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Advice please

kenny

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
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I've posted that one of my guitar students, his girlfriend and I are practicing to play at an open mic.

While she has a pleasant voice, it is not trained.
She sings with a very breathy voice, always
She's never been taught basics of singing, like how to breath, support and focus the voice.
Also since she is often running out the breath she falls flat, especially at the bottom of her range.

While she's not breaking any laws of the state, she likes to sing songs that do not call for a voice that can only do soft, wispy, and breathy.
She sings songs that are aggressive and hard hitting' they need a solid clear focused voice that projects when the music calls for it.

1000 years ago I was a music major in a college.
My instrument was voice.
While I do not have a great voice, I have been trained and I can sing.
I could teach her some basics.

BTW, they're both 16 or 17.
But considering the situation, I'm not sure it's even okay for me to bring this up.

ETA, it would not be formal long term paid voice lessons, more like tips on the basics, explanations and demonstrating using my own voice.

Your thoughts please.
 
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I don't see the harm in offering voice lessons if that's what you're suggesting. It's all about how you present it. Like "hey that was great but here are some suggestions on how we could make this song even better". As with anything start off on a positive note and she will be much more receptive to any suggestions or criticism.

Of course she may not be open to it and then at least you offered.
 
I can only offer how I’d feel in this situation and I’d welcome constructive criticism in order to improve my art. I’d be appreciative if someone was willing to help me improve. I’m confident you would approach it from a kind and caring perspective and that makes all the difference imo.
 
Yes, of course offer some assistance and advice.
I’d start with a conversation like “you know, 1000 years ago when I studied music my voice was my instrument! I learnt all the tricks and tips to get the best out of my singing. If you like I could show you some of these... then demonstrate, pull out a great party trick! . For eg (I’m no singer btw) say “when I need to reach a high note, if I breathe like this, this happens, but when I breathe here, voila, much stronger. Go on you try......
 
Hi,

As Bron said "you know, 1000 yrs ago...….my instrument. I got formal training in voice and I wonder if you will allow me to pass on some of the basics, like breathing properly, handling different tempos and voice projection.

I would use the piano for your examples. I would use Andante, allegro, metzo forte Sp., softly,(correct musical language), and other words that show professionalism. She'll love being trained, for now and in the future.

Annette
 
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I don't see any problem with that at all, maybe even asking if you can sing a few lines so that she can hear the difference. If the young lady decides that she prefers her own version, well, you tried.
 
Go for it Kenny
art is about exchanging ideas
lots of big names who were self taught have taken singing lessons latter on
I know that learning when to take breaths is very important
its really nice of you to offer
and after all struggling artists, even if they still live at home with mom and dad, need all the help and encouragement they can get
Im sure you will make the offer sensitively
 
I would absolutely offer her some advice and/or training. The longer you do something wrong the harder it is to relearn it correctly. At her age, she should consider herself fortunate to have someone with your background help her. Hopefully, she understands this as an offer for help and not a criticism of her talent. You know her so I'm sure you have a feel for how welcoming she will be of your offer.
 
I think you definitely could offer her your expertise. I would start with complimenting the strengths of her voice/singing and then tell her how you learned to do this or that... I am sure she will be thankful to you for taking the time to help her. Good luck!
 
You don't necessarily have to make a big thing of it IMO - perhaps just offer a hint here and there when it is an appropriate solution to a problem that's just come up.

e.g. She runs out of breathe on a long note? You say "I see you tailed off a bit there, lol - I think you might be able to nail if it you do X and Y, shall we give it a go?"

That way it's not making a bit thing of it, it's just a tweak here and there, and she can feel like she is learning, has made great progress, and doesn't feel like she has a wall to get over!
 
You're not offering lessons for a skill you don't regularly teach, you're offering your gained wisdom from decades of being in the periphery of vocals. There's nothing wrong with that at all!

If she needs the basics on how to produce guttural roars and screams, I know a guy who can get her started :lol-2:
 
jordyonbass said:
If she needs the basics on how to produce guttural roars and screams, I know a guy who can get her started :lol-2:
Click to expand...

Jordy, shame on you.
We're not talking about your kinky sex life!

07.jpg
 
kenny said:
Jordy, shame on you.
We're not talking about kinky sex!

07.jpg
Click to expand...

No no different sounds mate, you've got it wrong. On a completely unrelated note, have you ever heard a wounded wombat before? :lol::lol:
 
jordyonbass said:
No no different sounds mate, you've got it wrong. On a completely unrelated note, have you ever heard a wounded wombat before? :lol::lol:
Click to expand...

Right up there with the sounds of mating Koalas.... :lol: :shock::lol:
 
I think you should absolutely give her tips. Even if she doesn't get it all now, she will later. She will remember what you tell her. I think your expertise would be extremely valuable.
 
I think you should absolutely try and guide her- especially if you feel she has the raw talent.....

I used to do a lot of recording of younger artists. I did a few tracks with a young woman who had a really sweet voice- but as you described, breathy and kind of weak.
When I recorded her vocal tracks, I adjusted the mix in her headphones so that she really had to project to hear herself...
It worked really well, but I wish I would have been able to give her tips on breathing and such.
I've never liked the sound of my singing voice, and never been trained...maybe you can give me some lessons Kenny?
 
You could suggest she watch some youtube videos as homework, and then work on the concepts she needs to learn. I like to watch vocal coaches on YT. I can't even do the daily warm up without coughing and hacking though, but it's interesting. I particularly like Sam Johnson, but have no idea if it's better for a female to have a female coach or not. No idea!
 
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