As a singer, the employment of proper breathing can take a long time to learn. It affects your ability to hit and sustain notes, which in turn affects your confidence as a performer. For those just starting to incorporate breathing techniques into their routine, here are a few tips:
Sing in front of the mirror, place one hand on your chest. Treat that hand as an anchor, and try to use its weight to not let your upper body move while inhaling. When you put this restriction on yourself, your body will be forced to expand through a different area while inhaling, your abdomen.
You should feel like you’re getting bigger, Not Thinner when inhaling air. However, try to resist the urge to “PUSH” your abdomen outward. (this is easier said than done) You should feel no pain, or discomfort. If you do, you may want to try your abdominal breathing exercises while sitting in a chair (in a reclined position)
Hydration!!! 8-10 glasses of H20 will keep your vocal cords lubricated and ready to go. Something so simple can really effect your stamina, so drink up!
On Songwriting:
People often ask, how do you write a song? Chords first? Melody first? Lyrics first? Rhythmic concept first? The answer is: All of the above. I have written songs using every one of those methods, granted, some songs come out better than others, all of those methods work. When I analyze the process though, I guess I tend to go for the lyric first the majority of the time. “But how do you begin to write lyrics????” Personally, I have found lyrical inspiration in novels, dramas, paintings and even dreams. I like to test my lyrics by reading or singing them to someone I can trust to be objective. If I’m lucky, sometimes I get feedback or comments that help me elaborate on the lyric or vibe of the song, and sometimes, I’m just on my own.
Main Influences:
As a songwriter, I have found inspiration in many genres. I have tried to take some compositional and lyrical cues from such legends as:
Lennon/McCartney
Roger Waters
Page/Plant
Paul Simon
Stevie Wonder
Vocally, I have always been fascinated with Soul Music, and not just your typically classified Soul music, but all kinds of vocal music in which the singer makes a connection, and literally “bares soul” through the song. Some of my favorite Rock and Soul singers are:
Gladys Knight
Aretha Franklin
Joni Mitchell
Diane Reeves
The Police
Top Five Albums:Sooo… hard to choose! (no particular order)
“This Girl’s in Love with you”- Aretha Franklin
“Dark Side of The Moon”-Pink Floyd
“Led Zeppelin 2” –the Riff Master Jimmy Page and crew!!
“Donny Hathaway”- (Self titled)
“Live at Luther College”-Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Bosse School of Music • 998 Middle Street • Weymouth, Ma. 02188 President: Ron Bosse • Vice President: Trina Aitken e-mail: bosseschoolofmusic@verizon.net
