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”

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”

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”