What is Songkraft?
Songkraft is a comprehensive program designed for vocalists. It enhances voice and performance capacities through knowledge acquisition, skill development practices, and performance opportunities. Additionally, the program specializes in assisting individuals in overcoming personal limitations to discover and embrace their authentic voice.
What is Singease?
SingEase is a vocal methodology developed by Tim Mallandaine. It offers a distinctive approach to singing, drawing parallels with learning a new language or dialect. In doing so, it recognizes the innate vocal abilities individuals have developed through language acquisition. 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 emphasized by Daniel Coyle 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, 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. It's crucial to understand that the range of voice qualities is incredibly diverse. Take, for example, the distinctive and diverse sounds of Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart, and Leonard Cohen. Each is celebrated for their ability to interpret songs despite their distinctive sounding voices. 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 exists a widespread lack of awareness regarding the incredible physical, mental, and emotional benefits that come with 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 very 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 doesn't align with pleasurable experiences. It also doesn’t work well. Focusing on and improving breathing, conditioning our process until it becomes smooth and unrestricted, liberates the voice from the impact of fear. While it may require a bit of time and practice, those who persist in this effort always find success.
Who should sing?
Everyone. The physical, mental and emotional wellness 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, and an external, objective perspective can benefit everyone. Therefore, it is 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 to 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. Everything!
Why Songkraft?
Songkraft supports singers in discovering the natural ease and the skills, range and endurance required of today’s professionals. Through explorative processes, inclusive of all styles of music, singers find and take advantage of their total vocal capacity.
