“It Is Worth Every Penny”: What Voice Teachers Say After They Stop Guessing and Start Using a Method
I read every email my students send me. I know people say that. I actually mean it. When I sent a survey to the voice teachers in my community asking what they were working on, what their goals were, and what was slowing them down, I got responses from teachers all...
How to Teach Mix Voice With Confidence: What Most Certification Programs Never Cover
Every week I get some version of this question from a voice teacher: “How do I know if my student is in chest voice, head voice, or something else?” It is the right question. And the answer most teachers give is wrong, or at least incomplete. Most certification...
Why Classical Training Leaves Voice Teachers Unprepared for Contemporary Students (And What to Do Instead)
I want to be careful here because I respect classical training and the people who dedicate their careers to it. But I also need to be honest about something I have seen play out thousands of times in my studio and in the responses I get from voice teachers all over...
What Is The Mix-Belt Method and Why Are Voice Teachers Talking About It
Before diving into these techniques, it helps to understand the underlying vocal coordination. If you need a refresher on how the vocal folds operate here, read our foundational breakdown: [What is the Mix Voice?]. I did not set out to create a method. I set out to...
Unlocking Your Voice: How to Release Tongue Tension and Sing with Freedom
For many singers, tongue tension can feel like an invisible barrier, holding back their vocal potential. This unwanted tension can manifest in various ways, from strained vocal cords to difficulty reaching higher notes. But the good news is, you can learn to release...
“Throat Hurts When I Sing”? Understanding Vocal Strain and the Power of the Staircase
Do you experience throat pain after singing? Does it hurt to sing even short phrases? You're not alone. Many singers, from aspiring amateurs to seasoned professionals, grapple with vocal strain at some point in their careers. I want to delve into the root causes of...
Vocal Health: 5 Essential Tools and Products for Singers
As a singer, maintaining your vocal health is crucial. Regular practice and vocal training is of course the first place to start, but there are also several tools and products that can support your voice. Here are my absolute must-haves and favorites! (Click here to...
How Much Do Vocal Lessons Cost?
If you're considering taking vocal lessons, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is, "How much do vocal lessons cost?" Whether you're an aspiring singer or a professional vocalist looking to refine your vocal skills, understanding the cost structure of...
Can You Really Teach ANYONE How to Sing?
One of the most frequently asked questions in the world of music is, "Can you really teach anyone how to sing?" (The second is “Is It Possible to Expand My Range / Sing Higher?” but that’s a different blog post. 😆) It’s a question not just from hopeful beginners but...
Is It Possible to Expand My Range / Sing Higher?
Hands down the most common question we get is, "Can You Really Teach ANYONE How to Sing?" But today, I’m diving into the second most common question people ask: "Can I Really Expand My Range?" I love this question because it’s one I asked myself as a young singer. The...
Are Online Singing Lessons Worth It?
Online singing lessons have become the backstage pass to vocal greatness, but is belting out tunes into your webcam really worth it? Let's face it... since Covid, singers everywhere have opted for singing lessons on FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom, but are these cyber...
What is the “Mix Voice”?
Ah, the mixed voice. It's a term that gets thrown around singing circles like confetti at a celebrity wedding. But for many singers, achieving a smooth mixed voice feels about as likely as winning the lottery or being struck by lightning. The Three Registers: Your...
How to Make Money as a Singer | Part 1
I apologize in advance. You might be expecting to hear some top-secret industry trick about how to get uber-rich off your voice… so this answer might seem a little boring. But you’ve been warned. 🙂 The biggest secret to making amazing money as a singer is...
Sophie Jolls
Founder of 1108 Vocal Studio
Sophie Jolls is a celebrity vocal coach and owner of 1108 Vocal Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Founder of The Mix-Belt Method™, she also trains and certifies other vocal coaches worldwide.