Blog

  • How to Warm Up in A Hurry

    How to Warm Up in A Hurry – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BavDRXffI9Y

    Summary

    Summary

    Matt Ramsey shares a quick vocal warm-up exercise called Lip Trill for those suffering from allergies or without access to instruments. The lip trill involves causing your lips to flutter and sustaining a note, creating an easy pitch for practice. This technique helps improve circulation and oxygen flow to the vocal folds, promoting better singing performance even when not feeling well.

    Highlights

    • ๐ŸŽถ Quick vocal warm-up exercise called Lip Trill
    • ๐Ÿ’‰ Helps with allergies or no instrument access
    • ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Improves circulation & oxygen flow for singing

    Key Takeaways

    • ๐ŸŽค Perform the Lip Trill by sustaining a „mhm“ pitch and finding it on an instrument.
    • ๐ŸŽถ Useful technique when going to bars/public places to sing unaccompanied.
    • ๐Ÿ‘ Effective for quick warm-up without instruments.
  • How to Deal with Allergies as a Singer

    How to Deal with Allergies as a Singer – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs2eStBH1tM

    Summary

    Summary

    In this episode, Matt Ramsey discusses dealing with allergies and maintaining a healthy nasopharyngeal system for singing. He recommends over-the-counter medications, natural remedies like neti pots, and staying hydrated to clear nasal passages. Focus on vocal technique is crucial for singers with allergies or post-nasal drip issues.

    Highlights

    • ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Allergies are common in Austin, Texas due to pollen and mold.
    • ๐Ÿงป Over-the-counter meds like Claritin and nasal steroids like Flonase can help.
    • ๐Ÿ’ฆ Using a neti pot with saline solution is a natural remedy for allergies.
    • ๐ŸŽถ Focusing on vocal technique helps singers with allergy issues.

    Key Takeaways

    • ๐Ÿ”ฌ Dealing with allergies requires proper care of the nasopharyngeal system.
    • ๐ŸŽต Singing around allergies can be managed by using vocal techniques.
    • ๐Ÿ’Š Natural remedies are useful to manage nasal issues caused by allergies.
  • How to Choose the Right Songs for Your Voice

    How to Choose the Right Songs for Your Voice – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJfZruR_SQE

    Summary

    Summary

    In Episode 9 of Octave Higher TV, Matt Ramsey discusses the importance of song choice and repertoire in music. He shares his love for David Bowie and how his music has the ability to capture people’s attention and make them dance. He also introduces a playlist called the Octave Higher East Mixtape featuring songs from various great singers for their beauty, technique, and difficulty.

    Highlights

    • Emotional Connection
    • Dynamic Changes
    • Interesting Melodies

    Key Takeaways

    • The importance of song choice in connecting with listeners
    • Creating emotional impact through song selection
    • Combining challenging techniques with emotional resonance

    Reason for Playlist Creation:
    The creator made the playlist to help those who are unsure about what songs to work on or want recommendations. It is designed for everyone and users can add their favorite local highlights by connecting with the creator on Facebook.

    Key Criteria for a Great Repertoire:

    1. Emotional Connection
    2. Dynamic Changes
    3. Interesting Melodies

    Technique vs. Emotional Connection:
    While technique is important, the creator suggests finding interesting songs first that resonate emotionally before adding good technique to them.

    Example Song:
    „A Way to Go“ by Ray Lamontagne, which despite not-so-good technique has an emotional impact and amazing melody.

    Summary

    Matt Ramsey encourages us to find our own voice through music and explore the meaning of love. He recommends checking out his East Mixtape playlist, adding personal touches, and taking risks with beloved songs. He believes others will learn from it too, but acknowledges that everyone is an expert in their own musical knowledge.

  • How Singers Keep the Song Special

    How Singers Keep the Song Special – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0bqJuVZ2Lo

    Summary

    Summary

    In this week’s update, Matt discusses preserving the special aspects of a song during practice and performance. He explains that practicing the whole song and focusing on its unique elements is essential for maintaining audience connection.

    Highlights

    • Mindset affects audience connection.
    • Rehearsing can help maintain special aspects of songs.
    • Understanding chord progressions, lyrics, and attitude aids in preserving the uniqueness of a song.

    Key Takeaways

    • Matt encourages practicing loved aspects of the song and engaging the audience through stage presence and eye contact.
    • The importance of sharing one’s love for music with others is emphasized.
    • Matt wishes everyone a great week and reminds them to use their voice effectively during performances.
  • Find Your Singing Range with this Simple Scale!

    Find Your Singing Range with this Simple Scale! – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gGpsq_Hzic

    Summary

    Summary

    In this video, Matt Ramsey explains how to determine your vocal range. The range is flexible and changes based on exercises and training. To assess your range at home, play assessment scales suitable for male and female singers. Comparing the points of difficulty while ascending in the scale can give an idea of one’s vocal range. Understanding voice types and accepting the challenge of singing both low and high notes can help singers improve their abilities and reach their full potential.

    Highlights

    • Vocal range is flexible and changes based on exercises and training.
    • Play assessment scales to determine your vocal range at home.
    • Identifying voice type helps in using different portions of the vocal range effectively.
    • Singers should accept the challenge of singing both low and high notes.

    Key Takeaways

    • No single scale or exercise can accurately measure an individual’s entire vocal range.
    • Home test with assessment scales can help assess one’s vocal range.
    • Understanding voice types is crucial for singers to realize their potential in singing low and high notes.
    • Mindset plays a significant role in improving vocal abilities.
  • How Food Affects Your Singing Voice

    How Food Affects Your Singing Voice – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knQFG1dvuBo

    Summary

    Summary

    In this episode, Matt Ramsey talks about the effects of certain foods on vocal performance. He highlights how smoking and alcohol consumption can directly harm vocal folds, while the overall gut health and body acidity are indirectly affected by what you eat and drink. It is essential to maintain good gut health for optimal voice quality.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Smoking and alcohol negatively impact vocal folds.
    • Acidic, greasy foods should be avoided for better vocal performance.
    • Good gut health plays an important role in vocal performance.
    • Stay hydrated and consume plenty of water for a healthy voice.

    Highlights

    • ๐Ÿšญ Smoking dries out vocal folds, reducing flexibility and voice quality.
    • ๐Ÿธ Alcohol causes puffiness, leading to a less responsive and sluggish voice.
    • ๐Ÿคข Acidic, greasy foods can negatively impact vocal performance.
    • ๐Ÿ’ง Drink plenty of water for optimal voice health.
  • How to Find the Sound of Your Natural Voice

    How to Find the Sound of Your Natural Voice – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tE9a48b8Do

    Summary

    Summary

    In this episode, Matt Ramsey talks about finding one’s unique singing voice while addressing Lanny Vicary’s question regarding balancing imitation and personal style. He suggests exercises to improve vocal tone without copying others and recommends working on songs like „Bridge Over Troubled Water“ to find their own sound.

    Highlights

    • ๐ŸŽถ Developing a strong chest voice foundation is essential for achieving various vocal effects.
    • โœจ Balancing different vocal approaches can help achieve a more balanced sound.
    • ๐Ÿ’ก Building a solid voice foundation enables versatility in singing styles while maintaining one’s personal touch.

    Key Takeaways

    • ๐Ÿ”— Emphasis on the importance of emojis in text to improve readability.
    • ๐ŸŽค Understanding one’s unique singing voice through exercises and song selection.
    • ๐Ÿ™ Expressing gratitude for the support, motivation, and challenges from others in the learning process.
  • Think You’re Too Old to Sing? Watch this!

    Think You’re Too Old to Sing? Watch this! – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR1LnphoWoE

    Summary

    Summary

    Aleta Caraco, a singing teacher with eight years of experience, believes that private singing lessons are best started around 10-12 years old due to their attention span and focus. However, group classes, choir, musical theater, or movement classes can be beneficial for children before starting private voice lessons. Music education is important at an early age since many students lack access to music classes in their public education system.

    Highlights

    • ๐ŸŽถ Best age for private singing lessons: 10-12 years old.
    • ๐ŸŒŸ Group settings and group classes are beneficial for kids under ten.
    • ๐Ÿ’ซ Early music education is crucial, especially with limited school programs.
    • ๐ŸŽค Singing has numerous benefits beyond the physical aspect.

    Key Takeaways

    • ๐Ÿ“š Music and movement should be incorporated into children’s learning process.
    • ๐Ÿ‘ง๐Ÿป Encouraging children to attend music classes or choirs before age 10 is recommended.
    • ๐ŸŽผ Vocal exercises, fitness for the voice, yoga, and private singing lessons can help maintain vocal cord health and longevity as one ages.
    • ๐ŸŽค Singing has numerous benefits, including emotional expression and mental wellness.
  • 4 Techniques to Get Your Music Heard feat. Kristine Mirelle

    4 Techniques to Get Your Music Heard feat. Kristine Mirelle – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZPJNCocu3U

    Summary

    Summary

    Publicity is crucial for singers in the music industry. To gain publicity, one must identify what they’re promoting, create a compelling story, target appropriate contacts, and be patient and persistent.

    Highlights

    • Emphasize uniqueness and storytelling to gain media attention.
    • Offer value to TV networks by providing interesting content and stories.
    • Create relevant content for current situations.
    • Use emojis in text for better engagement.

    Key Takeaways

    • Create an online electronic press kit (EPK).
    • Organize your content in an appealing format.
    • Research local radio stations, TV networks, or other media outlets.
    • Embrace rejection and maintain a positive attitude.
  • Do Singers Really Need to Learn to Read Music?

    Do Singers Really Need to Learn to Read Music? – Ramsey Voice Studio

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLP8SnTnZ4M

    Summary

    Summary

    The video emphasizes the importance of learning to read sheet music for singers, as it can enhance their musical experience and understanding. Reading music provides several benefits such as easier memorization, knowing what to expect, improved sight-reading skills, better communication with accompanists, increased marketability, and a competitive advantage in the singing industry.

    Highlights

    • ๐ŸŽถ Emphasizing the importance of emojis for easier reading
    • Essential benefits of reading sheet music for singers
    • Competitive advantage in the singing industry
    • Improved musical understanding

    Key Takeaways

    • ๐ŸŽน Expressing oneself musically through better communication with other musicians and understanding musical aspects.
    • ๐ŸŽผ Easier to understand music theory by seeing patterns visually.
    • ๐ŸŽค Audition requirements often involve reading sheet music.
    • Diverse musical taste exposure.

    The video provides examples of how to read sheet music using solfeggio and movable do systems, encourages viewers to practice along with a piano accompaniment for improvement, and suggests websites like Musicnotes.com for finding sheet music.