by Ian | Nov 20, 2014 | News, Tips |
Our vocal chords ( sometimes called vocal folds) sit horizontally behind our Adam’s apple and vibrate horizontally as we sing. Next time you are singing keep this in mind. As you start singing think of a straight line. Don’t pull your chin up as you reach for high notes or drop your chin down as you sing low notes. You will be amazed how this can ease tension in the voice. If you are experiencing any problems with you voice why not look into the classes I run that may be able to help...
by Ian | Oct 24, 2014 | News, Tips |
In my experience as a professional singer and vocal coach, correct breathing is the most important thing when it comes to singing. The “air” is what makes the sound! If we don’t know how to achieve the right air flow we run into vocal problems. Click here to learn more about breathing classes I offer to help solve any breathing issues you may be...
by Ian | Oct 2, 2014 | News, Testimonials |
I am lead singer of a band called I’m Your Vinyl. I remember when I first lost my voice temporarily, it was four years ago right before I was due to perform an important show in my home town of Birr. My doctor referred me to a throat specialist who informed me that I was suffering with nodules. They have been reoccurring over the years. Cathy has taught me how to maintain a healthy voice on a daily basis, through the right use of breathing, the importance of vocal rest, vocal warmups and minding how we use our speaking voice. Most of all, she has a very calming effect on you and has wonderful insights into the world of music. I would highly recommend working with Cathy. If you need extra training or are experiencing problems with your voice, why not have a look at some of my advanced classes. I run an intensive program for advanced professional singers, a vocal problems class for specific vocal issues and a breathing class to help develop correct breathing...
by Ian | Sep 19, 2014 | News, Tips |
We use our speaking voices every day, sometimes all day! Especially if we work in a job dealing with the public. It is vital not to forget the importance of vocal rest. Using your voice all day can lead to straining the voice, and leaving your singing voice less than perfect. The first sign of your voice tiring is that you feel yourself getting hoarse or slightly husky. I recommend that where possible, particularly in the weeks you are gigging, that you rest your speaking voice and singing voice. On the days leading to your performance there should be times during your daily routine where you are totally quiet. During these quiet times you can mentally prepare for the gig: visualising it going exactly as you want it to. Hear the songs you will be singing in your mind and hear them going perfectly. This is a very powerful way of preparing for a gig. By giving yourself proper vocal rest, your voice will have more strength, and the positive mental preparation is as good as doing a full rehearsal. On the week of a gig I would make vocal rest part of my preparation, especially focusing on positive mental preparation. I would rest my voice as much as possible the day before my gig, and on the day of the performance just do a good vocal warm up, keeping sound check to a minimum. Try it you will be amazed at the results. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, steaming can be extremely beneficial for a tired voice and can be a useful tool in preparing for an...
by Ian | Sep 11, 2014 | News |
There is currently a call for Irish talent for a new television show! ITV is making ‘Rising Star’ in conjunction with Universal Records. If anyone is interested in auditioning, it can be any genre, solo or band. The only stipulation is that applicants must be over 16 (as of August 31st). Please note also, that this stage of the process is sourcing talent for the pre-televised auditions. Final entry is Monday 15th September All you need to apply is a video of you singing any song, one which shows your voice at its very best, and the following information: Name: Age: County/City: Occupation/Student: I’ve included a link to the press release from the show, which explains how the voting process works: http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/rising-star-comes-itv If you are thinking of auditioning, it could be well worth your while going for pre-audition singing lessons, to ensure your voice is in top notch condition, and get to grips with any concerns you may have. If you would like to apply contact Anne O’Connor at...
by Ian | Aug 29, 2014 | News |
A couple of years ago I was asked by the John Murray show to help a lady named Sheila Cassidy learn to sing a nursery rhyme to her grandson. She had contacted the show as part of their Make A Small Change program that offered listeners the opportunity to try something they always wanted to: “Sheila had always wanted to learn how to sing and I was thrilled to help her succeed. Sheila is a great example that everyone has some ability to sing,” Why not have a listen to Sheila’s story in the two clips below: Click here for the first call into the show where Sheila and I met on the phone (It starts about 35 minutes into the program) Click here for the second segment on Sheila’s lessons and her singing the songs she learnt If you are on a mobile phone or tablet you will have to download the RTE Radio player and search for Cathy Vard to find the show. If you’re interested on learning to sing your own song, have a look at my beginners singing lessons. I teach in a very relaxed form – we work together, for you to get the most out of your voice and enjoy the fun of...
