Today on Ask Simply Mary we talk about vocals and some challenges you can overcome with a few simple tips.

Every artist seems to strive to be better at one thing or another. Sometimes we just want to be the best at everything, and realistically, we just can't. Even though we can't master every single skill, we can however, improve every single one. Let's talk about vocals today.

The question:

"Whenever I sing I feel most comfortable when singing low. I feel that I sound at least a bit better than when I try to sing more high like Sopranos. Is there any tips to improve my singing voice? I'm female by the way."

With every single challenge we face comes effort. Sometimes there is a considerable amount of effort that it will consume and that thought in itself can inhibit us from moving forward with reaching those goals we set for ourselves as an artist, a songwriter, or any type of creator. Before we can bring to fruition those goals we so deeply desire to achieve, we need to make a conscious effort to follow through with them and that is your first step.

So with this question we know that vocals are going to be the focus here. So let's talk about how to improve these vocal skills, and how to break barriers we feel are in the way of our growth as a vocalist.

In part one of the podcast we are going to talk about these tips:

You have a natural vocal range, embrace that first before you try to expand your talent.

Don't get to worked up, learn at your own pace.

Exercise your diaphragm daily by focusing and becoming aware of your breathing.

Take care of your instrument, your voice! You know, the healthy things like not smoking and staying hydrated.

Do not strain your voice, this can literally cause permanent damage!

Warming up and the importance of practice.

Finding artists you resonate with to research for advice.

As we move into part 2 of the podcast I talk about:

Building slowly to reach the next octave.

Higher in pitch is NOT higher in volume.

Vocal cord damage is REAL.

Record yourself as an amateur, and then again later to compare.

Be faithful to yourself.

Don't beat yourself up if you are not making the progress you think you should be making.

Don't push the bar further than you can afford to.

Apply these tips to many different areas that you may want to work on.

Don't forget to take a break.

Know that no matter what goal you are trying to reach, practice makes perfect they say. Put into it what you expect to get out and you will be successful in all you do!

Best wishes always!

Simply Mary

Today on Ask Simply Mary,

Ray Galindo asks, "What is your opinion of Charles Manson's music?"

What a crazy topic to touch on for sure! I knew that Charles Manson made music a few years back and thought that was strange but never looked into it. Today I made the decision to check out Charles Manson's lyrics and his compositions that are available on YouTube. I really think everyone should take a moment and check this guy out. He really is an artist and a surprisingly talented man.

Jim Milton wants to know how to write a song with a ukulele without all the lyrics sounding unfamiliar and not right when something out loud.

I touch on instrumentation and structure while songwriting and also give a few pointers on things that may help with the process. Variations with instrumentation and using metronomes can really help with songwriting when you were only using one instrument. We also talk about variations and patterns as well as structure.

Finally Mary Scott asks,"If you're a songwriter what is your main objective in writing songs?"

I never really realized until today that song writing objectives seem to change along the course of a songwriters life. I know for me that my objectives have changed over the years and I believe that I share this with many other artists. I think this is an important question to touch on because it made me think about a lot of things.

I would like to thank everyone so much for tuning into the show!

If you like what you hear and you are getting something out of this podcast you are welcome to support the podcast by clicking the button on my podcast page. All support in every form is greatly appreciated!