Weekly Voice Insights #2

The Mental Game of Voice: Lessons from Margaret Harshaw (Part I)

When I began my journey in voice training, the emphasis was always on mastering specific techniques. Whether it was perfecting consonants, practicing vocalizations, or honing breath control, the message was clear: if you employ these techniques correctly, you'll achieve your goals. However, as I progressed in my career, I began to realize that there was a deeper layer to voice training—one that was profoundly mental. This realization didn’t happen overnight; it was shaped by years of practice, and most importantly, by the guidance of a remarkable mentor.

Personal Anecdote
During my time as a young artist at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, I had the privilege of training under Margaret Harshaw—an icon in both the teaching and singing world. Harshaw, who was about 84 when I started working with her, was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor who imparted wisdom that went far beyond the technical aspects of voice.

Our lessons, which were rarely under four hours, took place at her house. These sessions were transformative, not just because of the technical skills I honed, but because of the mental approach Harshaw instilled in me. I vividly remember how she would talk about a newscaster's vocal delivery with the same keen interest and analysis that she would apply to a world-class singer like Luciano Pavarotti. To Harshaw, the voice was an instrument of expression, whether you were speaking or singing, and mastery of that instrument went beyond just technique.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned from her was that “singing is 95% mental.” At first, this seemed like an abstract concept, especially when my focus was on the tangible aspects of voice training. But as our lessons progressed, her wisdom began to resonate with me on a deeper level. The notion that you must will your voice to do what you choose for it to do is not just about applying techniques; it's about being mentally aware in the moment and making conscious decisions about which tools to use.

Harshaw’s Principle
Harshaw’s principle that singing—and by extension, voice work—is 95% mental, fundamentally changed how I approached voice training. It’s not enough to simply practice techniques in isolation; you must be aware of your mental state and make deliberate choices in real time. This mental awareness is what allows you to access and effectively apply the techniques you’ve spent so much time mastering.

But this concept isn’t limited to voice training. It’s a principle that can be applied to any skill or discipline. Consider your own experiences—whether in public speaking, sports, or even everyday communication. How often do you rely solely on technique, without considering the mental game? Have there been moments when you knew what to do, but the outcome didn’t align with your expectations because you weren’t mentally prepared? These are the moments when mental awareness can make all the difference.

Think about a time when you were performing a task that you had practiced extensively—maybe it was a presentation at work, a performance on stage, or even a challenging conversation with a friend. How did you feel in that moment? Were you fully present, mentally aware of the choices you were making? Or did you find yourself going through the motions, relying on muscle memory rather than conscious decision-making?

Margaret Harshaw’s teaching encourages us to go beyond just “knowing” how to do something. It pushes us to be mentally engaged, to actively choose the right technique at the right moment. This approach requires practice, not just in the physical sense, but in training your mind to stay present and make informed choices under pressure.

Your thoughts here!
As you reflect on these questions, consider how you might apply Harshaw’s principle in your own life. What situations require you to be more mentally aware? How can you start integrating this mental practice into your daily routine, ensuring that you are not just relying on technique, but also harnessing the power of your mind to achieve your goals?

Teaser for Next Post
In our next Wednesday Insight, we’ll dive deeper into how this mental awareness integrates with the practical techniques that form the foundation of voice training. We’ll explore how to practice with purpose and choose the right tools in the moment. Don’t miss it!

Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below sharing your experiences or any questions you might have. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can all develop a stronger mental game in our pursuits.

Please join us Sep 11, 6:00 pm CST  for a Clubhouse Chat on the Mental aspects of Voice : link

Note: if you’re viewing this on a mobile device and don’t see the ‘Subscribe for Updates’ option, try switching to the web version of the blog. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking ‘View web version.’ This will allow you to easily subscribe and stay updated with more insights like this.

Weekly Voice Insights #1

Discovering Your Unique Voice: Hearing Yourself as Others Do

Have you ever listened to a recording of your own voice and thought, "Do I really sound like that?" You're not alone—most people find it strange, if not uncomfortable, to hear their voice played back to them. But this discomfort can actually be a valuable tool for self-discovery, helping you connect with your voice in a new way.

Why Your Voice Sounds Different to You

When you speak (or sing), the sound of your voice reaches your ears through two pathways: air conduction and bone conduction. Air conduction is how others hear you—sound waves travel through the air and into your ears. Bone conduction, on the other hand, transmits sound vibrations through your skull, giving you a fuller, deeper perception of your voice. This is why your recorded voice often sounds higher or thinner than what you expect—it’s what everyone else hears.

Listening Without Judgment

It’s easy to be critical when we first hear our recorded voice, but instead of judging, try to listen with an unbiased ear. What are the characteristics of your voice? Is there a pleasant rise and fall? Do you notice natural pauses? Does your voice have a certain warmth or clarity that stands out? These qualities are part of your unique vocal identity, and recognizing them is the first step toward embracing your voice.

A Simple Exercise to Get Started

If you’re curious to explore your vocal identity further, try this simple exercise: send yourself a voice text message. Speak naturally, as if you were talking to a friend—no scripts, no rehearsals. Later, play it back and listen closely. Notice the pitch, the tone, the rhythm. Ask yourself, “Did I convey my message clearly? What aspects of my voice do I find pleasing?”

The goal isn’t to critique but to become familiar with how you sound to others and to start appreciating the unique qualities of your voice. It might feel uncomfortable at first—after all, many of us are used to looking in a mirror and adjusting our appearance, but rarely do we “listen in the mirror” to adjust our voice.

Voice Messages Over Texts

Another way to deepen this practice is by sending voice messages instead of texts. Over time, this can help you become more aware of how your voice conveys emotion, intention, and clarity. It’s an opportunity to experiment with different tones, pitches, and speeds, and to notice what feels natural and effective.

A Personal Story

I remember the days of answering machines (yes, I’m dating myself here). I can’t tell you how many times I would record and re-record my outgoing message, never quite satisfied with how it sounded. It took me a long time to connect my vocal training with the everyday act of speaking on the phone, but once I did, it opened up a whole new level of self-awareness.

Your Turn

I’m curious—how do you feel about listening to your own voice? What insights have you gained? If you haven’t tried it yet, consider sending yourself a voice message today. Listen to it later with an open mind, and see what you discover about your vocal identity. Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Want to stay updated with more insights like this?

If you’re enjoying these posts and want to keep exploring the power of your voice, consider subscribing for updates. You can easily do this by using the "Subscribe for Updates" option on the blog. This way, you’ll never miss a new post—everything will be delivered right to your inbox. I’m excited to continue this journey with you!

Clubhouse event based on today's insight!

Note: if you’re viewing this on a mobile device and don’t see the ‘Subscribe for Updates’ option, try switching to the web version of the blog. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking ‘View web version.’ This will allow you to easily subscribe and stay updated with more insights like this.

Welcome to Unleashing the Power of Your Unique Voice

In the world of vocal performance, every voice is a unique calling card—a distinct signature that defines our individuality. Whether you're a singer, public speaker, teacher, or someone simply aiming to communicate more effectively, understanding and mastering your voice can unlock profound personal and professional growth.

A Journey of Discovery

As a performer and guide on the vocal journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the greatest voices in the field. This book is a culmination of those experiences, aimed at sharing the insights and techniques that have shaped my journey. My goal is to guide you in discovering and refining your own vocal identity, drawing on the wisdom of legendary mentors like Margaret Harshaw, Frank Sinatra, Giovanni Battista Lamperti, and Christofer Macatsoris.

What’s more, I’m still actively using these tips and tools in my own life. Just like you, I’m a lifelong learner, continually applying these lessons to further develop my voice. This journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to share it with you, helping you unlock the full potential of your unique voice.

Meet the Mentors Who Inspired This Work

Margaret Harshaw, known for her belief that "singing is 95% mental," taught me the importance of aligning the voice with conscious intent. Frank Sinatra's dedication to refining vocal expression, Giovanni Battista Lamperti's focus on natural sound production, and Christofer Macatsoris's integration of technical training with deep musicality have all been instrumental in shaping my approach to vocal mastery.

A Glimpse into the Journey Ahead

This book is structured to build upon each chapter, offering deeper insights and more developed applications as you progress. The strategies and exercises provided are designed as starting points, encouraging you to adapt and modify them to fit your personal and professional needs. The goal is not conformity but exploration and self-discovery.

As you engage with the exercises and techniques discussed, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your vocal practice, fostering growth and authenticity. By integrating the wisdom of these mentors and applying the techniques, you'll be well-equipped to uncover and refine your unique vocal expression.

Weekly Voice Insights – Discover and Explore Your Voice

Starting this Wednesday, I’m excited to launch a new series on the blog: Weekly Voice Insights. Each week, I’ll share a thought, insight, or tip that invites you to explore and think more deeply about your voice.

These insights are designed to spark curiosity and encourage you to connect with your voice in new ways—whether through a simple idea, a helpful technique, or a new way of thinking about how you use your voice. It’s about keeping the conversation open and giving you something to ponder or practice as you continue your vocal journey.

Every Wednesday, you’ll find a new post that offers something interesting to consider or try out. Whether it’s a technique to improve your vocal skills, a reflection to inspire deeper thought, or a tip to enhance your communication, these posts are here to support you.

Want to learn more about me and my journey? Click on the About Me link to dive deeper into my background and experience. If you’re interested in visiting my website, you’ll find the link included in my bio.

So, whether you’re looking to better understand your voice, gain new insights, or simply explore a new idea, these weekly posts are for you. Check back every Wednesday for your Weekly Voice Insights!

Note: if you’re viewing this on a mobile device and don’t see the ‘Subscribe for Updates’ option, try switching to the web version of the blog. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking ‘View web version.’ This will allow you to easily subscribe and stay updated with more insights like this.