What is Songkraft?

Songkraft is a comprehensive voice program for anyone interested in improving their performance.  It enhances voice and performance capacities through knowledge acquisition, skill development practices, and performance opportunities.  It greatly assists individuals who struggle to move beyond self-limiting thoughts, feelings and habits.  

What is Singease?

SingEase is Songkraft's proprietary vocal methodology.  It offers a distinctive approach that recognizes the innate vocal abilities individuals have developed through learning to speak.  The program employs a thoughtfully curated selection of music to progressively train students, guiding them toward achieving professional-level singing standards. It strongly emphasizes identifying and eradicating habits that hinder natural and effortless singing.

Who can sing and become an exceptional singer?

"Great singing sounds easy because it is easy.  What's difficult is learning to make it easy."  JTM

Extensive research has dispelled the idea of innate talent. As Daniel Coyle emphasizes in his book The Talent Code, success in singing, as in many other endeavours, doesn't depend on inherent talent. Instead, it relies on three crucial elements: deep passion, guidance from a skilled coach, and consistent, deep focused practice.

Why do so many people say that they can't sing at all?

Many individuals restrict themselves due to concerns about the sound of their voice and a fear of judgment. Understanding that the range of possible voice qualities is incredibly diverse is crucial. Take, for example, the distinctive and diverse sounds of Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart, and Leonard Cohen.  Despite their distinctive sounding voices, each is celebrated for their ability to interpret songs.  This underscores the importance of conveying emotions and connecting with the audience rather than conforming to a specific sound standard. While sound quality is one aspect, what truly matters most is how singing feels and how the voice is employed, not how it sounds or what others may think about it.

Why do only a few people choose to learn more about how to sing? 

There is a widespread lack of awareness regarding the incredible physical, mental, and emotional benefits of learning to sing and perform. Regrettably, many individuals fall prey to the talent myth, are convinced that they can't sing and subsequently miss out.  They mistakenly dismiss the pursuit of singing as unworthy and struggle to invest in themselves, erroneously believing that doing so squanders their resources.  However, if they take the time to listen to the experiences of those who have chosen to embark on a creative journey, they would likely have a change of heart.  The truth is that singing and performing offer a wealth of personal growth opportunities, and the benefits are priceless.

What can be done about performance fear and anxiety?

Our brain responds similarly to both excitement and fear. Physiologically, fear often leads to holding or constraining our breathing, while excitement typically does not do so.  Singing is most enjoyable when it feels good, and being 'stuck' with restricted breathing isn't fun and doesn’t work well.  Focusing on and improving breathing until it becomes smooth and unrestricted liberates the voice from the impact of fear. While it may require time and practice, persistence always leads to success.

Who should sing?

Everyone.  The physical, mental and emotional benefits are reason enough.   

Should advanced singers have a coach? 

The path to mastering singing is a lifelong journey. Challenges arise at every level of expertise.  Therefore, it's advantageous for every singer to have a coach provide insight for continuous growth and vocal health. This is particularly important for professionals aiming to maintain their vocal abilities amidst the demands of a performance career. 

Do singers have to write their own songs?

No, many great singers don't write their own music.  Whitney Houston had only a few writing credits despite seven consecutive US number-one hits.  That’s one more than the Beatles.  
 
At Songkraft, performers are encouraged to explore song creation, including writing lyrics, crafting melodies, or collaborating with other writers and musicians.  There are various ways to dive into songwriting, and online resources are readily available for beginners. Singers who focus just on the melody and lyrics are called top-line writers.  So, whether you find a co-writer, start a duo, join a band, or experiment, the key is to try it.  
 
Writing songs is a fulfilling experience.  While it’s challenging to become great, getting started requires only a willingness to jot down a few words and create a melody. 

How do you start a career?

By doing things in the correct order.  An unfinished voice attracts the wrong kind of attention.  Work hard until you know you have something to offer, and then start to show up and present what you’ve created.  Don't show up and struggle.  Instead, work until you're comfortable performing at any gig, and you'll know what to do next.  There are two rules.  Shut up and sing!  Don't suck!  The first one is easy, and the second one just takes time.  Take your time, and don't start performing publically until you know people will like what they hear.   

Why Songkraft?

Songkraft supports performers in discovering the natural ease, skills, range, and endurance required of today’s professionals. Through explorative processes that include all styles of music, singers discover and learn to use their full capacity.