Singing and Vocal Health

Many people ask me about voice lessons. I give lessons in the Austin, TX area. The technique I teach is based on the following:

My fees are on a sliding scale. If you are interested please contact me by voicemail at 512-682-6901 x 1074.

Your first lesson:
Breathing is the foundation of all singing.

Standing in a comfortable position with good posture, stretch your arms up until you feel a comfortable vertical lift in your ribcage. Hold that position only as long as necessary to allow your body to feel and become accustomed to that position.
Then, lower your arms to place your palms on the back of your head (as if you are putting on a cap or beanie). In addition to that vertical stretch, you will feel a horizontal stretch. When you have become accustomed to that, and are able to hold that position, lower your arms slowly to your sides.
You will notice that now when you breathe, and you hold that position, your abdomen will move in and out. This is normal (look at the way a baby breathes). This slight ribcage expansion will allow you to breathe in a healthy and normal fashion.
Now, breathe in through the nose, with the mouth slightly open. The tongue should be flat and relaxed (you may need to practice with a mirror). Exhale through the mouth.