Name: Yeah, Whoa! Thinking About Vowels and Breathing
Uploaded: 2023-11-03T23:56:31.077Z
Duration: 11 min 3 s

In this 10-minute video, I cover two important topics for healthy, natural singing: Vowel formation, and open-throat singing. In the first part, we think about how basic vowels are shaped in the mouth and how to transition smoothly and seamlessly from one to another. In the second part, I talk about the Italian operatic concept of "la gola aperta," the open-throat. We review how it feels to elongate the singing system, the larynx, and how to listen for it you are doing it right. I hope you find it helpful!

Singing

Dr. Lance R. is a Professor of Music offering private lessons online and in the Dallas area. He received his B.M. and M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of South Florida, and a Ph. D in Music Theory, with a related field in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of North Texas. 

His greatest expertise are as a vocal coach for all styles, and in training general musicianship skills. He also offers lessons and coaching for saxophone, piano, songwriting, and voice therapy. 

Lance offers a comfortable learning environment for students of all levels, from those who have never sung, picked up a saxophone, or touched a piano in their lives, to active performers looking to reach that next level.

*** Specialties ***
Musicianship Skills and Ear-Training
Lance has years of experience teaching students how to become fluent music readers and to easily navigate difficult musical passages.

Vocal Technique Development
Lance has specialized training to detect and correct anything that may be getting in the way of a healthy, musical singing sound.

Disclaimers:
Reschedule requests made within 24hrs may be allowed, subject to availability. Same-day cancellations and no-call/no-shows will result in being charged for the scheduled lesson.

In-Person Lessons: We recently adopted two puppies! They are crated on the opposite side of the room where lessons are held. They may need to be let outside during sessions. Your patience is appreciated.

There is also a cat and another dog, but they keep to themselves on the other side of the house.

Yeah, Whoa! Thinking About Vowels and Breathing

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Music Performance

Songwriting

Speaking Voice

Piano

Broadway Singing

Opera Voice

Saxophone

Country Singing

Music Theory

Gospel Singing

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

The Society for Music Theory promotes the development of and engagement with music theory as a scholarly and pedagogical discipline. We construe this discipline broadly as embracing all approaches, from conceptual to practical, and all perspectives, including those of the scholar, listener, composer, performer, teacher, and student. The Society is committed to fostering diversity, exclusivity, and gender equity in the field.

It’s music in a very pure form created with nothing but human voices coming together to create a rich and satisfying texture that is pleasing to the ears and invigorating to the soul. Barbershop allows you to find your voice and be a part of creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Awarded for successful completion of the Dallas College Accessibility training courses.

Accessability Training

Certification to teach online courses through Dallas College, demonstrates familiarity with online resources and online engagement strategies.

Online Teaching Certification

As the instructor of record, I managed two undergraduate classes in Aural Skills, courses dealing in sight-singing, ear-training, and musical dictation. In this class and in the time since then, I have trained many students that you might have called "tone-deaf" to sing in tune and with confidence.

Teaching Fellow

Professor of Music at Dallas College. I've been teaching a "music appreciation" class for years now, where I introduce students to dozens of different musical styles and teach the history of their development.

Adjuct Faculty

English

Take lessons from a Ph. D of music! I've studied vocal performance for 15 years now, singing and teaching all styles. Aside from my performing experience, I've carefully studied the anatomy and physics of singing well, and how to get that knowledge across clearly in a one-on-one session. In these lessons, I guarantee that you will notice improvements quickly, no matter what style of music you want to sing.

Lance is such an awesome teacher. He has excellent communication skills, great time management, is kind, and does everything he can to help meet your goals. He helped me with a pronunciation matter, and instantly, everything I'd had trouble with made perfect sense. I hope to take different lessons with him soon. And, I highly recommend him. 

Lance is an exceptional vocal teacher: friendly, great communicator, with a vast knowledge and experience on the subject. Highly recommended!

Would recommend to anyone.  Jumping into vocal lessons with Dr. Lance R. was an eye-opener. Despite being a lifelong musician, Lance's insights into my singing technique have been invaluable, boosting my confidence significantly.

Lance's approachable vibe bridges the gap his impressive academic credentials could create. His down-to-earth manner makes every lesson feel focused and productive, fostering genuine growth.

His expertise translates into tailored guidance that's both encouraging and effective, helping me progress regardless of my starting point.

Our virtual sessions have been great, and I'm intrigued by the lively home setting he mentions, complete with pets. It adds a unique, personal touch to the learning experience.

In short, learning with Lance has been transformative, enhancing my understanding of vocal performance in an enjoyable and supportive way.

Great lesson that cut right to the chase and gave me insights that I was able to apply to my singing technique immediately. Lance is perhaps the most highly qualified professional I have had the chance to work with, and I highly recommend him! 

Lance helped my daughter prepare for a vocal audition for admittance to a  performing arts high school. Lance understands vocal arts at an expert level and was able to fine tune her technique and performance. Thanks to his teaching and support she was confident and well prepared for her audition.

Extremely helpful first lesson, really delivered a ton of value. I highly recommend this teacher.

I have been taking lessons with Lance for a couple months now. He is a rare gem of a teacher. I know a lot of music instructors that are fantastic musicians but have no idea how to teach. Lance knows how to balance structure and the student's interest that allows you to see meaningful progress in a direction that you want. I can't recommend Lance enough to somebody interested in taking voice lessons.

Lance has been phenomenal. He is patient, kind and helps you feel safe to stumble along the process on the journey towards your goals. He has an excellent ear and visual understanding of how to diagnose tension quickly and effectively. 

I chose Lance based on his description of being specifically educated on the anatomical functions of the voice. My issue was feeling tension arise even in my speaking voice. I know that for me to adequately reach more advanced singing goals, I would first have to establish a solid, sustainable and healthy foundation of good practice starting at the very basics. Lance has been stellar in that regard. Upwards and onwards we go.

Great first lesson. Excellent teacher. I left ecstatic having been able to play 4 notes and put a song together.

My teenage daughter is very particular about singing instructors but she found Lance to be amazingly kind and honest. She has hopes that he can help her voice shine through. Lance is very professional and knowledgeable. We look forward to many more lessons.

This past year, I embarked on an extraordinary journey of musical growth by enrolling in these singing lessons, and I am thrilled to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. Dr. Lance is  well spoken and clearly educated in music. His expertise, patience, and understanding really helped me improve my technique and gain confidence. I sadly quit my sessions with him recently, but I would highly recommend taking lessons with Dr. Lance for anyone looking to unlock their full singing potential!

Lance is very knowledgeable and patient. He’s able to assess your skills and prescribe what you need to improve. I look forward to working with Lance.

Many songwriters learn the basics of how to make harmonies, but don't have a good idea of how to put them together into a cohesive song. This video explains how to do just that. Put together simple songs in any key with this straightforward formula.

Lance R.

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