• Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Turned a corner in my singing last night

I've been practicing hard on my commute trying to do all the basics very intentionally - push from diaphragm, open up throat like you're trying to swallow a yawn, stay relaxed, hold the notes to the end of the phrase, etc.  Well, last night I got the chance to sit down on a bar stool instead of in my office chair and play a little.  Sitting more upright as forced by the high bar stool made a big difference, as well as the practice I'm sure. 

It was nice not to annoy myself with my own singing. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: 2007-07-09
  • Posts: 381

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Congrats Zurf. Singing hasn't ever been my thing either but i can stand to hear myself most of the time. It does make those household singalongs more enjoyable. I'm sure your children wouldn't mind either way. It is the effort that counts when it comes to the little ears.

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Well, good for you for trying so hard.  You can learn a lot of things sitting on a barstool.  Can't think of anything right off the bat though.  Balance is one.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • Registered: 2010-01-29
  • Posts: 1

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Its funny, all my life I thought I couldn't sing, I guess I just didn't have the confidence to try.I met a real nice girl who encouraged me to sing rather than covering her ears and screaming like my brothers used to.I have found out in the last few years I really CAN sing, and fairly well too. I don't know about all this breathing through the diaphram stuff, if anyone out there has any tips for me they would be much appreciated.

  • From: Syosset, New York
  • Registered: 2006-04-20
  • Posts: 169

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

I've always had a secret singing ability that I hid all the years I was playing drums in bands.  I guess I just didn't want to be one of those singing drummers who has to sit still and always focus on the mic.  Or maybe I just had too much equipment to carry, as-is, and didn't want to have to worry about lugging around a mic, too!

Anyway, the more I sing in front of people, the more confident I am.  I'm not GREAT, but I have good pitch and just the right tone and feel to sing The Beatles, Billy Joel, and other "OK" vocalists acceptably.  This helps make singalongs with my uke A LOT more fun.

Glad you've found your voice!

Me with my first ukulele, a Junior Beatles model, in 1966.  After Mom threw it down the stairs in a fit of rage, I became a drummer for life.  At age 43, I bought my second uke...
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Welcome to Chordie zeddicus.

BensonP - Thanks for the chuckle.  I love your dry wit. 

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Thanks, Zurf, but I will return that compliment ten fold.  I enjoy reading your posts because of your humerous writing style.  Yoou know how to tell a tale.  This brought to you by, The Mutual Admiration Society.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Met a lady at the Nav-a-gator Friday night said she liked the sound of my voice. Nobody ever told me that before. I promised to mail her a C.D. She asked what it will cost her. I said this one's on me.
I just got back from mailing it to her.
toots

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Good for you tuba.  A nice compliment will get you everywhere.  smile

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Good job Zurf... as long as your not annoying yourself, and you're the only one that has to listen to you... then you're on to bigger and better things already!  smile I'm sure the kids appreciate it too tho, they must hear you sometimes? 

Awesome Tuba!  Very cool that you were noticed and appreciated!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

Well done tooter. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

12 Reply by ozymandias (edited by ozymandias 2010-03-03 19:48:23)

  • From: New Hampshire
  • Registered: 2007-02-17
  • Posts: 845

Re: Turned a corner in my singing last night

I always felt bad about my voice and always used to tell my guitar teacher that I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket.  When I sang in the shower, the soap would get out of the dish and walk away and the towel would hang itself in despair.  Then I decided to take singing lessons with my guitar teacher partner, Beverly, and it has been money well spent.  I CAN SING, my inner 5 year old is ecstatic AND I even managed to hit the High notes in the tune "Wimoweh" (the lion sleeps tonight) effortlessly and with full volume.  Just about at Pete Seeger's range.  I'm having fun and loving music even more.

So all I can say is, if you want to sing, SING and enjoy the feeling, it's been liberating!

"I don't have pet peeves...I have whole kennels of irritation."  --Whoopi Goldberg

ozymandias's Website