Diaphragmatic Breath Support – What Does It Mean To “Support Your Voice” And “Sing From Your Diaphragm?
It’s first important to understand what the diaphragm looks like and how it functions. The diaphragm is a large muscle sheath that stretches across the bottom of the rib-cage, nearly cutting the body in half, separating the lower organs from the heart and lungs. read more
What Is Breath Placement?
Breath support allows the singer to balance the air in one place in the mouth, which will keep notes from wavering, falling or being pushed off pitch. read more
What Is The Role Of The Tongue and the Jaw In Singing?
The tongue needs to remain in a relaxed concave position, sitting on the bottom of the mouth, tip of the tongue resting behind the teeth… read more
How To Deal With Stagefright.
Learning to control the diaphragm is not only the most important component of learning to sing well and support the voice, it is your first defense against stagefright. If the diaphragm is trembling, you will feel nervous. If you can still it, you will feel focused. read more
How To Get Rid Of Laryngitis – A 24 Hour Cure
Laryngitis can cost a singer opportunity and money, or just turn a fun gig into a struggle. There are several causes for laryngitis. This article addresses the easiest one to prevent and fix: illness. read more
How Do I Get My Kids To Practice Music?
Before your child begins lessons or classes, discuss when and where they are going to practice music – the where is as important as the when, because your child may feel private about his practice… Start small. Carve out 5-10 minutes a day for a month – you are solely practicing how to practice. read more
Is It Safe For Children To Take Singing Lessons?
Before your child begins lessons or classes, discuss when and where they are going to practice music – the where is as important as the when, because your child may feel private about his practice… Start small. Carve out 5-10 minutes a day for a month – you are solely practicing how to practice. read more
Interviews
A Soprano On Her Head, Interview with Dodie Whitacker. “Knowing how to manage the breath from the beginning of the phrase to the end is key.” read more
One of the top vocal coaches in NYC for many years, Ruth Gerson has taught voice, songwriting and performance at Princeton University. She currently runs San Francisco Vocal Coaching and also teaches at Blue Bear School of Music and The Music Center in San Francisco. As an independent artist, Gerson has appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” the entertainment news show “Extra,” PBS, Showtime, HBO and Lifetime television. She has performed at the Newport Folk Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, High Sierra Music Fests and many more. Her career has included vocals on many popular jingles, as well as back-up vocals/keyboards for Gloria Gaynor. Her latest album Deceived is produced by five time Grammy winner, Rick Chertoff and William Wittman. Gerson has opened for Dave Matthews, Lisa Loeb, The Indigo Girls and Steven Wright. Gerson moved to the Bay Area in August of 2009 and has rapidly become one of the most in-demand vocal coaches in San Francisco and on the Peninsula.