KEYS TO GREAT SONGWRITING

Added: 11.12.2008 | Coach: Brett Manning | Artist: Morgan Cryar

Difficulty: Beginning

In this update Brett sits down with long time friend and colleague, Morgan Cryar. Morgan is an accomplished artist, producer and most notably, songwriter. The two talk about being an artist and the importance of great songwriting. They share some huge secrets of writing music that says what you want to say, and grabs the listener. This is a great update for any artist, in any genre or style.

MIX VOICE FOR THE CLASSICAL SINGER

Added: 11.05.2008 | Coach: Jesse Nemitz | Artist: Arielle Warner

Difficulty: Beginning

Arielle Warner is a classically trained singer, but she wants to be able to sing more than just that particular style. She is looking to sing more than just in her head voice. Jesse walks Arielle through several vocal exercises to help find her mix, and be able to sing what she wants. You can see a change starting as she works through a Carrie Underwood song near the end of the lesson.

A MEASURE OF CONNECTION TO RESTORE THE VOICE

Added: 10.29.2008 | Coach: Brett Manning | Artist: Brian Frank & Casey Phanuef

Difficulty: Advanced

In this update Brett sits down with Brian Frank and Casey Phanuef from the punk rock band “A Hero’s Fate”. They’ve both noticed that the way they have been singing is starting to take a toll on their voices. Understanding the style of music they perform, Brett works on improving their vocal technique to relieve the strain without changing their style. He talks about how you should be able to sing heavy and dirty, then go back to light and clean whenever you want.

This lesson deals with using proper technique when singing so you don’t harm your voice. It also has some great tips on hitting high notes with ease, and repairing the voice after abuse. If you sing rock or any other loud styles, you’ve gotta see this one!

BALANCING THE FEMALE VOICE

Added: 10.22.2008 | Coach: Sophie Shear | Artist: Beth Leann

Difficulty: Advanced

This update features artist, teacher and Brett Manning Associate, Sophie Shear. She sits down with one of her long time students, Beth Leann, to help her smooth the edges in the transitions between her chest, mix and head voices.

Sophie takes Beth through several exercises from the bottom to the top of her natural range to help smooth out every part. You can see the difference as Beth’s voice actually becomes more balanced in just this one half hour lesson! This is a must see for any female vocalist wanting a more balanced voice.

TURNING FALSETTO INTO POWER MIX

Added: 10.15.2008 | Coach: Chris Keller | Artist: Matt Ryals

Difficulty: Advanced

Local recording artist, Matt Ryals, is having trouble sustaining power when hitting his high notes. At the end of one of his songs, his voice is extremely worn out. He’s getting ready to go in the studio to record his upcoming album, so he asks Brett Manning Associate, Chris Keller, to help him.

Chris, who is no stranger to high notes, helps Matt understand the importance of vocal compression and how you can achieve a very high voice with a lot of power. Watch, as Chris walks Matt through one of his toughest songs, and sets him on the right path to hitting those high notes with power and ease.

DEVELOPING A GREAT RADIO VOCAL

Added: 10.08.2008 | Coach: Brett Manning | Artist: James Gardner

Difficulty: Beginning

In a continuation of their previous lesson, Brett works with James on connecting his head and chest voice to gain absolute control when singing. Brett shows several exercises to connect the two. He also talks about how dynamics, refinement, and note delineation can all help you control your voice so you can make it more “commercial”, or radio friendly.

Brett gives away secrets to become a great singer, and stresses the importance of continued innovation: to stay relevant and take your voice to the next level.

PREPARING THE VOICE TO SING

Added: 10.03.2008 | Coach: Brett Manning | Artist: James Gardner

Difficulty: Beginning

In this update Brett sits down with new Brett Manning Associate, James Gardner. James is an accomplished pianist and producer and has the potential to also be a talented vocalist. Brett explains that "you can grow a week in a year, or a year in a week." James is proof that a voice can be developed very quickly.

Brett examines James' voice and gives him some vocal exercises to help smooth out the rough edges and prepare to sing. This lesson also deals with jaw tension, and how to loosen up the muscles that restrict the voice. This is a must see for all new singers and for anyone who wants to refine their voice.

A SURPRISE IMPROV SESSION

Added: 09.30.2008 | Coach: Brett Manning | Artist: Billy Duvall Jr.

Difficulty: Advanced

This update features gospel singer Billy Duvall Jr, one of Brett Manning's long time students. Billy is known for his powerful voice and ability to communicate through music with his emotion and intensity.

In this session Brett is working through some new vocal exercises with Billy, and then decides to do some creative improv exercises. A surprise visit from Dave Brooks, one of Brett's associates, only adds to the musical collaboration. Brett also teaches how to "think like an instrument" to change your thought process when writing melodies and improvising. This is a great update for gaining knowledge of musical improvisation, and hopefully sparking some creativity.

TONE QUALITY FOR THE BEGINNER VOICE

Added: 09.24.2008 | Coach: Chris Keller | Artist: Tiffany Portis

Difficulty: Beginning

Chris Keller is a very talented and gifted Associate of Brett Manning, and has some of the best tone you can find in a voice. Tiffany has great vocal tone in her low range, but loses it when she goes for high notes.

Chris takes Tiffany through several vocal exercises to help produce a better tone quality in her voice throughout her range. He explains what many of the exercises actually do for your voice, and shows how to translate those exercises into songs. Watch as Chris totally transforms a quiet, timid voice to a loud and powerful one with great tone.

THE MAKING OF A GREAT STUDIO VOCAL PART II: BACKGROUNDS

Added: 09.17.2008 | Coach: Dave Brooks | Artist: Chris Keller

Difficulty: Advanced

Chris Keller is in the studio with Dave Brooks once again, but this time they’re talking about background vocals. Chris is still working on perfecting the song he played in the their last update.

This lesson focuses on being tasteful in your music, and the importance of pre-production in every aspect of a song. Watch as these two collaborate and come up with some really great background vocals for Chris’ song.