Author Archives: John D Scott
How to Avoid a Vocal Injury
Adelle is one of my favorite singers. Her success is not the result of fancy productions, glitzy marketing, or trendy youth culture, but is simply the result of great singing and an amazing ability to communicate emotion through her songs. I was saddened but not shocked to hear that she had injured her voice and…
Bruno Mars: a Vocal Superstar
At 27, Bruno Mars is proving to be one of the top Singer songwriters of the 2010’s. He recently won the Choice R&B artist and Summer music star at the Teen Choice Music Awards in Hollywood this week. He’s also won Grammy, an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award and a BRIT Award. I…
Justin Timberlake’s Vocal Technique
At the age of 32, Justin Timberlake is having thriving year. Touring with his album “The 20/20 Experience”, he has sold more than 1 million copies, with the song Mirrors spending 24 weeks on the Billboard top ten. From a vocal standpoint, his voice is fresh and strong. His melodies constantly transcend the barriers that…
Billy Joel Comeback?
In today’s New York Times interview with Andrew Goldman, Billy Joel tells a long fascinating story about his life and musical resurgence. He comes across as honest and open, and he gives a detailed accounting of his relationship with Elton John, his hip replacement surgery, and all the trials he’s experienced in business, love, and…
How To Expand Your Singing Range
The best way to expand your vocal range is to effectively blend your chest voice and head voice. The best way to start is to practice some sirens, and try to minimize the break by keeping your larynx low. You can also learn about releasing jaw tension, keeping your vocal cords adducted, and proper breath…
The Secret to Effortless Singing: Air Control
Take a breath of air. A nice long breath. Now take a breath and hum on the exhale, feeling your vocal cords vibrate and resist the air leaving you. This mysterious process of engaging your vocal cords is the secret to effortlessly controlling your singing voice. Most singers who run out of breath do not…
Jermaine Paul wins NBC’s The Voice
NBC’s “The Voice” has proven to be the show where the best singers actually win! (Sorry American Idol). Jermaine Paul’s final performance of “I Can Fly” by R. Kelly is one of the most amazing and well produced performances you will see on television this year. He has a most rare and impressive combination of…
How Your Shoulders Can Unlock Your Voice
When it comes to being a great singer, it boils down to having subtle control of your vocal cords. The problem most people have is that the larger muscle groups that surround the vocal cords tend to squeeze in and prevent the vocal cords from doing their job. The shoulders play a big role in…
Two American Idol Finalists Sing the Same Adele Song
On February 29, two contestants on American Idol sang “One and Only” by Adele: Elise Testone and Jen Hirsh. In some ways, Jen Hirsh had a better voice. She demonstrated better range, a cleaner tone, and more sophisticated embellishments. Even though the judges said she was one of the best, she was voted off the…
Starting Voice Breakthrough
My name is John Scott. I’ve been a professional vocal coach in the Bay Area for over 20 years, and have studied voice under Seth Riggs, Lynn Wickham, and Raz Kennedy. Most people assume I studied music in college, but I didn’t. I was a molecular biology major! You might think that my stint as…