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NEW Vocal Coach in Residence: Mister Tim

He explores and exploits the force of the voice like few others.

A few years ago his Star Wars Tribute went viral (“John Williams is the Man”), with over 17 million hits in its many forms.

Since then, Mister Tim has taken his all-vocal rock band THROAT to new heights, released popular new vids, an EP, and toured with his solo live-looping act.

But he is also an educator, devoted to teaching voice and contemporary a cappella singing across the United States.

An unforgettable vocal performance you witnessed
“Weird” Al Yankovic live in concert.

What made it so?
He blasted through > read more

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Release Your Inner Songwriter


Share your unique vision of the world –says Sarah Bella

Your voice will sound its best when you’re singing something you have passion about.

Songwriting is a path to find your own voice and the artist you want to be.

I’m not a professional when it comes to teaching songwriting—but here are some ideas from my personal experience that may help vocalists take their first steps on this rewarding journey.

Jot things down. Some songs just > read more

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NEW Vocal Coach in Residence: Shlomo


It’s not just his voice – it’s his mouth.

Beat boxing artist Shlomo has been dazzling audiences around the globe with his looping performances and what he calls “vocal pyrotechnics”.

He’s also worked with some of the biggest names in music including Bjork, Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Martha Wainwright, Imogen Heap, The Specials and DJ Yoda.

–and now he’s VoiceCouncil’s Vocal Coach in Residence for the next 8 weeks.

We caught up with Shlomo during his “Mouthtronica” show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – and gave him only one > read more

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Create Audience Magic


Show more of your own sensuality, vulnerability and humor –says Petra Tool

When I first saw his charismatic performance on Youtube, I knew I would paint Relax’ front man Llewy one day. (scroll to the end of the article to see Petra’s full sized image: “Black Birds, White Birds”)

I just had to find out what it was that connected him to his audience.

A few years later I saw my chance, when Relax performed in my hometown.

The conversation took place at one of the strangest places a young hip-hop vocalist could be living > read more

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Garfunkel’s Elusive Voice


Check out this new piece in our Vocal Injury 101 Series – by Megan Gloss

Case: Art Garfunkel
Diagnosis: Vocal Paresis

While Simon & Garfunkel often are regarded for Paul Simon’s brilliantly crafted melodies, it’s the voice of Art Garfunkel that lends the classic folk/rock duo its signature harmonic sound.

And, though Garfunkel’s voice has been noted for changing throughout the years, it still is considered by many to be one of the most distinguishable and favored voices in the history of popular music.

After years of musical separation, Simon & Garfunkel reunited, announcing a > read more

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Moving Beyond Covers


How do you stop being defined by “covers” and become your own artist? -asks Petra Tool

Johnny Rosenberg came to my portrait studio, dressed in a T-shirt, waistcoat, jeans, sneakers, wristbands and necklaces.

When he started to sing a couple of quiet, tender jazzy songs, accompanying himself on his guitar, I was > read more

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Putting Soul In Your Song


P.P. Arnold, one of the finest soul singers of all time, shares her soul with VoiceCouncil Readers.

P.P. Arnold began her career as one of the ‘Ikettes’, Ike and Tina Turner’s backing singers.

Then she moved onto hit singles such as ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’, ‘Angel in the Morning’ and ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’

Having carved out a unique career for herself in the UK, P.P. Arnold is still going strong…

…and she shares her advice for vocalists in an exclusive interview with VoiceCouncil Magazine.

You’ve carved out such a powerful and distinctive career as a vocalist without reading music – how has that been possible? > read more

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Living with Critics


Pop idol winner Boris Titulaer found himself on the wrong side of the media. Petra Tool, a gifted portrait artist, turns her intense gaze on the dilemmas of success.

There’s nothing more sensuous for me than a male vocal artist giving his all on stage.

When Boris is pouring his heart out in a soulful ballad, pulling his head slightly backwards, squeezing his eyes shut and frowning, I want to > read more

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Freedom From Cerebral Singing


Be free of a purely intellectual approach to your singing – the young “Michael Jackson” shows the way.

At 14 years old, Jean Mikhael Baque has taken London by storm as the young Michael Jackson.

He also has the kind of attitude that will see him flourishing as a vocalist for years to come.

His vocal coach, Leontine Hass, shares those qualities that can be beneficial for all vocalists.

What is special about Jean Mikhael’s vocal work – that rubs off on other singers?
He isn’t academic about songs—he just makes each song totally his own. Many singers are surprisingly cerebral. They are often highly complex people and get into the habit of thinking rather than feeling.

Can you give us an example of a “cerebral” approach to singing?
Singers can have all sorts of negative dialogues running in their > read more

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Teaching Voice to “Michael Jackson”


The King of Pop reaches out to all singers with some important vocal lessons. Leontine Hass explains…

He has the starring role of the young Michael Jackson in London’s West End hit show Thriller Live.

14 year-old Jean Mikhael Baque has learned that a singer can’t be this kind of star without being completely serious about vocal work.

We’ve asked his vocal coach, Leontine Hass, Director of London’s Associated Studios, to reveal the challenges behind developing the kind of voice that “thrills” audiences worldwide.

Did you ever think you’d be teaching ‘Michael Jackson’ how to sing?
One of the joys of this business is that you never know what is going to happen! Jean Mikhael comes from a tough London School; his music teacher was captivated by his > read more

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