Thursday, December 13, 2012

12-12-12- Hurricane Sandy Concert Review

Did you see the 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert last night? We here at Dot's Voice Studios support when artists unite and make music for a good cause.

Overall, I thought it was an entertaining evening full of good-spirited musical legends. It's amazing to consider how artists like Paul McCartney, at age 70 still sounded phenomenal, sailing through 3 octaves like it was nothing, from fast-paced hard-rock, to the peaceful ballad "Blackbird." And that is proof that the voice gets better with age if you look after it.

  I would like to highlight a legendary artist with amazing presence, physique and vocal ability... the first few moments of his solo performance gave me chills...but then I started to wonder about his voice. Was he compensating because he couldn't hit the notes?
 Click here to read the rest of the article & get 3 vocal tips!

Also, if you're thinking about starting off the new year getting your voice back into shape, now is the perfect time to sing and save! Click here for more information about seasonal specials!


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012

What are 'The Voice' Judges Looking For?

Do you ever wonder how you get that extra edge the judges are looking for? 
Dot shares 3 EXERCISES you can use to become a more powerful performer while you're watching 'The Voice' at home. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Friday, September 21, 2012

Singing with Confidence, Part 1


Can you relate to one of the following scenarios?
  • You just don’t quite feel confident about your voice. 
  • People tell you it sounds good when you sing, but you’re not sure if they’re just trying to make you feel better or if they're delusional. 
  • Deep, deep down, you think you’re a genius, but there's another very skeptical part of you that just doesn’t know for sure if that's really accurate. And if it is—you’re aware that the notes you think in your head when you sing don’t always come out the way you want them to.
  • You might still be holding onto a few “vocal wounds” from childhood, when your parent, sibling or friend told you, “You're tone deaf!” or to please, “Be quiet!
So what to do next?  Read the full article How To Sing With Confidence, part 1

Friday, September 14, 2012

Sing With Vulnerability & Empowerment

The most powerful and effective artists are able to share and show their flaws – and to be "OK" with those flaws.  Experiencing this vulnerability in front of others while we sing, and still being able to shine takes COURAGE.

Want to know How To Sing With Vulnerability? Click here to watch video & read full article...

Friday, September 7, 2012

The Secret Quality Every Singer Needs


I took off all my makeup in my latest video to talk about an important truth for singers. Want to know why?  



Back when I made my first YouTube videos, I actually got brutally criticized for bad hair and makeup. I eventually learned not to care and to keep teaching and making videos from my heart.  
  
Now, my own self acceptance and love for what I do is what propels me forward, and this is exactly what I teach my students to connect to when they sing. 

We'll be going into more detail about how vulnerability makes you powerful at my Beginner's Workshop Class on September 22nd!  I'm only accepting the first 15 students, to keep the class small with individualized attention.

So, have you guessed the SECRET QUALITY yet?

Click here to watch the video and get the answer.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Have You Heard of the Vocal Olympics?

I'm bursting with inspiration after watching the Olympics, and I bet many of you are too.  Watching the athletes compete reminds me so much of a vocalist's journey...  Hours, months and years of preparation for mere moments in the spotlight!  

Of course, the INNER workouts are just as important as the OUTER workouts we see on TV. 

As the London Olympics played, I led my C.O.R.E. Vocal Power In-Studio Class through their own summer vocal Olympics. 11 singers found their CORE voice and recorded an original song played on Global Voice Radio. 

Stay tuned for the music video of "New Way" by the CORE Singers - coming soon!

CLICK HERE to read more about Inner Vocal Olympics

CLICK HERE to read more about workshops

Friday, May 18, 2012

Five Benefits all Singers Need




Searching for Your Authentic Voice? 
Struggling to hit those high notes?
Overwhelmed by the whole Process?
I'd like to share with you my CORE formula to successful singing and the five benefits, which we'll be learning about and experiencing in more detail this summer while you sing, write music and record in my CORE in Studio Creative workshop! This is a short blog, because I want you to watch the video. There is also another video below the video you will be watching if you click HERE, that will give you more information about CORE Vocal Power® and the secrets to singing success.

Overcome Your Vocal Blocks and Unleash Your Peak Performance this summer!

Click HERE to watch a short video about the five CORE benefits all singers need...and yes, I'll also be answering questions about my summer vocal workshop in the video.


If you've been struggling with any part of your voice lately, now is the time to unleash your peak performance, and experience CORE Vocal Power®. Don't miss out. It's selling fast and there are limited seats! 

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

7 Ways to Keep Your New Year Happy: Vocal Tip #1

How's your January going so far? Hopefully you're still having a Happy New Year. There's a reason I'm telling you this. Did you know that studies show January is the most depressing month of the year? Do you know why?

After much reflection and my own research, I have some thoughts about this, and I'd like to share with you 7 Ways to Keep Your New Year Happy and empowered.


Monday, October 31, 2011

Authenticity: Confident vs. Conceit

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN! While many are dressing up and changing how people see their outer appearances, it's the perfect time of year to talk about something all singers struggle with: How people see their inner appearance.

Get the full story! watch my video and read the full article.

You'll learn:
  • What is the difference between confidence and conceit?
  • How to be Objective about your voice
  • How to overcome self-sabotage
Just visit the latest entry in my Singspiration blog for this month's vocal goodies!

Click picture below to watch video


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Where Do We Sing From?

When I ask singers, "where do you sing from?" I typically get 2 answers: The heart, and the diaphragm.

Both answers are right, but they're only partially correct.

TO FIND OUT WHY, CLICK ON MY VIDEO and see the full article on Dot's Singspiration blog!

Here's a hint... Singing is the sound of your soul!


Thursday, July 28, 2011

Dots Thoughts on Amy Winehouse

Powerful vs. Empowered Singing

Part of why I take an emphasis on empowerment as a vocal coach is because of the short-lived careers of many artists who fall so quickly after they rise, or never even make it to the top, because they suffer the consequences of making choices that permanently damage the mind, soul and body.

To help you maximize YOUR VOICE as a gift of expression with clarity, good health, abundance and longevity, I've written an article on POWERFUL vs. EMPOWERED SINGING.

Amy Winehouse was another example of how an incredible voice and all the talent in the world alone does not guarantee personal fulfillment and self-empowerment... A powerful reminder of how important your Mind, Soul and VOICE are.

It's a tough world out there, and empowered singing can help!

Click to read Dot's latest article

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Vocal Power & Confidence: From the Car to the Stage!

Watch my video below for a Vocal Exercise to help you sound as great onstage as you do while singing in your car!

Read the full article for:

* Vocal Exercise: sing as great onstage as you do in the car!
* Tips for singing on the go
* Top 3 questions about singing in the car



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Dot Reviews New Show 'The Voice': Part 1

Photo © Andrew Evans / PR Photos

In my latest Review of "the Voice vs. American Idol," I look at this new show and what it really means for performers in the talent search industry. I explain how to make an impression using only your voice. And finally, I'll share exercises to access the secret behind every empowered voice!


Read DOT's REVIEW
'THE VOICE' vs. 'AMERICAN IDOL'


• Learn The Empowered Singer's Secret

• 3 Empowering Exercises To Do While Watching 'The Voice'

• How To Make A "Weakness" Work To Your Advantage



Click to read:

DOT's REVIEW OF 'THE VOICE' vs. 'AMERICAN IDOL'


I hope you enjoy!


Sincerely,


Dot Todman

Vocal Empowerment Coach

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Are You Auditioning for X-Factor, The Voice or American Idol?

HOW TO AUDITION WITH C.O.R.E. VOCAL POWER

Do you want to:
• Create a powerful audition for yourself?
• Feel confident in what youʼre singing about?
• Learn how to release all attachment to outcome?


PREPARING & PRACTICING
Need Tips?
• How to prepare for the audition
• How to practice for the audition
• How to create a story and feeling for your performance
• How to take others on a journey with you, while you sing


PRE-AUDITION CHECKLIST
• Have I met the requirements of the request? Example: 16 measures, 32 measures, etc., know if you need sheet music or accompanist, a cappella, etc.
• Prepare at least 2 contrasting back up songs, just in case they ask you to sing something else.
• If you're required to bring sheet music, tape it together and have it marked so an accompanist can easily play it.

Read the entire Pre-Audition Checklist: Dot's Guide to Auditioning with C.O.R.E. Vocal Power

WHAT TO DO AT THE AUDITION?
WHILE WAITING: Learn how to stay in your "right brain" and become more powerful while you wait!
WHILE AUDITIONING: Have more presence and power. Look and feel more confident.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your latest audition experiences & victories! Write me and let me know what you think about my Guide to Auditioning with C.O.R.E. Vocal Power.

Sincerely,

Dot Todman,
Hollywood Vocal Coach

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Integrative Vocal Tip



It's already almost through the first month of the New Year! How are
you doing with your resolutions? Just know that you have a whole
year to achieve them, and every day is the beginning of a new year.
Don't be too hard on yourselves. The way we treat ourselves
throughout our day has a direct impact on how we sing
! We
can take a look at how we conduct each day as we move towards
achieving our goals and resolutions. The following exercise will help
you feel empowered, so you're not just focused on "WHAT" to do in
a day, but "HOW" you do it. Remember, you get to choose this
experience, and it's the underlying feeling of your experience when
you sing, that people will feel.
Keep this in mind when you watch
shows like American Idol. You can learn a lot by watching the vocal
journey of others. This week, notice how the contestants treat themselves.

CLICK

HERE
TO READ rest of ARTICLE.



Thursday, January 6, 2011

Dot's C.O.R.E. Vocal Power Singers Debut Performanc Encore



Here is the latest from my C.O.R.E. Vocal Power® Singers!
On their debut performance at a Santa Monica
Residential Treatment Center, they received an encore! What a great
experience it was for all!