Sunday, December 16, 2018

Vocals Quick Fix Africa Project: Pre-Studio Recording & LIVE Gigs


In association with Nam Radio Local, an all African music channel that gives power to the upcoming African artist by creating a platform for those typically lacking media access, we proudly present Vocals Quick Fix Africa to provide training that will equip artists with skills and knowledge to attract their recognition by mainstream platforms.

When news of Nigerian artist Tekno surfaced, regarding what they alluded to being the collapse of his voice box, I thought the time had come to at the very least, try to fix an endemic problem afflicting African singers.

Shouting and putting weight on your throat when you sing damages the vocal folds. And this is why it is SO important to re-balance the voice with specific vocal exercises.

From my eight years experience as a voice coach in East Africa, I have come to realize that voice training—unlike with our friends in the West—is not deeply rooted in African culture and that the way around the inability to deliver a song with dynamic range, resonance and control has led to the auto tune conveniently come to the rescue. And so—sadly, listen to almost any mainstream song by an African artist and you’ll find the excesses of auto-tune use.

It’s as though the entire industry, is built on it.

But it is never too late to begin to fix the problem.

Vocal rebalancing that ultimately frees the singer from ‘strain and pain’ takes consistent training and commitment, something I find lacking in the attitudes of many African singers—especially the more established ones.

On that note, I have decided to create and make available to the struggling vocalist, a Vocals Quick Fix solution for African singers. What this means is that an artiste can get a pre-studio recording session vocal warm-up and similarly, before a live gig.

It requires no long-term commitment and very little effort, but in 30 to 40 minutes it will adequately prepare the voice for a recording session or a live concert.

I did this with Jux on Vanessa Mdee’s opening night to their In Love & Money Tour in Mwanza, Tanzania.

After giving Vanessa a vocal warm-up, I worked with Jux for about forty minutes. When he took to the stage a couple of hours later, Vanessa—who has been my student since 2011—looked at me in shock backstage and asked, “What the hell have you done with his voice? I’ve never heard him sing like that. He is SO opened up!”

What I’m trying to say is, rebalancing the voice for a gig OR for a recording session is something that can be done in just a few minutes, but to maintain that level of vocal delivery and to further develop your range and vocal technique, you’ll need regular training.

Jux never came back for more voice lessons, which is quite normal with African singers, always in a hurry to get that next record out and to go gigging to rake in the cash. The more established artists seem under the impression that they don’t need to train. But when they do train, as did Jux that one occasion, they get to see the immediate benefit.

When Jux came off the stage that night I asked him, “so how did it feel?” And he replied with a really broad smile, “Joett, it was SO easy. Thank you SO much!”

Vocals Quick Fix (Pre-Studio Recording Sessions & Gigs)

I have created something that is tailored to the mindset of African singers, a program that doesn’t involve a lot of time and requires absolutely no long-term commitment from the artist whatsoever. It is what it is. A ‘Vocals Quick Fix’ for the job at hand. Plain and simple! This, I feel, should work well for Africa. And to give you a better idea, below is a Before & After video you MUST watch.


How It Works

I’ll want to liaise with recording studios and artist management anywhere in Africa. My modus operandi is pretty simple. If you have an artist going into the recording studio and they need help getting their vocals in order, I will gladly work with them for up to an hour prior to the recording session.

And in the case of the live gig set—similarly, I will prepare them for it right before they hit the stage.

Ideally, whether we do this via Skype or I work with you in your country and city, you have the option to book a four-hour program so as to get even MORE value for YOUR money!

The four hours will be evenly spread into an hour-a-day slots, and can be scheduled to begin three days before the recording session, with the fourth and final hour taking place on the day of the recording session OR day of the gig, as it were.

Concert Tour Voice Coaching

It is very common for major acts in Europe and North America to travel with a voice coach on tour. If you are an African artiste or band going on a concert tour and you would like to travel with your very own personal voice coach, look no further, I’d be more than happy to join your entourage. Please ask your management to discuss with me the finer details, options, and financial implication via correspondence (contact info in #VocalsQuickFix banner above).

How to Setup for Skype Voice Lessons with Joett


  1. I'll need your email address to send you some working files.
  2. You'll require two devices: a mobile phone and laptop or PC
  3. Download Skype to your phone and laptop or PC. 
  4. Add my Skype ID 'tojona' so we can talk for free Skype to Skype.
  5. To playback the sound files I send you, one of your devices, say--your laptop needs to be connected to external speakers... like Bluetooth speakers or home theater. 
  6. When you come on the Skype call make sure everything is ready: i.e. your music system is set up and the sound files are ready for use. Also, ensure your email is connected for easy delivery of additional working files to your inbox during the session. During the call, in addition to playing single-note-cues and in real-time on piano, I'll be recording a series of short piano scales which I will deliver in the Skype chat window.
  7. We can also do this on Zoom. My Zoom email is joettmusic@gmail.com 
Finding it hard to figure this out? Don't worry, we can do a trial run session.

You are the instrument, learn to sing like a pro!


JOETT – Voice Coach & Author
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”


Thursday, November 15, 2018

Vocal Exercises for Singers to Increase Range: Download Mkito Instructional Video & Joett Voice Training MP3


If you have been searching for vocal exercises for singers to increase range, then you will find this particular program very useful. I had created this program for the Tanzanian Swahili-speaking market, but even if you do not speak Swahili you’ll understand what to do by simply following the demonstrations that precede each run. However, there’s a breathing exercise labeled Zoezi La Pumzi included here, that gives instruction in both English and Swahili; and you’ll find video demonstration on how to do the lip rolls and tongue trills on my Facebook page here.

Please view the video on top of this page (illustration in English) for guidance on how to log-in to download Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-7 from Mkito.com. If you're outside Tanzania, all major credit/debit cards are accepted on the Mkito platform.

Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-4 is a set of vocal exercises for singers to increase range, the duration of which is approximately 30 minutes, and they will improve and develop the quality of your voice AND increase your range very quickly with consistent training.

Furthermore, I provide FREE online support and tons of videos straight out of my classroom on my Telegram Channel here, wherein you’ll also find a link to join my Telegram group Joett Voice Studio. (You'll need to first download the app).

Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 5-7 is a guitar driven set of riffs for singers set to the song Color Me Beautiful from my acoustic pop EP Twisted, which will help you to begin applying your training to delivering a song. Only attempt this set of exercises several weeks down the line, once you’ve had sufficient training on Volumes 1-4. Just for reference, Vol. 6 is in a lowered key.

And so if you wanted vocal exercises for singers to increase your range, my prerecorded piano scales Vol. 1-4 are a must-have, and for more handy tips in paperback please grab a copy of my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

I can also recommend that you purchase the voice training product Superior Singing Method—which I frequently use in my classes—that comes in male and female range prerecorded tapes. Excellent for home use!

And before you go, please spare a moment to take a look at the Before & After video clip of my student Japhy Ross. His musical journey and growth with me as his tutor has been outstanding, so much so that I felt I needed to take this to Africa. And so I partnered up with Namibia's Nam Radio to create Talent Showcase Africa. I'm so excited and passionate about this new project as it will give me the opportunity to work with talent right across the African continent.


If you like this article, please be so kind as to share on your social media using the links below. And wherever you are in the world, you can learn to sing via Skype. You'll find information on my Personalized Skype Lessons here.

You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!



JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”


Wednesday, November 14, 2018

How Do You Prepare Your Voice for Singing? Here’s a Handy Tip

Much as you might want to just get up and hit the recording studio, rehearsal session, or the stage for that matter and hope your voice will warm-up during the session as you went along, the truth of the matter is, preparing your voice for singing beforehand will make a world of difference in the way you feel and certainly, in the way you sound. You’ll find singing easy and more comfortable for you.

Ideally, a quick vocal warm-up for at least 20 minutes prior to any of the aforementioned sessions should suffice. Do anything from lip rolls to humming… you can watch some examples on my Facebook page here.

But you’ll want the prerecorded piano scales, and those you’ll find come with my book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach.

I can also recommend that you purchase the voice training product Superior Singing Method, that comes in male and female range prerecorded tapes. Excellent for home use!

If you like this article, please be so kind as to share on your social media using the links below.

You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Msaada wa Mafunzo ya Sauti na JOETT WhatsApp na Telegram


Mafunzo ya Sauti
yamaendaliwa kwa mfumo wa mtandaoni na ni bila gharama (ni BURE).

Mifano ya Mazoezi ya sauti nimepandisha Facebook. Tafadhali bofya hapa ufuate muongozo.

Kupata tathmini ya sauti yako kutoka kwangu online, fanya vitu vifuatavyo.
  1. Imba alafu unitumie voice note Telegram (au WhatsApp).
  2. Nitakupa zoezi la pumzi. (Fanya hili zoezi lakini usintumie).
  3. Nitakupa mazoezi mawili ya sauti. Fanya haya, jirekodi, nitumie Telegram (au WhatsApp).
Baada ya hapo utaweza kujiendeleza vizuri na program zangu online. Kupata maelekezo zaidi soma yafuatayo.

Kwa kipindi kirefu nimejaribu kusaidia watu kwa maelekezo, lakini mara kwa mara maswali yanakua yanajirudia. Kwanza kabisa, ni muhimu kuwaelewesha ya kwamba mazoezi ya sauti yana ratiba na miongozo ni lazima ifuatwe ndio upate mafanikio.

Ratiba ya Mazoezi nimeweka bayana (Kiswahili nenda chini kabisa) hapa! 



Mkito ilikua inasumbua sana, kwahivyo nimeyapandisha mazoezi yangu ya Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-7 kwenye platform ya Internet Archive, ambapo yanapatikana ku-stream na ku-download BURE! 

Ku-download MP3 kwenye simu weka kidole kwenye track, kuna kadirisha katapanda, halafu chagua Download link. Ukishindwa ku-download MP3 kwenye simu, tumia computer kud-download zip file. Ni option ya chini kabisa VBR MP3.

(Download link zipo hapo chini) 


Lakini pamoja na hilo, ningependa pia kuwakaribisha kwenye Channel yangu ya Telegram na WhatsApp ambapo utakuta link ya kujiunga na Group.

Madhumuni ya hizi group ni kutoa msaada kwa wale ambao wana nia na shauka la kujifunza kuimba vizuri. Unaweza kuuliza maswali na pia nitatupia maelekezo na mifano hapo. Ni juu yako wewe kutumia hii fursa au laa. Huduma hii natoa bure kabisa. Haina gharama yeyote. Ahsanteni.

Telegram / WhatsApp

1. Download Telegram App
2. Regista
3. Jiunge na Channel kupitia https://t.me/JoettMusic, halafu ndani utakuta link ya kujiunga na Joett Voice Studio Group la Telegram.
4. Kujuinga na Group langu la WhatsApp bofya hapa! (Ukikuta Group limejaa, jishikize kwenye group langu la Gonga Jiwe for JOETT, hapa!).

Muangalie Japhy Ross kabla na baada ya mafunzo ya Sauti


PART 1 - Kabla ya Mafunzo ya Sauti 



PART 2 - Baada ya Masaa 10 ya Mafunzo


PART 3 - Baada ya Miezi 10 ya Mafunzo


Japhy Ross - Bado (Official Audio)





Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Vocal Drills Volume 1

Kwa awamu nyingine tena, na tena safari hii kwa maboresho yalio fuata mahitaji muhimu katika kujifunza kuimba kupitia mtandao, ninawaletea toleo mpya kabisa Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Volume 1. Hili toleo ni muhimu katika kukuwezesha kuingia katika mstari wa mafunzo ambayo bila shaka, yatakuletea mafanikio ya haraka. 

Kabla ya kuanza, hakikisha una download na kufanya zoezi langu la pumzi kwanza, bofya hapa!  

Bila ya kuzungumza maneno mengi, nataka niwaachie toleo hili la kwanza (Vol. 1) msikilize mifano nakuendelea na mchanganyiko wa mazoezi ya sauti kwa takriban dakika 8. Mifano ipo. Nikusikiliza tu na kufuata hiyo mifano, na la msingi kabisa nikuachia sauti ifuate mkondo wake. Usilazimishe sauti. Iachie ifuate kinanda na maelekezo mwanana. Download mazoezi kutoka Internet Archive, yaani Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-4 na Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 5-7

Mifano ya Mazoezi ya sauti nimepandisha Facebook. Tafadhali bofya hapa ufuate muongozo.

Ukiwa na maswali, jiskie huru kuniuliza kwenye group langu la Telegram na WhatsApp, au soma nakala kadhaa nilizo andika, kwa kubofya link za makala kibao chini kabisa ya ukurusa huu.



Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Vocal Drills Volume 2

Volume 2 ni muendelezo wa Vol. 1. Kwa maana ni lazima ufanye Vol.1 kabla haujafanya Vol. 2. Kwa mara nyingine tena, nita sistiza mfuate maelekezo kama yalivo kwenye toleo hili. Mazoezi haya yana dakika 7. Ukishaweza kufanya haya mazoezi, sasa utakua na mazoezi mawili. Yaani Vol. 1 & 2 katika ratiba yako ya mazoezi ya sauti ya kila siku; na utatakiwa kufanya yote kwa pamoja kufuata mlolongo huo huo wa Vol. 1 kuingia Vol. 2. Kumbuka, madhumuni ya haya mazoezi ni ku re-balance sauti yako, au kurekebisha matumizi ya sauti yako ili uweze kuimba kwa urahisi kwenda juu na kwenda chini; na mpangilio na ratiba hii ndio itaweza kukupa wewe huo uwezo kwa njia ya haraka na salama zaidi. Tafadhali usianze kukurupuka na ku-download vitu olela kwenye internet. Tafadhali fuata maelekezo yangu na mazoezi niliokuandalia ili uweze kupata mafanikio ya uhakika.



Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Vocal Drills Volume 3

Mazoezi ya Vocal Drills Volume 3 ni muendelezo wa Vol. 2. Kwa mara nyingine tena, fuata maelekezo. Kama unayo maswali ama kuna kitu kinakushinda, tafadhali uliza. Nitaweza kukupa ushauri. Lakini cha msingi nikufuata maelekezo na kufanya mazoezi stahiki kama nilivowaandalia hapa. Ukishaweza haya mazoezi ambayo muda wake ni takriban dakika 5, unatakiwa kuunganisha Vol. 1, 2 & 3 katika ratiba yako ya mazoezi ya sauti ya kila siku.



Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Vocal Drills Volume 4

Volume 4 ndio toleo la mwisho katika awamu hii mpya ya Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Volume 1-4. Fuata maelekezo. Panapokupa taabu, tafadhali niulize nikupe muongozo. Ukishaweza hili zoezi la takriban dakika 10, sasa utakua unamazoezi ya sauti Vol. 1, 2, 3 & 4 katika ratiba yako ya kujifunza kuimba. Kwahivyo, kilamara unapo kaa kufanya mazoezi yote haya kwa pamoja, unapaswa kufanya zoezi la pumzi kabla ya Vol. 1 alafu kuendelea na mazoezi ya Vol. 2, 3 & 4 bila ya kusimama. 

Ratiba ya Mazoezi nimeweka bayana (Kiswahili nenda chini kabisa) hapa! 

Jumla ya muda wa mazoezi ukiunganisha hizi Volume zote 4 ni dakika 30. Kumbuka, madhumuni ya haya mazoezi ni ku re-balance sauti yako, au kurekebisha matumizi ya sauti yako ili uweze kuimba kwa urahisi kwenda juu na kwenda chini; na mpangilio na ratiba hii ndio itaweza kukupa wewe huo uwezo kwa njia ya haraka na salama zaidi. Tafadhali usianze kukurupuka na ku-download vitu olela kwenye internet. Tafadhali fuata maelekezo yangu na mazoezi niliokuandalia ili uweze kupata mafanikio ya uhakika.

Mifano ya Mazoezi ya Ziada ya Kufanya Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-4

 

Kwenye hii video niko na mwanafunzi wangu Afro Jay, na madhumuni ya kuitengeneza hii video ni kutoa mifano ya jinsi ya kufanya mazoezi ya Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-4, pamoja na njia zingine tofauti  za kuyafanya hayo hayo mazoezi ili kupanua wigo na upeo wa sauti yako. 

    



Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Vocal Drills Volume 5-7 

Vol. 5, 6 & 7 ni mazoezi ambayo yatakupeleka kutumia sauti kwenye nyimbo yangu Color Me Beautiful (Acoustic Pop) kwa mpangilio ulioupata wa matumizi stahiki ya sauti kutoka Vol. 1 - 4. Ni muhimu sana USIGUSE haya mazoezi mpaka baada ya muda...hata ikibidi miezi au wiki kadhaa, punde sauti yako imekaa sawa.

Nilicho kifanya hapa nikujaribu kuwezesha watanzania wote popote walipo, kupata mafunzo stahiki ya sauti bila ya gharama ya kuhudhuria mafunzo ya sauti darasani pamoja na mimi. Maelekezo na mazoezi haya ni nyeti kwa kukuwezesha kufikia malengo yako. Fuata maelekezo, fanya mazoezi mara tatu kwa wiki, na utapata faida kubwa sana kwenye swala la kuimba. 

Lyrics Vol. 5-6

You make the world a better place
Your love is divine, straight down the line
Take me away from what I know
Onto a better place
There in your arms
Your love is divine, straight down the line

Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
So color me beautiful
Color me blind

Lyrics Vol. 7

You make the world a better place
Your love is divine, straight down the line
Take me away from what I know
Onto a better place
There in your arms
Your love is divine, straight down the line

Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
So color me beautiful
Color me blind

The color of love
Is roses and wine
And yours in particular, is so divine
I know your love will never end
It’s gonna be there till the end
You make the world a better place
Your love is divine, straight down the line

Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
So color me beautiful
Color me blind

Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
[Just like the earth needs the rain]
Cos you know that I’m addicted to love
[I’ll never stop needing you]
So color me beautiful
[Yes you’re invisible, One of a kind]
Color me blind
[But sure I can feel your tender touch] 

Muongozo wa Mazoezi

  • Download Mazoezi Internet Archive Vol. 1-4 na Vol. 5-7
  • Weka kwenye CD au Flash Disk
  • Tumia chombo cha muziki cha kupigia CD/Flash au kama unatumia simu yako ya mkononi, hakikisha unaunganisha na speaker kupata sauti kubwa kulingana na sauti yako ukiimba.  
  • Fanya mazoezi ndani ya chumba na sio kwenye maeneo ya wazi, wala sio kwa kutumia simu yako ya mkononi na headset zake masikioni.

Kujifunza kuimba online inataka kujituma. Darasani pia inataka kujituma na kuhudhiria madarasa. Katika njia zote mbili, wanafunzi wengi wakitanzania hughairi. Inataka mtu unajijengea tabia ya kufanya mazoezi. Jitengenezee ratiba. Hata kama ni siku moja kwa wiki. Baada ya muda unazoe. Na inakua jambo rahisi kutekeleza bila ya kuona uzito. Na la mwisho kabisa, kumbuka, mazoezi ya sauti hayana mwisho. Ni endelevu. 

Kupata elimu na uelewa zaidi, tafadhali Soma Makala Nyeti za Mazoezi na Maelekezo ya Uimbaji Bora. Ndani ya makala hiyo utakuta link ambazo zitakupeleka kwenye makala zangu nyingine. Jipe muda kuzisoma zote.

Na vile vile unaweza kupata maelekezo zaidi kwa kubofya makala kadhaa nilizo andika hapa chini. Ukiwa na maswali, tafadhali jisikie huru kuniuliza. Ni muhimu sana kuelewa, na sio kufanya vitu kwa hisia bila muongozo. Panapo stahili, tafadhali tafuta ushauri wangu!

Makala Muhimu Kusoma 

Je, Binadamu Anaimbia Tumboni? Jua Ule Ukweli Wenyewe Halisi
Jifunze Kuimba: Umuhimu wa Kuelewa Madhumuni Ya Mazoezi
Jifunze Kuimba: Tatizo La Pumzi na Jinsi Ya Kulitatua
Jifunze Kuimba na Joett Mkito.com Vol. 1: Madhumuni ya Lip Rolls
Je, Utajuaje Kama Unakosea Katika Mazoezi Ya Sauti ?
Jiunge na Darasa Moja La Kukusaidia Ukae Sawa na Mazoezi Ya Sauti


Nawatakia mafanikio mema!


JOETT - Mwalimu wa Sauti

***

JOETT - Got U On My Mind (Acoustic)

Friday, November 9, 2018

New Music Platform to Showcase Emerging African Talent in Multimedia Entertainment Project

{PRESS RELEASE} AFRICA is endowed with natural resources – from its rich, arable land to incredible wildlife, minerals, gas and oil. But also hidden in this enormous tapestry of wealth are its people and their musical talent. And so to bring hope and progress to the musical fraternity, a joint venture partnership between Namibia’s Nam Radio in Southern Africa and celebrated voice coach and author Tony Joett (pronounced Joe-Wet) from Eastern Africa, have created Talent Showcase Africa (TSA), a new pan-African platform that seeks to discover, nurture, develop and launch fresh new talent on the African continent.

Hinged on an auditioning process; a comprehensive voice training program conducted by Joett—whilst also showcasing the exhilarating creative process toward a mainstream record launch—TSA has devised a smart yet simple format in selecting talent for its flagship program which is designed to roll-out country by country, to offer an opportunity of a lifetime to a new generation of African singers. 

To highlight the positive impact this initiative will have on local talent across communities in Africa, Joett, using one of his pupils—an unsigned artiste from Tanzania who goes by the name Japhy Ross and studies voice on Joett’s community outreach pro bono program—has created a compelling Before & After video clip that chronologically catalogs his musical recordings from before the voice lessons; after ten hours of training; and ultimately his outstanding achievement after ten months. 


“When it comes to emerging talent and singing as a whole, aside from the hurdles in relation to funding a career in music, one of the greatest challenges facing African talent today is the lack of professional training facilities, and where it is sparsely available… like in some major cities, you’ll find youngsters from poorer communities unable to afford the fees,” said Joett. “I am truly humbled and deeply grateful that Skope Magazine have wholeheartedly embraced our vision and come on board to help raise awareness across North America and the world, with a view to ultimately creating a fundraising campaign for our cause, hopefully, beginning with the launch of the debut single from Japhy Ross as a workable format to discovering and breaking out new talent in Africa.”

The purpose of Nam Radio is to reduce inequalities for emerging artists within the entertainment industry, and to increase opportunities on mainstream platforms by providing a platform that is less judgmental to make their recognition easy and valuable. Joett on the other hand, who is also an ASCAP singer-songwriter and the author of a new singers’ handbook entitled ‘101 Letters from a Vocal Coach: A Collection of Helpful Tips and Articles for Singers’, brings his professional vocal coaching expertise to TSA to facilitate a training framework for aspiring singers, funneled into a high profile multimedia entertainment and learning  project that will not only see African talent come away with the professional expertise and business acumen for growth and sustainability, it will also provide them with the definitive launch pad to a successful career in music.

For more information, visit: TalentShowcaseAfrica.com 

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

GET 50% Discount on the eBook "101 Letters from a Vocal Coach"

If you would rather get your hands on the eBook version of my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach than wait for the paperback to arrive in the post, then you are in luck today because I have dropped the price for the eBook to a whopping 50%.

The more you get into the content and voice training audio tapes  this book package has to offer, the more you’ll want to treasure this amazing publication.

You’re going to be surprised to discover how easy it is to learn to sing from the comfort of your own home using the powerful and effective handy tips for singers contained in this book, along with the easy-to-use voice training piano scales audio products that come with it.

Some people say that until you’ve sampled the goods, you won’t know what you’re missing out on. If you’re the kind of person that wants to learn to sing, then this will be exactly what you’re looking for. Grab the eBook on SPECIAL OFFER TODAY at 50% DISCOUNT!

To download the eBook 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach from Lulu… click here!

You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Introducing the Band 'Mopao Swahili Jazz' from Tanzania


B I O: Mopao Swahili Jazz, a Tanzanian based band, perform original jazz songs blending beats and rhythms from various African music traditions. Initially influenced by the American Jazz canon, the band has recently claimed its music space with a unique platform blending jazz with the music of their African forefathers.

Mopao have recorded an album called Taswira (Reflections), and performed extensively locally as well as in Denmark and Kenya. They have recently partnered with vocalist Sauda Simba who has two albums of her own under her belt.



B A N D M E M B E R S
Emmanuel Mopao – Guitar
Tito Makasi – Drums (not in photo)
Abdallah "Kikombe" Membe– Drums
Bariki "Bari-Keys" Mbaga – Keyboard
Haidary Chumambili– Ngoma
Leonard Kayoya – Bass (not in photo)
Mukiza Mwiruki – Saxophone
Sauda Simba – Vocalist

C O N T A C T S
For more info and to book
contact:
Sauda Simba
+255 (0) 784 266 784
saudajsimba @ gmail.com
or
Leonard Oscar Kayoya
+255 (0) 719 372 058
lenys260 @ gmail.com

If you like this post, kindly share on your social media using the links below.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

What Comes First: Rehearsals, Performing, Recording, Training?

If you have experienced difficulty with delivering your notes when you sing, then perhaps it is time to get organized in a manner that will eliminate the problem for good. This short article will offer tips on how to schedule for better results.

The more you continue to rehearse, perform and record without first training the voice, the deeper you’ll sink into vocal ruin that ultimately gets more and more difficult to fix.

I come across singers all the time who are extremely busy performing and recording new tracks and pay no attention whatsoever to voice training before they do any of that. They have their priorities squarely hinged on everything but. Well, let me show you the order in which singers must work. And you’re going to be amazed to find just how effective this strategy will be for you.

First and foremost, before you even begin rehearsals, spend some quality time voice training—several weeks I would recommend—just for an hour a day. And then get into rehearsal but you must continue to train and make sure that you do your vocal warm-up before you begin your rehearsals every time.

When you begin your studio recording sessions, again, you must continue your vocal exercises and like you do before rehearsal, warm-up the voice for at least twenty minutes before you hit the recording studio.

Oh, and about that stage performance? Do your vocal exercises before you go to the venue! If you do this religiously, you’ll never experience difficulty in delivering your notes ever.

You’ll find plenty more tips in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, available NOW in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like this article, please be so kind as to share on your social media using the links below.

You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Voice Lesson Tips on Tape: Why Tumblr is the Best Platform Ever

I have been meaning to spring this on you for a while but I’ve just been too hectic to blog this one out. I know at times you’ll want a quick singing tip in audio format—coz let’s face it, I write a lot—but it is always a bit of a stickler to get around delivering audio clips in a sort of neat and uncomplicated manner. Well, that’s until I tried out Tumblr.

Sadly, Hulkshare certainly didn’t do it for me. Too finicky! YouTube is too tedious as I’ll have to hire someone to create the videos. Thanks, but no thanks. And so Tumblr it is then. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of this before.

Simply put, I want to talk to you guys from time to time and to demonstrate at least some exercises in a bit more detail; AND to explain a few things relating to them. Yes, I will write the articles on singing, but it always helps to drive home the overall message when I actually speak to you with examples in audio.

So, if you want to get started with a couple of singing tips in audio already on there, go to my Tumblr page here.

You’ll find plenty more tips in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, available NOW in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like this article, please be so kind as to share on your social media using the links below.

You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

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Friday, July 27, 2018

How to Easily Induce Edge Sound when Doing the Vowels in Training

One of the biggest challenges in voice training is maintaining the edge sound in your tone when doing the vowels. But there is a small trick I want to share here, which you can use to help you maintain that much desired brass in your tone. This short article and accompanying audio tape will offer tips on how to get it right with the vowels.

Let’s assume your tone is well placed when you do the lip rolls. Or maybe we say you’re better with humming. The quickest way to produce the vowels with a brassy tone in place is to combine your lip rolls or humming with either a single vowel or a combination of vowels.

For example, on a 5 tone scale—which you’ll find in Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-4 audio tapes that come with the book—you can run up with the lip rolls and come down with any one of the vowels AEIOU; or a combination  of maybe A and E, or I and O and so forth.




Purchase a copy of my new book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Lulu TODAY!

If you like my article, do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below. And if you want to consider private lessons via Skype, you'll find more information here!

Wishing you all the success in the world,


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Voice Coach: Been There Done That, Got the T-Shirt Wrote the Book!


Literally, I’ve been there done that, got the t-shirt wrote the book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach. With a tinge of melancholy, I sense coming full circle in the true sense of the word. On this blog you’ll find tons of information on how to become a better singer, and you’ll also find links to bookstores Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu where you can purchase my new book in paperback.

It has been a truly exciting journey for me thus far, from the moment I began voice coaching it has been an incredible roller-coaster ride that has brought out the beast in me where teaching is concerned; and not to mention the handy tips, information and training to so many people around Africa and even the world.

I ask that you spend a bit of time on here to browse through my articles and to absorb the information contained herein. You'll find that there's something for everyone that wants to learn to sing.

Better yet, my book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach sums up all of the passion and hard work I put into this... and I did it all for you! So, make darned sure you get your hands on all the handy tips for singers you'll ever want—in paperback!

Purchase a copy of my new book from AmazonBarnes & Noble or Lulu TODAY!

If you like my article, do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below. And if you want to consider private lessons via Skype, you'll find more information here!

Wishing you all the success in the world,


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach” 

For those of you based on the African continent, please read 3 Simple Steps to Purchasing Online, the Book "101 Letters from a Vocal Coach" in Paperback from Africa.

To order my book from Tanzania in local currency, the platform to facilitate that is EasyBuyAfrica. You'll find details here.

Distributed by London-based Africori, the acoustic pop EP Twisted by Joett is now available from all major download/stream platforms: iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, Google Play, Tidal, Amazon, Akazoo and Spotify. Download/Stream Twisted EP here.

You'll find the Press Release here!

Download the NEW Double-A Side Pop Remixes single Twisted/Got U On My Mind featuring—exclusively, the soulful vocals of American singer Ty Ward here.

You'll find the Press Release here!

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Learn to Sing by Example, to Shorten Your Learning Curve

If you are home-learning how to sing, especially, it is important that you pay attention to examples given, be they on tape or written.

I know it can get a little overwhelming at times to have to take on all of this information, but it does help tremendously in the learning process when you know what needs to be done to achieve your goals.

I’ve noticed a tendency to be a little bit overzealous among you—which is fine, but do your best not to ignore instruction. It costs dearly when you do.

And so when you’re listening to instruction tape or reading, try to make sure you understand what’s being said. And if it isn’t registering, take a pause to listen or read again.

In the case of audio tapes and the vocal exercise demonstration, try to match what is being done. Listen to the voice. Try to analyze the voice demonstrating the exercise. That way, you’ll come away with something that’ll take you a step farther to becoming a better singer.

You’ll find plenty more tips in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, available now in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like this article, please be so kind as to share on your social media using the links below.
You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!

JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Having Trouble Holding Your Notes up the Scales? An Easy Solution

If you’ve been struggling with a squeezed tone when you sing and you’re unable to figure out how to step out of that, rest assured it isn’t at all difficult to knock that out as you might think. In this article I will explain one of the easiest ways to help you hold it in without recruiting your outer larynx muscles into sound production.

Let’s say you’re using one of my prerecorded scales and you have a particular problem with producing MUM the higher you go without recruiting. Here’s how to get around that.

Hum your scale on your way up and then switch to a MUM (pronounced with more of a dumb sound MOM) on your way down.

And you can do the same with a Lip Roll up and a MUM on the way down; or Lip Roll on the way up and the vowel ‘I’ or EEEE on the way down by simply parting your lips to produce ‘I’. Don’t try to manipulate anything. Only part your lips and it’ll happen naturally. This should solve the problem quite easily, providing you stay focused and you breathe properly.

You’ll find plenty more tips in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, available now in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like this article, please feel free to share on your social media using the links below.

You are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Joett Studio Speech Level Singing Comprehensive Courses Level 1-4



Are you struggling with your singing voice? 

If you were under the impression that talent alone is enough to take you from zero to hero as a singer, and yet in secret you struggle to deliver those seemingly basic notes in the studio AND on stage... and you’re finding it hard to admit [even] to yourself that—after all, it MUST take more than just TALENT to become a better singer, you must read my article A Reality Check for Singers who think you can get by with Just Talent

Now let's talk about VOICE TRAINING.

I operate internationally, and I'm able to schedule private in-studio sessions and online. My voice training modules on this page are mainly tailored to the long-term student. 

So here’s the deal

My new voice training programs, tailored to your individual needs, are going to be divided up into four parts and here’s how it works.

FREE 30 Minute Voice Assessments

Before you begin private voice training with me, you are invited to come in for a free half-hour voice assessment session. I will listen to you sing a couple of lines; run you through a breathing exercise; and then put your voice through the scales on the piano and I’ll give you my professional feedback. It’s that simple. And then I'll allocate training slots that are most convenient for you.



Comprehensive Speech Level Singing Course Level 1

This involves private tuition inside my studio. (You’ll find information on my Skype training here). A program comprises a total of 10 hours broken up into one hour per session. In other words, every private session with me runs for one full hour. My studio is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11am till 8.30pm.

In this program you’ll get an introduction to speech level singing technique with intensive vocal drill workouts on piano to help rebalance your voice, extend your range AND mend the bridges.

Comprehensive Speech Level Singing Course Level 2

In Level 2 we shall continue with the vocal drills on piano for another 10-hour set, but I will be throwing into this program some truly amazing Funky n' Fun Vocal Workouts Parts 1 & 2 to help you develop your musicality.

Comprehensive Speech Level Singing Course Level 3

In Level 3 we shall continue with the vocal drills on piano for another 10-hour set, but I will be throwing into this program more advanced Funky n' Fun Vocal Workouts, again, to further develop your sense of music and to introduce you to some of the main musical vocabulary all musicians should know.

Comprehensive Speech Level Singing Course Level 4

In Level 4 we shall continue with the vocal drills on piano for another 10-hour set, but I will be alternating this with a more jazz, blues, pop R&B vocal workout schedule to help you develop your own unique style.

Please note that Level 4 is also the beginning of your maintenance program. Which means from this point on, you may continue to buy your ten-set programs (optional) in order to maintain your voice and to continue to grow your talent.

For more information please get in touch.

Recommended Homework

During your in-studio voice training sessions, at times, I will record segments of your training as you vocalize to the scales on piano. The tapes will then land in your Inbox and you can use them to practice at home.

Furthermore, when you purchase my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, you’ll also receive the English version to my audio product Joett Vocal Drills Vol. 1-7 (includes Breathing Exercise). You can purchase my book in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.


You are the instrument, learn to sing like a pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”



Saturday, April 7, 2018

Easy Buy Africa, the Online Platform in Tanzania that Allows You to Buy Worldwide in Local Currency



I have some pretty good news for you today. If you live in Tanzania and you wanted to buy my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach but making payment online was a problem, I’ve found a dead-ringer for local payment solution I’m sure you’re going to like.

I have just discovered a shop in Oysterbay, located at the petrol station on Haile Selasie Road right next to Pizza Hut. The shop is called Easy Buy Africa and you’ll be amazed how easy it is to buy stuff online. To purchase my new book, simply enter the URL to my book's sales page from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Lulu at EasyBuyAfrica.com. (Please note, there's a 25% discount on Lulu).

You'll then be able to make payment in local currency, details of which you'll find as you go through the payment process. If you have any questions, however, please get in touch with Easy Buy Africa directly. You'll find their contact information on their website. Or, you can walk into their shop in Oysterbay for a coffee if you like and they'll talk you through the ordering process. The staff there are very helpful.

Using this platform you are not limited to any single Retailer or Marketplace offering. With EasyBuyAfrica you can buy anything you want from around the world, whether it’s a product; a book; online bids for your favorite team signed t-shirt; an app; or even pay your university fees.

PAY IN YOUR LOCAL CURRENCY

No need to worry about having a credit card, PayPal or even a bank account. You can pay cash using your local currency.

In Conclusion: I hope this helps. If you know of anyone that may want to purchase my book in local currency, please do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below.


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”



Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Enjoy the incredible benefit of vocal rest after a bout with the flu

unsplash-logoAdi Goldstein
I received a message from one of my online pupils the other day, and the complaint was that their voice wasn’t exactly up to scratch 'in training' after a bout with the flu.

He said that his voice wasn’t as connected as before. And so I quickly recommended that he took some more rest!

Speaking of the flu: I’d had a bit of an episode myself that very same week and although I’d managed to cull it with my ginger and honey concoction in no time at all, I still felt that my voice needed more rest, still. And so I gave myself a week off the scales.

It made a world of difference. When I got back in training yesterday, it was smooth sailing from start to finish—all invigorated and resonating.

So, if you’ve had an episode with the flu, cancel that recording session if you had one; and cancel the vocal exercises. Get some rest. You’ll be glad you did.

You’ll find tons of helpful tips and articles for singers in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, now available in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like my article, do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below. And if you want to consider private lessons via Skype, you'll find more information here!

You Are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”


Tuesday, March 20, 2018

How to get custom-made vocal exercises to improve your singing

When you want to be able to do your voice training from the comfort of your own home when you don’t have a tutor present, the absolute best way to get this done is to have your piano scales custom-made for you by your vocal coach.

I frequently record my sessions with pupils and so I do know that this method works.

In today’s article, I’ll show you how you too, can go down the custom-made vocal exercises path to outstanding results.

When in session with a pupil inside my voice studio, I would generally run them through extensive vocal exercises, all of which are tailored to their individual ability and their specific needs.

And so, whilst we’re in session, I would intermittently record the runs. This is later delivered to their inbox for use in home learning. And likewise, even when working remotely, when I’ve worked with a pupil I become familiar with their range and what works for them in training, and so I’m able to create vocal exercises tailored to them, which I then mail off to them.

If you’d like me to create some vocal exercise scales for you, and if you’re not a student of mine, the best place to start if you don’t live in Dar es salaam, would be with a free half hour session with me on Skype, which will tell me more about your voice.

You’ll find tons of helpful tips and articles for singers in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, now available in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like my article, do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below. And if you want to consider private lessons via Skype, you'll find more information here!

You Are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!

JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”

Sunday, March 4, 2018

The Process of Eliminating the Bad Singing Habits Explained

I’ve had this conversation with a lot of my pupils time and time again. When they first step into my studio, what we set out to achieve first and foremost, is to eliminate all of the bad singing habits they have amassed for themselves up to this point. And so quintessentially, it is a process of elimination.

I will throw in a couple of examples.

If your breathing pattern doesn’t allow you to sustain a note, in other words you’re always running out of breath and your voice isn't balanced and tends to fall apart, then that will need to be fixed. In my lessons, not only do we begin each lesson with a breathing exercise, you are trained to breathe correctly through the exercises as well. It is part and parcel of the learning process.

If you have a tendency to put too much weight on your throat thereby limiting your range, again, we eliminate this using speech-level singing technique with the exercises. And there are so many different approaches I would use, depending on the vocal issues at hand. 

You’ll find tons of helpful tips and articles for singers in my new book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach, now available in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

If you like my article, do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below. And if you want to consider private lessons via Skype, you'll find more information here!

You Are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”


Wednesday, February 28, 2018

I Want to Order a Bunch of Books for Tanzania. Interested?


As you will have noticed, my new book is not available anywhere in Tanzania. Not even from my own studio in Dar es salaam.

And I do have my reasons.

One of which is, sadly, you stock a bookstore like A Novel Idea on consignment; they sell your product and they'll keep the money. All of it! I have CDs from 2011 I haven't been paid a single dime for... and they have sold the entire stock. And when you ask, they spin you a lot of endless yarns about 'the accountant'. Amazing isn't it?

So: I have a couple of author copies in my studio and that’s it! They're not for sale. They're simply for display. If someone wants to purchase my book, they’ll have to place an order in America to receive the product by regular post.

However, I have decided, that if you would like to be able to place your orders for my book 101 Letters from a Vocal Coach without having to buy online, I can take your orders directly from you with deliveries in 2 to 3 weeks.

So, if you are interested in making a local purchase, please feel free to contact me.

For those of you that want to buy online directly, please go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Lulu. The latter is more universal in that, they process orders from all over the world—unlike Amazon who are more territorial.

If you like my post and you think it could be of help to a friend, do me a HUGE favor and Share this blog post with others by clicking the Social Links below.


You Are the Instrument, Learn to Sing Like a Pro!


JOETT - Vocal Coach & Author:
“101 Letters from a Vocal Coach”