What’s in a Voice Lesson?
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

What’s in a Voice Lesson?

Voice lessons are for anyone who wants to become a better singer, but we often wonder what exactly happens in a voice lesson. What skills can be developed? And what makes voice lessons essential for developing those skills? In this blog, we’ll break down the what, why & how of voice lessons.

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How to Learn a New Song: A Step-By-Step Guide
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

How to Learn a New Song: A Step-By-Step Guide

How should a singer prepare a song? As a pianist and (former) violinist & oboist, I’ve developed my own procedure for learning new songs over the past decade. This process has emerged out of my own desire to practice with the intention, specificity, and efficiency that I found in my instrumental practice.

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The “I” in Choir: Honoring & Expanding Range
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

The “I” in Choir: Honoring & Expanding Range

How can we be mindful singers as we reach our vocal extremities?Choral singers of all voice parts encounter music that extends to the far reaches of their range or sits in an uncomfortable place in their voice. The alto part in one piece may feel great, but this same voice part in another song could be more challenging.

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The “I” in Choir: Long Phrases and Breath Control
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

The “I” in Choir: Long Phrases and Breath Control

How can we gain confidence when encountering long phrases? Breath control and stamina can strengthen over time through practice and attention. Here are a few exercises to help you gain awareness of your breath and to develop your breath control:

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How to Pick the Perfect Song: 4 Steps for Simple Success
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

How to Pick the Perfect Song: 4 Steps for Simple Success

Whether you’re preparing for an audition, working on a song to sing for a religious or community event, or looking for a new song for personal practice, picking a song can be an exciting, and, sometimes, overwhelming task.

Use these four simple steps for success when picking the perfect song for you.

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Singing through Sickness: Claim Your Craft
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

Singing through Sickness: Claim Your Craft

Our voice is a part of our body, so when we are sick, changes we experience in our bodies are often felt in our voices as well. This blog post aims to give you tools for caring for and protecting your voice when that time comes.

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Breathe Smart: Claim Your Craft
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

Breathe Smart: Claim Your Craft

Everyone has something to say about breath:Take a deep breath. Engage the diaphragm. Push your stomach out.

While there is some truth to each of these statements, there are more effective - and more accurate - ways to connect to your breath. Let's find simple ways to rephrase these statements:

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Building Practice Routines: Claim Your Craft
Wesley Diener Wesley Diener

Building Practice Routines: Claim Your Craft

Practicing is difficult. For countless, we shy away from building a strong practice routine. If you've struggled to establish your practice routine, you're not alone.

This happens to everyone. When it does, we can remember some best rules of practice to stay positive and productive:

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Self-Tape Success: Claim Your Craft
Blog, Auditioning, How to, Theatre, Chorus Wesley Diener Blog, Auditioning, How to, Theatre, Chorus Wesley Diener

Self-Tape Success: Claim Your Craft

After the past two years, you can hardly turn a corner without encountering the phrase self-tape. Although they’ve been important in the theatre industry for years, self-tapes more important than ever - and they’re here to stay.

The good news is that most of us are already well-equipped with the performing skills and basic technology that is needed to make an effective self-tape. Let’s walk through the basics together:

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