New York Vocal Coaching

FRUSTRATION is the enemy of good Riffing. Yet, how many times have you said this to yourself? "I can't Riff." OR "That run is too fast for me!" OR "My voice can't move like that!" If you have, then you've fallen victim to frustration!

Most likely you’ve been listening to finished, polished, and PRACTICED Riffs. However, the artists you admire didn’t do their Riffs at full speed when they first tried. So, why should you? Riffs take patience, a listening ear, and a willingness to explore and have FUN.

First, slow things down. Take delight in the experience of deciphering notes, accents, and pivot points. Take JOY in learning Riffs slowly and precisely. Only start adding speed when you've found that JOYful place!

Frustration actually tightens the instrument and slows you down more. So, SMILE! And your Riffs will soon reward you with speed!🎤

Hey Singers! We’re thrilled to share a brand new Vocal Article by NYVC’s Bryan Chan! Bryan discusses what it means to “sing in tune”.🎤

Read here and let us know what you think!

https://newyorkvocalcoaching.com/article/am-i-singing-in-tune-more-complicated-than-you-think

Our singer today is one of the most gifted singer/songwriters of this century. His winning vocals, memorable melodies, and captivating lyrics always seem like fresh insights from an old soul.

Join NYVC’s Kacey Velazquez, Andy King, Nicolás Hormazábal, Abby Payne, and Justin Stoney as they discuss the many talents of Jason Mraz.🎤

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZR9RjkqN4C4&si=F-kM4i-lb_ohnGfl

"Jason Mraz Vocal Analysis" - Voice Lessons Online Ep. 22 Our singer today is one of the most gifted singer/songwriters of this century. His winning vocals, memorable melodies, and captivating lyrics always seem lik...

Justin is back for another YouTube Live Chat on Sunday at 1PM ET!

Visit http://YouTube.com/newyorkvocalcoaching/join for more information on how to join if you're not a member. See you soon! 🎤

LISTEN. Do you hear it? Music is all around you all the time! The car horns honking. The front door squeaking. The neighbor’s dog barking. The crunch of your lunch in your mouth. The cacophonic cadence of every conversation careening up and down.

You don’t have to be practicing your singing to be practicing your LISTENING. Opening up your ears can be a truly spiritual and artistic experience. All the sounds that we hear are just vibrations of air. Yet, these vibrations have the power to make us think, feel, act, react, and love.

Don’t limit your aural life to just your singing and music alone. Give thanks for the fact that each and every moment we can lift ourselves to Higher Vibrations. All we have to do is open up our ears and our hearts. The exact answers you’ve been praying for could be in the air right now! LISTEN.🎶

In our 16th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group “Take 6”, Claude McKnight talks about their life as a music group, and how they’ve grown together over the years instead of growing apart. This episode kicks off our final segments of the Take 6 Interview, learning about their life as artists and what it takes to stay grounded.🎤

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he interviews Alvin Chea, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Khristian Dentley, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight. Enjoy!

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=t7Si66hGFrU&si=T0rs1fLc1LGUav5p

"An Artist's Life: Growing Together" - Take 6 Interview Part 16 In our 16th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group "Take 6", Claude McKnight talks about their life as a music group, and how they've grown together...

The Vocal Pedagogy Team released a new interview with John Nix, Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

In addition to his active voice teaching studio, John performs research in voice pedagogy, literature, and acoustics, having produced 50 published articles and 9 book chapters; he also co-chairs the NATS Voice Science Advisory Committee, is a lead teacher for the NATS Pedagogy Institute, serves as an Associate Editor for The Journal of Singing, and is a member of the American Academy of Teachers of Singing.

Read here: https://vocalpedagogy.com/vocal-pedagogue/john-nix/

Hey Singers! We have a new Voice Teacher Training Graduate Spotlight up on Mariel Cordero!🎤

Mariel is a singer, songwriter, vocal coach and voice teacher, University of Costa Rica graduate - one of the most prestigious of Costa Rica - in musical education. She is the first Costa Rican to graduate the NYVC Voice Teacher Training.😃

Read here: https://voiceteachertraining.com/mariel-cordero?preview=156628BECBF3C03007B40831CC71B734

Hi Singers! We can’t wait for our next Songwriter’s Room with Abby Payne! It will be on Tuesday, Sept 19 from 7-9PM at New York Vocal Coaching!🎶

Participants will be able to present 1-2 songs that they are in the middle of writing (“stuck” or unfinished songs are very welcome) and will receive feedback and guidance on how to move forward. Presentations of songs can be live, played via a phone speaker, or even just lyrics read aloud.

Abby has worked with many songwriters in the past to help them move past any “writer’s block” and help them develop song ideas. She is thrilled to continue this with the NYVC community!

All levels of songwriters are welcome. There is a limit of 10 participants for this event so be sure to save your spot by emailing [email protected].

Feel free to email Abby at [email protected] if you have any questions!😃

In our 15th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group “Take 6”, Dave Thomas discusses how the group operates under creative freedom instead of limiting themselves based on industry or stylistic expectations.

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he interviews Alvin Chea, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Khristian Dentley, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight. Enjoy!🎤

Watch here: https://youtu.be/a4WPZWjEDkc?si=Asvnc9NHmipDfQ21

"Performance: Removing Limitations" - Take 6 Interview Part 15 In our 15th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group "Take 6", Dave Thomas discusses how the group operates under creative freedom instead of limiting...

Having trouble RELAXING while singing? Use your IMAGINATION!

Mental imagery is often very effective in ridding the body of unwanted tension. Imagine a large body of water - calm and smooth - as you sing your most difficult passages. Try not to ripple the surface. Or imagine a tree - its canopy growing upwards as its roots lengthen deeper into the ground - while you glide, firmly grounded, through your high notes.

Use these images or invent your own! Focusing your energy on an evocative image can often unlock body tension better than anything else. Your voice... free from tension... Imagine THAT!😃

Hi Singers! If you’re in Chile, join NYVC’s Nicolas Hormazabal for a Vocal Distortion Workshop.🎤

Email [email protected] for more information and to sign up!
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Hola cantantes! Si estás en Chile regístrate al workshop de nuestro profesor Nicolás Hormazábal.🎤

Escribe a [email protected] para más información y registro!

Hi Singers! We’re excited to share that our next Songwriter’s Room with Abby Payne will be on Tuesday, Sept 19 from 7-9PM at New York Vocal Coaching!🎶

Participants will be able to present 1-2 songs that they are in the middle of writing (“stuck” or unfinished songs are very welcome) and will receive feedback and guidance on how to move forward. Presentations of songs can be live, played via a phone speaker, or even just lyrics read aloud.

Abby has worked with many songwriters in the past to help them move past any “writer’s block” and help them develop song ideas. She is thrilled to continue this with the NYVC community!

All levels of songwriters are welcome. There is a limit of 10 participants for this event so be sure to save your spot by emailing [email protected]!😃

In our 14th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group “Take 6”, Mark Kibble discusses performance and the core mission of Take 6 as a group.🎶

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he interviews Alvin Chea, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Khristian Dentley, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight. Enjoy!

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kpft86CY-2c&si=w6qx_nYfgzo9g776

"Performance: Having A Mission" - Take 6 Interview Part 14 In our 14th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group "Take 6", Mark Kibble discusses performance and the core mission of Take 6 as a group. Join Voice...

Do you FEEL your voice? If so, you are experiencing Conductive Vibrations.🎶

Conductive Vibrations are the sensations that we feel in our chests, our heads, and in different parts of our faces. These vibrations help guide us as to what register we are singing in and what position our larynx is located. Chest vibrations usually correspond with Chest Voice and also lower larynx positions. Head vibrations usually correspond with Head Voice and higher larynx positions.

What the audience hears is called Sympathetic Resonance. That happens when sound waves go zinging around inside your head. They can’t hear your Conductive Vibrations. But, you can use Conductive Vibrations to FEEL your way to your best singing!🎤

Want to adjust the Larynx without even thinking about it? Try thinking about your BREATH sometimes instead of your Larynx. While it’s helpful to adjust the Larynx directly, sometimes adjustments are better made indirectly.

When you take a breath deep in the body, the larynx actually drops a little bit automatically. This slightly lowered position allows for greater resonance and looser vocal folds. Not to mention that a low breath sets you up for optimal breath support.

While good vocal technique often asks us to isolate different components of our instrument, it’s also great for them to work together. Let your low breath and your low larynx work in harmony!

Read more on dailyvocaltips.com😃

In our 13th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group "Take 6", Claude McKnight discusses performance and expressing one's unique personality, even within a group.🎤

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he interviews Alvin Chea, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Khristian Dentley, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight. Enjoy!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/cnc-ZpPRmPA

"Performance: Being Yourself" - Take 6 Interview Part 13 In our 13th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group "Take 6", Claude McKnight discusses performance and expressing one's unique personality, even wit...

When learning a song, it’s tempting to listen to ONE artist’s version and mimic them. Imitation is an excellent way to explore new sounds and develop your craft. But, there are things to be aware of as you do. The artist you are mimicking may be using vocal coordinations that took them years to execute. It’s easy to try to copy their aesthetics without considering the PROCESS that allowed them to create these sounds.🎤

Listening to multiple artists sing the same song is one way to minimize the chances of falling into this trap. This is also a great listening exercise for discerning diverse stylistic and technical choices. Expanding your listening horizons will lead to broader resources in your own singing. No one artist should be on your vocal pedestal. Put MANY up there and you may find yourself lifted up as well!😃

Don't be FOOLED by the vocals you hear on your favorite albums or studio recordings. The performers likely sang each song multiple times to get the best possible take for every moment. Then, a talented audio engineer lovingly mastered and "retouched" those vocals to make them 100% perfect. No live singer can achieve that standard! In fact, the imperfections and variations of a LIVE performance are what make you come ALIVE as a singer.🎧

When you're performing, focus on nailing the key elements that matter to you the most as an artist. From there, give yourself permission to make a mistake or try something a little different. You might be surprised at how much GENIUS is contained within imperfection!🎤

Read more on dailyvocaltips.com!

Have you ever heard of “Park and Bark”?🎤

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he defines “Park and Bark” and offers strategies to create more meaningful and expressive performances.

Enjoy Episode 8 of Singing Dictionary!📖

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=kuFx0Y3BNfI&feature=sharec

"Park and Bark Definition - What does it mean to Park and Bark?" - Singing Dictionary Ep. 8 Join the New York Vocal Coaching YouTube channel and have access to exclusive perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcxo5COqhVc84JYS_bRdLyg/joinSubscribe t...

Our EMBOUCHURE (or mouth shape) can greatly affect the resonance of our voices!🎶

Try experimenting with different mouth shapes to achieve various resonances and stylistic characteristics! First try a NEUTRAL mouth shape. It’s important to be able to sing our entire range without any drastic changes to our Embouchure. If you’re looking for increased strength and brightness, attempt to SMILE while singing! If you’re attempting a style with a darker resonance quality or need increased vocal flexibility, PUCKERING your lips will help you achieve this effect. Lastly, SNARLING the upper lip is an Embouchure that promotes a lighter sound by encouraging nasal resonance.

While we want to first master all vocal coordinations with MINIMAL Embouchure changes, we can later choose to color the sound with a wide variety of mouth postures as we see fit!😃

In our 12th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group “Take 6”, Mark Kibble discusses performance and bringing your best every single time.🎤

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he interviews Alvin Chea, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Khristian Dentley, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight. Enjoy!😃

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=zeknNoTOk4w&feature=sharec

"Performance: Giving To Your Audience" - Take 6 Interview Part 12 Join the New York Vocal Coaching YouTube channel and have access to exclusive perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcxo5COqhVc84JYS_bRdLyg/joinSubscribe t...

Hi Singers! Justin would like to thank you all for your wonderful Birthday wishes!🥳

We appreciate you taking the time to share such kind messages. We’re so grateful to be a part of your vocal journeys!🎤

Please join us in wishing our founder, Justin Stoney, a very Happy Birthday!🥳

Justin, thank you for reminding us that we are all meant to sing and Make A Joyful Noise!🎶

Vocal and musical style can be incredibly specific and nuanced! Think about all the sub-genres and even sub-sub-genres under rock, pop, jazz, blues, etc. What's the difference between Cool Jazz and Smooth Jazz? What about SynthPop and ElectroPop? Or Opera and Oratorio? Some differences are obvious, but many are very subtle.🎤

What does this mean to you as a singer? It means you get to TUNE UP your ears and also your imagination! How SPECIFIC can you get within your vocal style? Challenge yourself to find as many nuanced stylistic elements in a song and see if you can PRECISELY mimic the stylistic shades! You'll become a better musician and singer! And you'll finally be able to show your friends the difference between Viking Metal and War Metal!🎸

In singing, it’s not right or wrong that matters - it’s what’s right for YOU!⭐️

Anyone who thinks there's only one right way to sing need only open their eyes (and ears) to the plenty of “wrong” singers who have achieved great success. How many musicians’ greatest hits were originally rejected for not fitting the mold? How many amazing vocalists stood out because they weren’t doing what they were “supposed” to do? Even singers who use their voices in unhealthy or potentially harmful ways can achieve great joy or professional success.

So, while we always want to strive for the healthiest and most sustainable technique possible, we also have to understand that there is something far bigger than what’s “proper”. How you choose to make art is your choice and yours alone.

Your artistry, your soul, and your voice are never right or wrong - only right or wrong for YOU!🎤

Read more on dailyvocaltips.com!

In our 11th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group “Take 6”, the guys discuss the importance of having fun during a performance and how it impacts your audience.

Join NYVC founder Justin Stoney as he interviews Alvin Chea, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Khristian Dentley, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight.🎶

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=fCJeHa4enA8&feature=sharec

"Performance: The Importance of Having Fun" - Take 6 Interview Ep. 11 In our 11th episode with the legendary Grammy-winning group "Take 6", the guys discuss the importance of having fun during a performance and how it impacts y...

The Vocal Pedagogy Team released a new article on Todd Duncan, an American opera singer, actor, and voice teacher. He is best known for appearing as Porgy in the original production of Porgy and Bess (1935) and being one of the first African-Americans to sing with a major opera company.

Read here: https://vocalpedagogy.com/vocal-pedagogue/todd-duncan/

How does the DISCIPLINE of practicing become the ART of performing? When preparing and rehearsing, it's all about "taking in." You must read, study, memorize, and shape every nuance of your material. You create the through-line and the journey of your character from start to finish. But, when it's time to perform, a fundamental CHANGE must take place. "Taking in" must turn into "letting go!".🎤

Before you walk on stage to perform, don’t think about all the beats you want to hit and moments you want to create. Don’t set your mind on what's going to happen (much of that is out of your control). Instead, tell yourself, "I've done the work. I have everything I need." Set your mind on trusting yourself and letting go. The moment you do this is the moment when your craft becomes your ART!🎼

Read more on dailyvocaltips.com!

What is Overtone Singing and how do we do it?🎶

Join NYVC Founder Justin Stoney as he defines and explores Overtone Singing. Enjoy Episode 7 of Singing Dictionary!😃

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=vIQHUndtWyI&feature=sharec

“Overtone Singing Definition - ‘What Is Overtone Singing?’ - Singing Dictionary Ep. 7 What is Overtone Singing and how do we do it? Join Voice Teacher Justin Stoney of New York Vocal Coaching as he defines and explores Overtone Singing. Enjoy ...

Practice makes perfect! Right? Well, for singing perhaps it’s better to say, “Perfect practice makes skillful singers”.🎤

When practicing, focus on targeting a SPECIFIC skill and ensure that you are doing so in a healthy way and an intentional way. Just imagine if every day you practiced increasing your range and you strained and tensed your muscles to hit the high notes. You would actually be practicing BAD habits that may lead to vocal problems in the future.

So, the next time you practice, focus on healthy technique and specific new skillsets - make THOSE your habits! While we may never be perfect singers, we can become “perfect” practicers!

Read more on dailyvocaltips.com😃

Irresistible talent and charm made her the simple joy of Broadway, the favorite thing of film, and the spoonful of sugar that we all need in our lives. It’s our Fair Lady… Julie Andrews.

Join NYVC’s Arbender Robinson, Zac Bradford, Abby Payne, Andy King, and Justin Stoney - as they discuss the timeless Julie Andrews.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Qdj6w68uQg4&feature=sharec

"Julie Andrews Vocal Analysis" - Voice Lessons Online Irresistible talent and charm made her the simple joy of Broadway, the favorite thing of film, and the spoonful of sugar that we all need in our lives. It’s ...

We’re thrilled to share that NYVC founder Justin Stoney has been interviewed by NPR!😃

Justin discusses Taylor Swift’s voice in her new re-recorded album “Speak Now” and how it’s changed since the original release.🎤

Listen and read here: https://www.npr.org/2023/07/10/1186712379/speak-now-taylors-version-is-the-red-re-recorded-album-by-taylor-swift

'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)' is the 3rd re-recorded album by Taylor Swift Taylor Swift has released Speak Now (Taylor's Version) — a re-recording of her old hits from 2010 with some new songs from her vault.

Are you an ADVENTUROUS singer? Or, do you stick to what you’re already good at? It's certainly important to know what styles suit your voice. However, it's also important to step outside the box. After all, how can we realize the amazing possibilities of our voices without taking some risks? Start stretching your musical ears and tastes by finding a few songs that aren't in your typical style. Even if they are not “your thing”, try to truly COMMIT to them. You may not end up ever performing, recording, or auditioning with these songs, but your skills as an artist will be stretched and developed.🎤

Open your ears and soul to the ADVENTURE of working on styles that are outside of your everyday vocal life!😃

Read more on dailyvocaltips.com!

The Vocal Pedagogy team shared a new interview with Joan Lader, a brilliant voice teacher who has spent the last 40 years providing vocal training and rehabilitation for professional voice users.

Read here: https://vocalpedagogy.com/vocal-pedagogue/joan-lader/

Happy 4th of July to all of our USA singers!🇺🇸🎶

Did you know that the tune for the American National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was originally written for a British gentlemen’s club called the Anacreontic Society? The melody has a range of an octave and one fifth. That’s a pretty big range for many singers to navigate! If you're having trouble hitting those high notes at the end, be sure you're starting the first phrase in a very low range for your voice. There's a long way to go before you reach the top! But, never forget that all great nations and all great singers start in low and humble places before they reach their greatest heights! This Independence Day, let freedom (and your voice) RING!🎤

One of the most beloved R&B singers we’ve ever known, with a rich baritone depth, soothing pop float, and endless nuance - all spun together with charm, ease, and love - we're excited to learn from Luther Vandross!🎤

Join NYVC Voice Teachers Kacey Velazquez, Arbender Robinson, Nicolás Hormazábal, Zac Bradford, and Justin Stoney - as they discuss the many abilities of Mr. Vandross.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/UOTzXRDIJFE

"Luther Vandross Vocal Analysis" - Voice Lessons Online Ep. 20 One of the most beloved R&B singers we’ve ever known, with a rich baritone depth, soothing pop float, and endless nuance - all spun together with charm, ease...

“Two is better than one!” This goes for singing as well.😃

Have a friend that loves to sing? Try practicing with them! We usually only think about practicing alone or with a vocal coach, but having another set of friendly ears can be helpful and inspirational. In addition to singing your favorite duets, you can give each other feedback and learn from one another's strengths. Plan to meet at least once a month and keep each other positive and accountable. Record your sessions so you can document your mutual progress from month to month. So go ahead - set a date, create a song list for both of you, and get started with vocal growth x 2!🎤

Tag friends you love to sing with below!⬇️