Blog
A collection of tips & resources from Sarah.
Ten Tips for Memorizing Lines Efficiently and Getting Off Book
Acting is a passion that requires a great amount of discipline, and learning how to memorize lines is just one of many skills that every great actor must master. While every actor has their own methods for memorization, here are some tried and true methods for learning your lines.
Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your Self Tape Virtual Auditions
Virtual self-tape auditions come with a unique set of skills as an actor.
Find in this blog some quick tips and tricks to pay special attention to so that you come across polished, and memorable.
Choose an audition song that best reflects you and your skill set and not what you think the panel wants to hear.
The Six Different Types of Music Theatre Songs
This blog is my breakdown of the six most common types of songs you can expect in your favourite musical. From the beginning of music theatre writing, composers and lyricists discovered that some song types proved quite useful for particular places in a production to shape and round the story and plot. As the years have gone by, contemporary music theatre writers have left the “standard” format and explored other, flexible song forms. However, these types of songs have proved continually useful because they are so entrenched in the audiences perception and as such have become important parts of most musicals.
Top 50 Best Broadways Songs for Singers
What is the best broadway song to have ever been be written?
With over a century of countless productions, Broadway has amassed a vast repertoire of songs that have are loved by audiences around the world. From classic tunes that have stood the test of time to more recent hits that have captured the hearts of new generations of music theatre lovers, Broadway music has a timeless appeal that transcends borders and cultures. Find here a list of 50 Best Broadway songs for singers guaranteed to give a performer an epic sing.
How to Stop Self-Sabotaging your Singing - An hour in the Mind of a Singer
Your body is listening. It hears your thoughts, and it reacts accordingly. There is always something that can discourage, distract, and dismiss those positive thoughts towards staying on the path as you share your gifts.
Best Hydration Methods for Singers
Did you know that it can take up to 4 hours for the water to reach your vocal folds? So the water you drink back stage 10 minutes before you go on stage does not have any immediate effect on the voice. Topical hydration (steaming) puts drops of water onto the surface of the vocal folds. These droplets get deposited onto the surface of the vocal folds. This kind of hydration can be effective, but is very temporary, with its effects lasting anywhere from just a few minutes to a few hours. Systemic hydration is the most effective process. Find tips for the best hydration for singers.
10 Remedies to Release your Tense Locked Jaw and Recover from Trismus
Ten Remedies to help Release tense, locked jaw and Recover from Trismus.
Trismus or Lockjaw is a bilateral restriction in mouth opening. It is a medical condition in which the normal motion of the mandible ( jaw) is reduced as a result of sustained, tetanic spasm of the masticatory muscles mediated by the trigeminal nerve. It causes spasms in the mastication muscles, which we use to chew. The muscles tighten and shorten, hindering the temporomandibular joint's movement. Find tips to help heal from lock jaw.
Sing the Songs of Great Musical Theatre Composers: Kander and Ebb
Find a list of amazing Kander and Ebb songs. Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb collaborated for more than forty years, one of the longest-running and most successful creative partnerships in Broadway history. Together they wrote over twenty musicals and many film scores. Their two most successful works, Cabaret and Chicago, had critically acclaimed Broadway revivals and were made into Oscar-winning films. Their work specializes in spotlighting social and political themes in period settings. Their songs are fabulous for learning voice techniques and they have an amazing variety for all types of singers.
Finding Solutions for Throat, Jaw, Tongue, and Neck Tension During Singing
Do you suffer from neck, jaw, or throat tension while singing? You are not alone. This is one of the most common issues I hear as a teacher when students enter my studio. I hope this post will help you begin to find a few solutions for your tension issues.
How to Choose the Right Song Repertoire for Your Voice
A frequently asked question in my studio is: “How should I select songs that best suit my own voice?” I am often asked to assist and guide in repertoire selections for my students.
It’s really important to keep learning new repertoire in a variety of genres. If you are consistently working on your technique and building healthy singing methods, your voice will develop optimal tonal outcomes which can be utilized in a variety of styles. Singing in different genres can increase your vocal abilities and skills. Don’t be afraid to explore. Expand your identity as a singer.
Here is a list of CRUCIAL THINGS TO CONSIDER when choosing a repertoire.
The Great Villains of Music Theatre
As an actor, there is nothing meatier than playing a villain. Often the driving force behind the plot, their songs keep us on the edge of our seats. This blog celebrates those evil characters of musical theatre who help us see the other side of things. Malicious, sinister, and frightening here is a LIST OF SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MUSIC THEATRE VILLAINS.
How to Manage Allergies and Colds and Find The Best Remedies for Singers
Allergy Season is frustrating for singers who are trying hard to maintain optimal vocal health. Learn ways to protect your vocal health as allergens can irritate the vocal cords, which can cause hoarseness, and the congestion from a stuffed nose or postnasal drip can make it difficult to breathe easily and hard to sing. FInd tips to minimize the effects of colds, allergies, and other thrashings on the vocal folds and larynx.
Finding Calm, Mindful Ways to Release Tension While Singing.
Are you holding TENSION and feeling STRESSED when you sing? Singing is very physical. If our bodies are holding unnecessary tension, the pathway for your authentic voice to shine will become blocked. This can leave you feeling tired or hoarse and can affect the clarity of your vocal tone. Part of learning new singing methods is to become aware of the tension in your body and use techniques to release unnecessary exertions so you can enjoy singing with freedom.
Songs about Spring for Every Genre
In every genre, there are songs about spring. Whether you are a classical singer, jazz enthusiast, musical theatre singer, an indie, country or pop performer, you can find hopeful songs about spring. Find suggestions for songs about spring for every genre.
Are you Experiencing Voice Fatigue?
Are you suffering from a husky, hoarse, or breathy voice? Is your voice tight or strained? Have you recently had covid or any of its variants? Have you had a recent upper respiratory infection and found you’ve lost your speaking voice or range? Do you have the feeling you need to clear your throat often? You may be suffering from Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD).
How to Increase your Singing range.
Are you struggling to reach your high notes with balance and sustainability? Learning to realize the full potential of your biological range takes regular and consistent practice. Here are some helpful exercises to begin to increase your range.
Comedic Musical Theatre Songs for Every Voice Type
A great way to show your confidence and personality is to put a comedic song in your book of repertoire. However, finding comedic songs, in the right range and in the musical theatre cannon, can be challenging. Find suggestions for comedic musical theatre songs in every voice type.
Are you Aimlessly Practising?
Are you aimlessly practicing in a way that isn’t getting results? Do you find yourself singing through meaningless warm-ups and repertoire without making any changes or correcting any moments of vocal tension or strain? Quick Tip for Effective Singing Practise.
Warning Signs Your Vocal Health is in Danger
Is your voice becoming hoarse or raspy? Are high notes becoming difficult? Are you repeatedly clearing your throat? Is it an effort to talk? Does your throat feel strained or raw? If you are nodding your head to any of these questions you may have a voice issue. Find some TIPs to keep your voice healthy.
How to Find Happiness in a Pandemic Through Singing
Who gets happier in a lockdown? Let’s face it; it’s been a long, bleak and crushing year for many. The pandemic is weighing heavily on all of us.