Vocal presence in singing and speaking voice One of the most persistent misconceptions about the voice, in both singing and speaking, is that presence equals volume. It does not. Which is good news for a lot of us, including me! Some of the most compelling voices are not loud or forceful. They are sometimes soft, and yet they feel unmistakably there. They hold attention, register, and carry sound! So what makes a voice feel present, if not loudness? The answer is less intuiti

You just played back a voice message. You hit play… and cringe. Is that really what I sound like?  That nasal tone? That weird pitch? That awkward delivery? You’re not alone. Most people hate hearing recordings of their own voice. But what if this discomfort wasn’t just about sound — but about identity , self-perception, and how we’ve been taught to listen to ourselves? Let’s unpack why hearing yourself feels so weird — and why it might matter more than you think. You don’t h

Have you heard about YouTube’s new speed control feature? It allows you to fine-tune a video’s playback speed far more precisely than ever before. Previously, we could only pick from a few set speeds—like 0.25x or 0.5x—but this new feature lets you really dial in the tempo. This simple upgrade might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s already proving to be a powerful tool for singers and vocal enthusiasts at all levels. Why precise speed control matters to singers? Im

Are you looking to build your confidence as a vocalist? As your YYC voice teacher, I'm dedicated to helping emerging performers find their voice! One of the best ways to experience the joy of singing is by stepping onto a real stage and singing in front of a friendly crowd. Luckily, Calgary boasts a lively music scene with plenty of open mics, jam sessions, and karaoke bars where you can experience the joy of singing! Below, I’ve curated five great spots where vocal students

Ever felt like your throat is a desert while singing in Calgary? You’re not alone! With its dry air and high altitude, Calgary presents unique challenges for vocalists. But don’t worry—singing lessons in Calgary aren’t just about hitting the right notes; they’re also about learning how to protect and adapt your voice to thrive in this environment. Here’s why Calgary’s climate can affect your voice—and how local singing lessons can make all the difference. The vocal challenges

Hi to all passionate singers and musicians! Have you ever dreamed of a place where you can sing at the top of your lungs without your neighbors banging on the walls? Well, today is your lucky day! I have created a brand new Discord server dedicated to singers and musicians of all levels. Yes, that's right, a space where you can sing, learn, and most importantly, have endless fun (well, there are mods, but you can sing non-stop!)! Why should you join us, you ask? Oh, I’m so gl

Exercises to help learning how to breathe for singing

Let's explore the delicate art of finding one's place in a music group (or any group, really). You've finally found a music group that suits you! They were missing a singer (or a guitarist, a drummer...) but that problem no longer exists since you are the solution (be proud!) ! Joining a group is a bit like being invited to a party where you don't know anyone, but instead of looking for the bar, you'll have to find the rhythm (what a beautiful metaphor): the work rhythm and s

Some people have a gift for words. Skilled freestyle rappers make us feel ashamed when we try to string together three lines on our brand new notebook. Fortunately, for us "normal" folks who are not endowed with such genius, there are a few tricks to help us out. How to write lyrics that will touch souls, make hearts beat, and move bodies? Be honest The best songs are those that speak to the audience, those that allow them to connect with you. Lyrics that reflect your life, e

Nous allons explorer les six principales catégories vocales pour vous aider à identifier votre type de voix. Cet article a été rédigé pour l

Mistakes <3. They are inevitable and help us progress. Here is a short list of 5 common mistakes that we will seek to avoid in our quest for better singing. 1 - Singing too loudly "Louder is better" is more a sign of amateurism than of technical skill. Singing loudly is not always synonymous with good technique. It is often said that to be certain that you master a note, you must be able to sing it pianissimo (very softly), without feeling any tightness in your throat. 2 - Si

Hello there, artists! Let's talk about inspiration, that little creative spark! Inspiration can be fickle and sometimes let you down, leaving you and your guitar high and dry. But your next hit song is waiting and you absolutely need to write it tonight. And while you were expecting a tête-à-tête dinner with your dear inspiration, you find yourself alone in front of your notebook, counting the minutes of its delay. Here are some tips to help you summon it (on time!). 1. Step

Hello there artists! It's Friday, it's 5 PM, and your colleague invites you to yet another karaoke party because they love it and think you do too. Say YES to singing karaoke, your mind will feel less achy (bad rhyme intended, hello poets!). Feeling better through singing? Yes! Get ready to be amazed by the unexpected benefits of singing (yes, it seems like I'm overselling it a bit, but not that much!) 1 - Singing reduces stress and anxiety Next time work stress gets to you,

If you like to see the results of your efforts quickly in order to stay motivated, one of the keys is to choose songs that seem tailor-made for you, or songs that you feel comfortable with, even if they present one or two difficulties. How do you choose the perfect song for your voice? Let's break it down together! 1 - Know your vocal range It's like knowing your shoe size. If you wear a size 11 shoe and try to squeeze into a size 6, you're likely to hurt yourself, even if yo

I figured I’d go straight to writing an article about buzz and air flow (its best friend), since the chances of me talking about it over and over again on the blog are as high as the chances of me finishing the cake if you leave it on the table. Let’s begin with... the beginning! In the body, before the magical production of sound by your voice, there is silence (or almost; we do not count the sound of your breath, the rumbling of the belly, and all the other incredible sound

Who hasn’t dreamed of starting a singing class, a concert or a rehearsal with tense shoulders, a tight throat, and all their problems in mind? Nobody, obviously! If, unlike this gentleman, you don’t have the wonders of nature accessible from your backyard, that’s okay! Here are some ideas to relax before a singing session. 1 - Move A great way to relieve the stress of the day: move! All exercises that work for cardio will be effective: jumping jacks, running in place, jumping