Lesson Plans​
• ​2 Masterclasses
• 1 Singing Workshop
• 1 Acting Workshop
• Audition Preparation Consultation
• 1 Final Performance for invited guests​

We know you may have some questions, so we've fielded some answers below:

1. What is a Masterclass?  ​It's an opportunity to receive live feedback in front of an audience of your peers.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the singer to perform for an audience and receive detailed, constructive feedback. It's also a great experience for the audience as they see the singer's transformation from the first performance through the coaching of a highly trained professional theatre artist. By watching others, we learn so much about our own performance! 
2. What will the Workshops be like? The workshops will be specifically designed to cover aspects of singing and acting that young performers need to know.  We'll cover various topics: head voice vs. chest voice and when to use them, how to deliver your best acting performance while singing, how to quickly memorize chunks of text, a proper warm-up, etc.
3. Can I bring my family and friends to the final performance? Of course! Show them how far you've come in such a short time. 
4. We will be traveling some this summer.  Is that ok? Please let us know your vacation plans at the beginning of the summer so we can plan your lessons and our group classes accordingly.  You may also Skype or use FaceTime to catch the classes!
5. What is this really going to do for me?  You will have mastered 2 songs (both the singing and acting) to use for auditions or showcases.   You will have received tailored feedback to your specific voice and presence on stage.  You will interact with current working performers and receive their professional advice.  You will be a stronger singer and a skilled actor who will command the audience's attention.   You'll have the confidence to walk into a room and deliver a knock-out performance to complete strangers. 

If you have any questions, please contact Maria at finelytunedvoice@gmail.com
​
Sign up HERE (and receive a discounted rate before April 15th)

I LOVE teaching folks in their golden years.  Not only do they come in with a tremendous amount of music in their wheelhouse, but they practice, and are so engaged during lessons! I work with several singers who wanted to pick up singing in their retirement and I'm so glad they did because THEY are teaching me so much about the aging voice.  "It's a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought: That if you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught." :)

During lessons, I notice a few distinctions between more mature voices and younger voices.  As we age, our singing muscles (laryngeal muscles, respiratory muscles, etc.) tend to become less flexible.  One of the biggest complaints from my "seasoned" singers is that they can't sing as high as they used to.  So, how do we combat this? 

1.  Lip trills, v buzz, raspberries! Allowing airflow to inform our singing is important.
2.  Strengthening head voice in female singers using descending exercises 
Think: "ha ha ha ha" on 8-5-3-1 or straw techniques 
3.  Monitoring closely the notes above the upper passaggio in male singers
4. Checking to see that they are aware of breath energy *singing uses much more energy than we think*
5. Changing up the exercises now and then to keep people on their toes! 
6.  The aging voice will fatigue faster, so I encourage short warm-up sessions of about 15 minutes/day for at-home practice 

It's my goal to help you sing through all of life's stages.  Think you'll be the oldest singer I teach...not a chance!!! 
Could you or someone you know benefit from voice lessons? We'd love to hear from you: finelytunedvoice@gmail.com

Ever had the feeling that your voice was compromised during a performance because you were so nervous?

I've definitely been there.  You know the feeling...the butterflies, sweaty palms, racing heart...nerves! Over the years, I have developed a little pre-performance routine that helps me cope with my nerves.  

I always begin a performance day by warming up first thing.  If I have to then (re)warm-up later closer to the performance, I will.  I stand in a stance that makes me feel powerful: hands on my hips with feet at shoulder distance apart OR with my arms extended over my head (think star pose). I take a few deep breaths there and envision myself having a successful performance.  What would it feel like, how would I feel when finished, etc. 
Breathing while my body feels expanded is very liberating.  I feel like I can take huge breaths and really release air! The first thing to go when I'm nervous is my breathing technique, so if I can encourage my body to set up space to breathe, I feel better. 

Then, I'll go through any part of the song I'm nervous about.  Maybe it's a tricky rhythm, entrance, or pattern of notes. I'll check to make sure I'm accurate by playing the notes on the piano or listening to a recording. I never want the performance to be the first time I've sung the tricky part of the song that day! 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that playing with Vinny (my sweet dog) or talking to my husband or family member calms my nerves.  Hearing how excited they are for me/hearing their encouraging words always helps!

Also, here's a tip: Always have a little pre-performance snack handy to boost your energy right before. I despise the feeling of singing while hungry, but I also don't like singing if I'm too full.  How embarrassing would it be to burp during your song?!?!? Oh dear...
I eat a Nutrigrain or a piece of fruit before concerts to give me an extra sugar kick :)

Then, right before I go on to perform, I tell myself that I'm going to have a great show or another positive affirmation: I can do this, I'm excited to sing, Singing makes me happy, etc.
​Be kind to yourself out there, singers!