Advanced Mentor ProVoice Studios Blog

Top 10 Christian Songs

2008-09-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Breathing Tips / Tight Jaw issues

2008-08-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

If students are in the habit of making their neck muscles tight when they sing I suggest the following. Sometimes I suggest to my students to sit on my couch. Now slide your fanny forward and lean all the way back to relax. Rest your head on the back of the couch. Make sure you are not crimping your neck forward towards your chest. Now put your hands on your tummy just below your ribs (where the ribs come together in the middle of your chest. This is where your diaphragm is). Now take a breath through your mouth and only move your tummy below your hands. Don't let your chest rise at all. Make sure to breath through your mouth not your nose. You will get a much bigger breath in. Now on the next breath try to feel that your ribs are expanding behind you as well across your back ribs. This is a a "singing" breath. Keep practicing that till it becomes more natural. While you sing turn your head side to side touching your cheek to each side of the couch back. Make sure you are not lifting your head / chin up or down as you turn. GO SLOWLY!

1)Breath only moving your tummy under your hands. DON'T let your chest rise at all.
2)Sing and turn your head slowly back and forth.
3)Chew with your jaw. Drop it open very relaxed.
4)Make sure all your face muscles are also relaxed as you sing.

You may be amazed what kinds of wonderful sounds come out when you are relaxed and breathing correctly.
Make sure your jaw is also very relaxed and just dropping open and straight down with every vowel. It is a very relaxed chewing action you are going for.

After you have practiced that sit up straight and see if you are still breathing correctly. Don't let your chest rise and fall.

The next step to think about is that you are letting your air out while you sing. Are you a person who holds their breath as they sing??? Be careful! Make sure you use the air in you lungs as you sing through each phrase.

Make sure your breath is silent as well. No gasping or noisy breaths. :)

Let me know how that works for you. :)

Copyright Kids - Understanding Copyright laws

2008-07-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Copyright Kids

What Is Copyright?

Did you know that whenever you write a poem or story or even a paper for your class, or a drawing or other artwork, you automatically own the copyright to it. Copyright is a form of protection given to the authors or creators of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and other intellectual works. What that means is that, as the author of the work, you alone have the right to do any of the following or to let others do any of the following:

- make copies of your work;
- distribute copies of your work;
- perform your work publicly (such as for plays, film, dances or music);
- display your work publicly (such as for artwork, or stills from audiovisual works, or any material used on the Internet or television); and
- make “derivative works” (including making modifications, adaptations or other new uses of a work, or translating the work to another media).
In general, it is illegal for anyone to do any of the things listed above with a work created by you without your permission, but there are some exceptions and limitations to your rights. One major limitation is the doctrine of “Fair Use.”

Copyright law in the United States is embodied in federal laws enacted by Congress. The current copyright law, the Copyright Act of 1976 (as amended), is codified in Title 17 of the U.S. Code.

Copyright
Basics

MECHANICAL LICENSE: Under the United States Copyright Act, the right to use copyrighted songs in making Sound Recordings for distribution to the public for private use is one of the Exclusive Rights of the Copyright Owner. However, the Copyright Act provides that once a copyright owner has recorded and distributed such a work to the public in the United States or permitted someone else to do so, a "compulsory mechanical license" is available to anyone else who wants to record and distribute the work in the United States. The mechanical license will require that person to pay license fees at the "compulsory" rate set in Section 115 of the Copyright Act. The "compulsory" royalty rate as of January 1, 2000 is $0.0755 per use for Musical Compositions that are 5 minutes or less and the rate is $0.0145 per minute of playing time for compositions over 5 minutes.

Dance Magazines

2008-07-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Dance Magazine

Pointe Magazine

Dance Spirit

Dance Teacher

American Theater Web Blog

2008-07-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

American Theater Web Blog

Anxiety, Emotions and Performing Well

2008-07-11T05:46:00.001-07:00

Anxiety, Emotions and Performing Well article

Finding Auditions / Casting Auditions

2008-07-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

Finding Auditions

Best New Talent Audition Map (for your area)

Auditions (all kinds)
Film, TV, Modeling, Theatre, Dance & Musicians

Audition Calendar/ Stage Door Access
You need to become a member to view the audition.
Monthly Membership $10.00
3-Month Membership - Save 20%! $24.00
# of Months refers to the program's billing cycle. For example, 1 month means you will be billed the Total Price every month, 3 months means you will be billed the Total Price every 3 months, and so on.

Free Audition Search
About 1Auditions.com

This site links to our 3rd party auditions resource site. Please follow the link below to view the current auditioning opportunities.

Note: The site does offer hundreds of current auditions that are searchable by location and keyword. There is no charge for viewing the auditions while the site does request 2 things:

1 - That you become a free member which also provides a lot of usable tools for actors and models including a free web site, email, auditions calendar and more than 20,000 free resources such as listings for agents, casting directors, coaches, photographers and more.

2 - That you notify them if you land an audition or casting so that they can mention it on their site.

Explore Talent.com get audition info. emailed to you

Audition Basics

2008-07-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

Audition Basics

by Joshua Siegel

Auditions are a nerve-wracking and difficult experience for most actors, but they are an essential part of the job. Here's how the audition process generally works and a few tips on how to perform your best in front of the casting director or producer.

Getting the Audition
For most roles, you (or your agent) must submit a photo and resume to whoever is casting the production. Occasionally, you may hear about an "open call" where anyone may come to audition. These types of auditions are often called "cattle calls" because hundreds of people show up and are quickly herded through. However, most auditions are invitation only.

If you are called for an audition, you will often receive "sides", which are simply a few pages of the script that you will be expected to read. In theater, you may also or instead be expected to have a monologue and/or musical number prepared. In either case, once you have a script in hand it's time to get down to business.

Vocal Audition Advice article

Audition Books & Repertoire

Choosing Audition Songs

How to Grab the Casting Directors Attention

2008-07-11T04:45:00.001-07:00

How to Grab the Casting Directors Attention

by Ruth Kulerman

"How do I grab casting directors' attention when I self-submit?"

There are several professional ways to grab the attention of someone who opens self-submission envelopes. A complete answer would fill a book. There are three essentials before a casting office (or agent/manager) will take your self-submission seriously. Let's take a look at two of those essentials today. Check out her article (link above).

The Casting Process

2008-07-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

The Casting Process by Arthur Blume

Casting is a key element in running any successful performing arts production and it is surprising how many actors, models, singers and other talent who don't actually know how the casting process works.

About Casting Directors

2008-07-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

About Casting Directors by Joshua Siegel

A Casting Director is a person hired by the producers of a show to find talent (or "cast") for the show. These are the people who the agent will send photos and resumes to, and the actor will audition for. Casting Directors ("CDs" for short) have to find the best possible cast out of thousands of available actors, and must always keep up to date on the newest and hottest faces. Many CDs are former actors themselves and pride themselves on knowing just about every working actor in the business.

About Talent Agents / Meeting

2008-07-11T04:27:00.001-07:00

About Talent Agents by Cathy McKim

In objective terms, your agent is your professional representative. He or she will suggest you, as appropriate, for roles that come to his or her attention and will negotiate your contract when you get the job. An agent also deals with the creative aspects of the business, providing networking and support services.

In subjective terms, an agent can be mother, father, shrink, salesperson, facilitator, publicist. An agent, says Michael Oscars (Oscars and Abrams Associates Inc.) is "a champion, never enough for the client, far too much for the employer." An agent is an actor's lifeline to the industry in a fifty-fifty partnership.

Meeting with a Talent Agent by Tony Martinez/Talent Agent

Tips for the Beginning Actor

2008-07-11T04:25:00.000-07:00

Tips for the Beginning Actor by Ruth Kulerman

How to Start and Acting Career if you Live in a Small Town

2008-07-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

How to Start an Acting Career if you Live in a Small Town:
17 Things you can do Today
by Anthony Smith

First Steps to Becoming and Actor

2008-07-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

First Steps to Becoming an Actor
by Aimee Mitchell

Step By Step Guide to Becoming and Actor
by Sarah Bennett

How to Become an Actor

2008-07-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

How to Become an Actor
by Sarah Bennett

Most people believe that acting is all about exhibiting a natural, instinctive skill that you are born with and hold inside you. In reality, acting is actually a trait that can be stimulated and sharpened with the proper training. While there are thousands of actors working around the world on a daily basis, there are but a few exceptional people, who by exhibiting their "natural talents," have made it big in tinsel-town. Do you have what it takes to be one of these exceptional people? Do you have the determination and desire to give it your all to achieve your acting dreams, aspirations and goals? Or are you simply looking for a short cut, which will most likely lead to uncertainty and disappointment. If you are willing to stay focused and work hard, you can make it as an actor in showbiz. Read on, if you'd like to learn the practical steps you should take if you want to become an actor or actress.

Actors Etiquette

2008-07-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a great resource for serious actors.

What is an Accompanist?

2008-07-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

The Accompanist
Advice on types of accompanist

Accompanist is the word used to describe an individual who supports a singer, choir or an instrumentalist, by playing a subsiduary part otherwise known as musical accompaniment. This does not mean that they are necessarily in the background or that they are not as important as the singer!

There are many types of accompanist, which include musicians and teachers to backing vocalists. A singing teacher who plays the piano for their pupil whilst they are vocalising is providing 'accompaniment' just as a band or full orchestra do, when they and a singer perform a song.

Any instrument can be used to accompany the voice - including other voices. The most usual combinations are piano and voice, guitar and voice, organ and voices (choral), but other combinations like violin and voice, saxophone and voice or percussion and voice can be equally successful.

A singer can hire an accompanist for an individual performance or series of shows if no other accompaniment is available, which is why the accompanist needs to be a bit of a juggler! As well as sight reading the music, they have to listen to the singers intonation and phrasing in order to adapt their playing to each singers unique style of performing.

The most rewarding associations with an accompanist comes when they and the singer have time to build up a rapport. Working together on an arrangement by rehearsing and discussing ideas allows both parties to produce a well thought out and exciting program of music. This is why some singing teachers also provide accompanist services for pupils during examinations and auditions, who better to perform with than someone who is already aware of your strengths & foibles!

Finding an accompanist
There are several options you can try listed below.

Ask your singing teacher for their recommendations.
Read or place classified ads in trade newspapers and magazines.
Look in the Yellow Pages or other Business Directory.
Visit local music shops and check out their noticeboard.
Browse musicians wanted/available and music teachers listings sites.
Search on the internet by inputting the keyword 'accompanist' in any search engine.

Headshot Tips

2008-07-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a good link to 6 headshot tips. Six tips for perfect headshots.

Remember your headshot and resume both need to be 8 x 10.
Woman take a picture with both your hair up and down.
Men take a picture with both facial hair and without. Bring the picture that matches what you look like the day of the audition.
Make-up needs to look natural.
Make sure the picture is about you and nothing in the background or foreground.
The headshot is about YOU. Don't pay a fortune to get one. If the current picture is not working get a new one.

Agents - What kinds are there?

2008-07-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

An agent is either:

an entity who is capable of action
someone (or something) who acts on behalf of another person.

A talent agent, or booking agent, is a person who finds jobs for actors, musicians, models, and other people in various entertainment businesses. Agents make their money by making a percentage of the money that their client is paid. There are different regulations and legal jurisdiction in which the agent operates. There are also professional organizations that license talent agencies.

Music Agents:

In the music world, booking agents are different from talent managers. Booking agents are the people that actually book shows for the artists they represent.

A talent manager, also known as a personal manager, is an individual or company who guides the professional career of artists in the entertainment industry. The responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day-to-day business affairs of an artist; advise and counsel talent concerning professional matters, long-term plans and personal decisions which may affect their career. A manager can also help artists find an agent.

Internet Safety Tips

2008-07-05T06:10:00.001-07:00

Hello this is Susan Niekamp the President of Advanced Mentor Pro-Voice studios. I feel it is very important that parents and children are aware of safety tips when using the internet. I found a great website that can help if you have more questions. We respect the privacy of our students and their families. All student portfolios and resumes posted should list Advanced Mentor Pro-Voice phone number. We will never give out personal information.

The three main risks are: (taken from ikeepsafe website)

Inappropriate Contact –Teach kids how to recognize and protect themselves against contact with cyber-bullies, hackers, phishers, and predators. People aren’t always who they say they are. The Internet is a place to enhance existing relationships, not a place to meet new people.
Inappropriate Content – This includes both content that is viewed and content that is uploaded by kids. Help kids understand that the Internet is forever: everything they post online is tracked and stored and will follow them to future job interviews and college entrance interviews.
Inappropriate Conduct – Because the web environment can feel anonymous, some youth become dis-inhibited . Teach kids that the Internet is a public forum: anonymity is a myth. Help them be the good person online that they are when they’re offline.

It is very important NOT to include your Social Security Numbers, Date of Birth, Credit Card information, Bank information, passwords, home address, drivers license number or personal phone numbers in your student portfolios. We would prefer they contact us directly or you via email only. If you are contacted by anyone you need to ask their contact information and then look up their company info. and find out who they are before returning calls or giving out any personal information. Please call our studio directly to discuss any concerns or issues. Your safety is important to us.

It is highly recommended you search the Better Business Bureau for more information if you are contacted by anyone.

Famous nodule sufferers

2008-07-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

Famous nodule sufferers

Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls said in January 2008 that she will undergo surgery for nodes in March 2008. She has also been forced to cancel a mini-tour because of the surgery.

Davey Havok, lead singer of AFI, suffered from vocal nodes, which forced AFI to cancel several shows on their Spring '04 tour as well as changed the style of his singing from a raspier style to a more clearer style.

Roughton Reynolds from Enter Shikari developed nodules and as a result missed several shows on their UK tour.

Luciano Pavarotti developed vocal fold nodules early in his at-the-time mediocre career, leading him to renounce a life of music. Ironically, the psychological release associated with this decision and soon-after disappearance of the nodules lead to an incredible improvement in his sound quality.

One famous sufferer was Queen pianist and lead singer Freddie Mercury.

Natalie Imbruglia developed nodules during the 90's and had them removed a few years later, this noticeably improved the timbre in her voice.

A young Lucinda Williams developed and had removed nodules.

Julie Andrews also suffered from vocal cord nodules, and famously lost her singing voice after surgery to remove them.

Robert Plant, singer of band Led Zeppelin received treatment for nodules in 1973 and possibly 1974. This resulted in a drop in range of voice and a harsh timbre on the 1975 album Physical Graffiti.

Bonnie Tyler, in 1977, found out that she had nodules that were so severe that she had to have surgery for their removal. After the surgery was performed, she was ordered to not speak for six weeks. One day while healing, she accidentally screamed and her voice took on a raspy quality.

Whitney Houston developed nodules during her famous Bodyguard tour in 1993-1994. At the time, she was unable to rest her voice to prevent permanent damage. She has been able to continue a successful singing career since then, but her voice has developed a noticeable, darker and hoarser tone than before.

Sarah Brightman after her Harem world tour in 2004, she had surgery to remove vocal nodules.

Bette Midler had developed nodules in 2006-2007.

Natalie Dessay, a famous operatic lyric-coloratura, in 2001 underwent surgery to remove nodules and polyps on two of her vocal cords, following vocal difficulties after recovering from a cold. Although the quality of her voice now is debatable by some opera critics and fans, Natalie Dessay has made a complete recovery and continues to perform in opera.

2003 Australian Idol contestant, Cosima De Vito pulled out from the competition after developing throat nodules.

Justin Timberlake had surgery to remove vocal nodules in 2005.

Omarion, formerly of boy-band B2K also had surgery to remove nodules in 2005, and as a result, had to cancel a number of live shows in London.

In March 2005, Blue singer Lee Ryan developed a nodule, and as a consequence had to cancel the boy band's farewell tour.

Goo Goo Dolls' lead singer Johnny Rzeznik, Everclear lead singer Art Alexakis, and Tony Rice, bluegrass guitarist and singer, all have suffered from the condition.

Steve Augeri of the band Journey was forced to leave the band when his nodules got so severe in the 2006 tour, that a replacement was drafted in to continue the tour.

In October 2006 Jet guitarist and singer Nic Cester was diagnosed with the disease.

Bert McCracken, vocalist of The Used, developed a nodule in his vocal cord, and underwent surgery during the summer of 2007. The nodule was successfully removed.

Sonny Moore, vocalist of From First to Last, also had a nodule in his vocal cord. After surgery for its removal, he tore a vocal cord.

Joss Stone also had nodules and was told by doctors that she had to rest her voice otherwise permanent damage could be caused.

Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher is rumoured to suffer from nodules, based upon some of his live performances in recent years.

Angela Gossow, the lead vocalist of Arch Enemy, also suffered from a vocal fold nodule.

Tom Keifer, lead singer of the rock band Cinderella, developed nodules as a result of his singing voice, a raspy, affected snarl. He underwent repeated surgeries for the disorder.

Tedd Webb, a Tampa Bay area radio personality, had his nodule condition diagnosed by a doctor who heard Webb's raspy voice over the air. The doctor phoned him at the station and soon after performed surgery to cure the condition.

Billy Lunn (Morgan) lead singer of the Subways

Brian Joo of Korean boyband Fly to the sky suffered from vocal fold nodule due to a hectic promotion schedule and an over-exertion of his vocal cords.

Canadian rock artist Matthew Good was diagnoased with a nodule in the late days of the Matthew Good Band.

Annette Strean of Venus Hum

Singer Lisa Origliasso of the Australian duo The Veronicas suffered from nodules in her throat while touring with Ashlee Simpson in June 2006. She had to cancel the rest of her tour gigs, while she went for an operation and recuperated.

Emily Deschanel was forced to give up singing after performing in a musical due to the formation of nodules on her vocal cords.

Mariah Carey, credited with a 5-octave vocal range and famed for her extensive use of the whistle register (the highest human vocal register) in a recent magazine interview, divulged she has had vocal nodules since she was a little girl.

Bill Kaulitz, lead singer of Tokio Hotel, underwent surgery to remove a developed cyst in April 2008. Bill had to remain silent for ten days after his surgery, a feat for the chatty singer. As a result, the band had to cancel numerous shows of their European 1000 Hotels '08 tour.

Idina Menzel developed vocal nodules after performing in Wicked for over a year. While performing in London, it can be noticed that her voice has a harsher, huskier tone.

Vocal Fold - VIDEO / Nodule PICTURE

2008-07-02T05:56:00.001-07:00

Please watch the following video to see healthy vocal folds in action.

Remember the size of woman's vocal folds are the size of a dime. The size of men's vocal folds are the size of a quarter.
The vocal folds are made out of mucosa membrane like the inside of your cheek. You can easily damage your vocal folds if you pull your chest voice to high and "belt". It is very important that you get the proper vocal training when you sing. Singing should never hurt. If you find your voice feeling like it does after you yell at a baseball game you are not using your voice in the most healthy way. Educate yourself. Ask questions. Research. If you find yourself pulling your chin out and upward when you start to sing from the second line on the staff "G" up to the third space "C" you are belting. All you are doing is slamming your vocal folds together and they will rip and tear like any other part of your body. When they rip and tear they will scar over. After awhile you will damage them so badly they will create a nodule. Then the vocal folds cannot close properly and there will always be the nodule in the way. You will hear lots of air in your singing.

Vocal fold nodule
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A vocal fold nodule (or "Nodules of vocal cords") is a nodule or mass of tissue that grows on the vocal folds (vocal cords). Typically this mass will appear on the anterior one-third of the vocal fold, where contact is most forceful.
A vocal fold nodule reduces or obstructs the ability of the vocal folds to create the rapid changes in air pressure which generate human speech. Symptoms include hoarseness of speech, painful speech production, frequent vocal breaks and reduced vocal range.

The nodules appear as symmetric swellings on both sides of the vocal folds. The cause of these formations are usually strenuous or abusive voice practices such as yelling and coughing. Persons who are often susceptible are those who use their voice constantly in a loud environment. Examples include teachers, cheerleaders, politicians, actors, musicians and singers.

Chest Voice

2008-06-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Chest voice
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chest voice is a term used within vocal music. The use of this term varies widely within vocal pedagogical circles and there is currently no one consistent opinion among vocal music professionals in regards to this term. Chest voice can be used in relation to the following:
A particular part of the vocal range or type of vocal register
A vocal resonance area
A specific vocal timbre

The first recorded mention of the term chest voice was around the 13th century, when it was distinguished from the throat and the head voice (pectoris, guttoris, capitis -- at this time it is likely head voice referred to the falsetto register) by the writers Johannes de Garlandia and Jerome of Moravia. The term was later adopted within bel canto, the Italian opera singing method, where it was identified as the lowest of three vocal registers: the chest, passagio and head registers. This approach is still taught by some vocal pedagogists today.
However as knowledge of human physiology has increased over the past two hundred years, so has the understanding of the physical process of singing and vocal production. As a result, many vocal pedagogists have redefined or even abandoned the use of the term chest voice. In particular, the use of the term chest register has become controversial since vocal registration is more commonly seen today as a product of laryngeal function that is unrelated to the physiology of the chest and lungs. For this reason, many vocal pedagogists argue that it is meaningless to speak of registers being produced in the chest. The vibratory sensations which are felt in these areas are resonance phenomena and should be described in terms related to vocal resonance, not to registers. These vocal pedagogists prefer the term "chest voice" over the term "chest register". These vocal pedagogists also hold that many of the problems which people identify as register problems are really problems of resonance adjustment. This helps to explain the controversy over this terminology. Also, the term chest register is not used within speech pathology and is not one of the four main vocal registers identified by speech pathologists. For the purposes of this article, the term "chest voice" is adopted as it is less controversial.
The contemporary use of the term chest voice often refers to a specific kind of vocal coloration or vocal timbre. In classical singing, its use is limited entirely to the lower part of the modal register or normal voice. Chest timbre can add a wonderful array of sounds to a singers vocal interprettive palette. The introduction of chest timbre is common to singers trained in the historic Italian school, but largely shunned among singers who have emerged from the Nordic/Germanic tradition. Such approval or disapproval is largely an aesthetic decision. However, the use of overly strong chest voice in the higher registers in an attempt to hit higher notes in the chest can lead to forcing. Forcing can lead consequently to vocal deterioration.
Physiological process

As the opinions on what exactly chest voice is vary greatly, there is no one consensus on the physiological production of chest voice. Here are a few opinions:
Bel canto understanding

Vocal fold, scheme

Glottal cycle, chest voice
This view understands chest voice as the vocal register used within normal speech. It was discovered via stroboscope that during ordinary phonation, or speaking in a man the vocal folds contact with each other completely during each vibration closing the gap between them fully, if just for a small length of time. This closure cuts off the escaping air. When the air pressure in the trachea rises as a result of this closure, the folds are blown apart, while the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages remain in apposition. This creates an oval shaped gap between the folds and some air escapes, lowering the pressure inside the trachea. Rhythmic repetition of this movement a certain number of times a second creates a pitched note. This is how the chest voice is created.

Audition Song Website

2008-06-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

I came across a great website for helping pick audition songs. You need to check mark the boxes to specify your search.

You can do the following:

Search audition songs by gender or type, any style, ballad, up-tempo or by vocal part. It can be very helpful.

Be careful you don't pick songs that are overdone! Even if you are able to perform the song well the judges will be bored.

There is a great list of overdone audition songs. If you are not sure you can email us and ask our opinion or send us an MP3 to listen to. We are glad to help.