In This Article & Issue

Happy 2012!
I love the articles I’ve written in Health Tips about singer’s health, but I renew my commitment to addressing our primary concern and address issues about…, the voice.

In Vocal Tech…
I share the intricacies of vocal technique in the Nuisances of Vocal Technique…

And in Group Technique & Performance Class
There is still space available for the next Vocal Technique & Performance Class. Check out the New 8 – Week Vocal Class Intensive!!!. But first…

Happy New Year!
Welcome to an exciting new year! 2011 was awesome and I am looking forward to an even better 2012. To start the new year off right, an exciting 8-week class is scheduled to begin Jan. 15th! In this issuance I unveil a new series labeled “Vocal Tech” and I speak again about the importance of vocal training and share information about vocal technique which is so critical to singing. I know I’ve spoken a lot about issues related to health, but this is a Voice Newsletter, so let’s share information about…, The Voice!

From my Heart… Happy New Year! And Enjoy…

The voice is a very intricate instrument…

Unfortunately, it is more difficult to move a singer from bad habits to good habits. Yet, it is very easy for a singer who has good habits to be influenced by others and adopt bad habits, if they are unaware of what they are doing that is good, is better left unchanged. Is the previous statement a metaphor about life? It’s difficult to build an empire, but an empire can be dismantled in no time flat! Such as is the voice. I will always remember how my friend, Michael Jeffries so succinctly stated it. He said: “… to re-program is harder than to program!” I love the concise way in which Michael stated it, and I use that in my teaching to this day. Please don’t get me wrong, because improving a voice is done everyday – as to why good vocal coaches are in business, and singers provide testimony as to their success.

There are not many students who come into a voice lesson and who mixes from chest voice to head voice without vocal breaks of one kind or another with little or no vocal training. They are far and few between. When a singer comes into a voice lesson that has good vocal habits, I’m quick to tell them what and why what they are doing is right and to continue using that by reinforcing it – making it even better! Most often they are not even aware they possess good habits, and I have to inform them so we can build on that. Then they know that’s a good habit – and if anyone of influence tries to change it, they are aware to be cautious!

Things must work in the right way in order to get the best vocal performance that the voice is possible of producing. And a high-larynx, for instance, is not a good thing. The vocal cords are housed within the larynx, and for better or for worse, they are strongly influenced by the activity or inactivity of the larynx. Basically, whether we singers know it or not, we have an easier time vocalizing when the larynx is not active; that is, vocal cords function better when the larynx stays in a low, relaxed position. This allows the vocal cords to function as best they can based on proper vocal training and exercises they have been given. The swallowing action of the hyoid bone and the epiglottis is not conducive to good vocal cord phonation. Too often, a singer uses the wrong extrinsic muscles to assist them in making pitch. Those outer muscles are better left outside of the pitch-making process, for engaging them is the long way around to one’s destination and causes serious vocal abuse in the process. I am always observing students to see or hear if their larynx is high. Getting the larynx down and to stay down avoids vocal hoarseness and other vocal complications such as nodules.

There are many tools to address vocal bad habits, including a high larynx so it remains low and stable. But these varied number of tools placed in the wrong hands or utilized by an untrained person, and even an unskilled vocal instructor, is down right dangerous and can lead to vocal damage. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on one’s point of view, a teacher has to study and teach proper vocal technique for years before they grow into proper usage of the tools with skill and creativity. Proper vocal technique is not something anyone can go and acquire in one or a few voice lessons without truly understanding why the technical vocal instructor gave them particular exercises. Because a skilled technical vocal instructor might give Student A one exercise to fix Student A’s particular problem, but will give Student B a different exercise because Student B’s problem is completely different from Student A’s! A different prescription for a different ailment as it were… The very same exercise given to Student A could be poison to Student B and feed into Student B’s problem. In my opinion, a teacher seeking to understand vocal technique needs to study, go to class, research, and take technical voice lessons from masters of the trade. Vocal technique takes time and years of study to master.

Again, as opposed to fixing problems, the wrong exercises over a period of time can feed and exacerbate vocal problems. Vocal exercises strongly influence what habits the singer adopts, as does the demonstrations the instructor uses to influence the student. So applying the correct exercises and good vocal demonstrations from the instructor to cure vocal fatigue, hoarseness, straining, chronic falsetto, and unease to influence good vocal cord phonation are critical. The vocal instructor must be grounded in good vocal habits so they can influence the student to move in a better direction. When a student confirms that what they are experiencing is easier than before our voice lesson(s) and (get this) sounds better! – It makes what I do worthwhile and enjoyable. I love it!

I love it!.

New Mixed Level I & II Class!

Vocal Technique & Performance:
Jan 15th – March 4th 2012

Dear friends and singers,

I am honored to present highlight video performances from previous Vocal Technique & Performance Classes. The video displays vocal students who are working on their craft. As that’s the only way to improve! I want to thank all the students who have performed and are sharing their presence, their image, their heart and souls, and most of all their voices!

Additionally, I am honored to present the next series of Group Vocal Classes starting Jan 15th!
 Registration has started and we are looking forward to hearing from you soon! 
To register for the class or private lessons with Alexys, click the Enroll button, sign up and pay online or please reply via email at alexy@alexysparis.com and reserve your spot. Group vocal classes at The Voice Studio provide you with the highest standard of group vocal instruction, fast results in a professional and fun environment.

A unique combination of Speech Level Singing® (*) technique instruction and performance coaching.


Level I: Introduction to vocal technique and performance

Prerequisite: Ability to sing a song in tune

Level II: application of technique and performance skills in a more advanced way
. Prerequisite: Level I or workshop “What is SLS? or “Getting To Know Your Vocal Instrument” and performance experience.

For a more detailed class description, go here: Group Vocal Class: 8 – Week Intensive

In This Article & Issue

Thank You For A Wonderful 2011!
In this article, I say Thank you all for a wonderful 2011 and I hope you are looking forward to a fantastic 2012! To get the 2012 party started right…

In this newsletter issue, I present the next Vocal Technique & Performance Class. Check out the New 8 – Week Vocal Class Intensive!!!.

And in Health Tips
I share my experience and information I recently learned about the relationship with Calcium & Phosphorus… but first, Thank You!

Thank You
2011 has been a very active and productive year for Alexys Paris Voice Studio and many of you have shared positive feedback. APVS looks forward to an even better and productive 2012! Ideas for events and continued training are flowing in all the time and APVS is committed to the passion of vocalizing, training the voice, and sharing all that is learned with you! Continue to look forward and remain in touch with Alexys’ Voice Newsletter.

From my Heart… Thank you! And Enjoy…

New Mixed Level I & II Class!

Vocal Technique & Performance:
Jan 15th – March 4th 2012

Dear friends and singers,

I am honored to present highlight video performances from previous Vocal Technique & Performance Classes. The video displays vocal students who are working on their craft. As that’s the only way to improve! I want to thank all the students who have performed and are sharing their presence, their image, their heart and souls, and most of all their voices!

Additionally, I am honored to present the next series of Group Vocal Classes starting Jan 15th!
 Registration has started and we are looking forward to hearing from you soon! 
To register for the class or private lessons with Alexys, click the Enroll button, sign up and pay online or please reply via email at alexy@alexysparis.com and reserve your spot. Group vocal classes at The Voice Studio provide you with the highest standard of group vocal instruction, fast results in a professional and fun environment.

A unique combination of Speech Level Singing® (*) technique instruction and performance coaching.


Level I: Introduction to vocal technique and performance

Prerequisite: Ability to sing a song in tune

Level II: application of technique and performance skills in a more advanced way
. Prerequisite: Level I or workshop “What is SLS? or “Getting To Know Your Vocal Instrument” and performance experience.

For a more detailed class description, go here: Group Vocal Class: 8 – Week Intensive

Calcium…
Do you have enough calcium in your diet? I thought I did, but I recently found out differently. There was a time when I took a calcium supplement, but I stopped thinking that I had enough since I was consuming a good amount of raw almonds, sesame seeds, algae and kale, all of which have excellent sources of calcium. But a holistic reflexologist recently told me I needed more calcium. This reflexologist came highly recommended and I’ll share more about her in another post. However, based on the information she received from my Spirit and Body (yeah, she’s got it like that, hum…) she told me I needed to take a calcium supplement for the rest of my life. At the beginning of this December, I started taking calcium supplements again.

However, I did not return to the previous brand of calcium I had taken, but switched to calcium products made by Country Life as recommended by the reflexologist. The main reason she recommends Country Life is because it has a proper 2 to 1 ratio of Magnesium (which many people know is essential when taking calcium) but more importantly, what many people don’t realize is that it also has a 2 to 1 ratio of Phosphorus, and I certainly was unaware that Phosphorus is also an essential element when taking calcium supplements. The reflexologist stated many health care practitioners are unaware that inclusion of Phosphorus in the Calcium supplement is important. I did not find Phosphorus included in any Calcium supplement when I did a little research on the internet, except Country Life. This was surprising to me, so I looked up what Richard Anderson, author of “Cleanse and Purify Thyself” had to say about calcium and phosphorus.

Although, many people consume pasteurized cow’s milk and believe they are getting their needed calcium, Richard Anderson noted the following: First, even unpasteurized cow’s milk is mucus producing and not genetically suited for humans, as it has much more phosphorus than calcium that inhibits the calcium from being absorbed and utilized by the body and should be avoided. As stated by Richard Anderson, even worst is pasteurized cow’s milk, …”Because of the abundance of phosphorous, protein, and chlorides, pasteurized cow’s milk is acid-forming and the body must use its own reserve of sodium, potassium, and calcium, from an already depleted supply in order to handle the excess acids…” That means pasteurized cow’s milk does not do a body good, and renders whatever calcium is in the milk unusable. I stopped consuming dairy products years ago, because it was way too mucus producing for me.

So I’m taking calcium with a 2 to 1 Calcium/Phosphorus ratio as created by Country Life until I learn otherwise. Just sharing….

In This Article & Issue

Gratitude
In this article, I state my Gratitude to all attendees and to those who were instrumental in making The Platinum Vocal Workshop a success.

In this newsletter issue, I share my personal tribute to Steve Jobs, as this is my Tribute To An Icon. Didn’t Steve Jobs invite the word Icon? Just kidding…

And in Health Tips
I share my recommendation to a book I read entitled Cleanse and Purify Thyself, and my experience with the Arise and Shine Cleanse, but first, Gratitude.

Gratitude
Again, allow me to thank all of you who attended The Platinum Vocal Workshop. Alexys Paris Voice Studio and Golden Bay Voice Studios have received much positive feedback from the survey of the event, which says it definitely was successful. However, as expected there is much room for improvement. And believe me, we will analyze the results of the survey to improve future events. If you have not yet taken the survey, you may still do so here: The Platinum Vocal Workshop Survey.

I intended to voice my Gratitude to those who were instrumental in making the workshop successful, but with so much occurring, I simply forgot. So here is a list of those who were key players in making the event a success: Kathy Kennedy and Katie Guthron of The Voice Studio, Tamika Chenin, Events Cooridnator for The African American Art and Culture Complex and the Complex’s staff, Mandolin Kadera-Redmond of Tuesday Tales, Tracy L. Reed of California Music Industry Summit, Larry Batiste of NARAS, Claytonven Richardson for donating his book entitled “The Professional Studio Vocalist” Naomi Bull and Larry Chew of KPOO Radio, Shelly Tatum, promoter of Shelly Tatum Presents, Ian Crombie of West Coast Songwriters, all the SLS Vocal Instructors who donated voice lessons and anyone else I may have missed.

Also…

I also must acknowledge and thank my partners Lorna Emata Goodwin and Claire Yarrington of Golden Bay Voice Studios. I thank DJ Twelvz for rocking the house. And of course I thank my friend Mr. RAab Stevenson who is an exceptional talent for Gracing us with his presence, his voice, and his knowledge of vocal styling.

From my Heart… Thank you! I hope you all did truly Enjoy…

Tribute To An Icon…

Celebrating Steve Jobs
Wow, it’s hard to imagine Steve Jobs is no longer with us in physical form, but then again, perhaps his greatest contribution to the world was his SPIRIT. A true Icon in every sense of the word, Steve Jobs literally transformed the world with so many of his and other’s inventions. Although a businessman, there was something artistic in everything he did. What a VISIONARY! I can say, I share at least two things in common with Steve Jobs. I love the MAC as he did, and we were both born under the zodiac as Pisceans. I will miss him.

I fell in love with Apple and Apple products almost from the company’s very start. It was the Macintosh that got me. I used to work in the accounting departments for corporations using PC’s and remembered, every time you had a question about how to use the computer, you had to consult the manual. It just didn’t seem right! It was 1989 when I got my first computer to do accounting for my bookkeeping clients under my startup company, AP Consulting. While the accounting world was 99% exclusively PC-DOS based, I bought a MAC! So you see, I’ve been a rebel for a long time! Me and Steve go way back! There were only about four accounting programs available for the MAC. But that made me no never mind; I was not spending my money on a PC with or without Windows! I bought and sold so many of them, I stopped counting. My friends would tell me I was Apple’s greatest salesman, and the reason they bought MAC. Steve, you owe me! I was so worried and concerned when Jobs was forced out of his own company and it appeared Apple would go the way of the dinosaur. Bill Gates and IBM must have been licking their chops, because truly Apple was on the ropes. Can you imagine a world without the Apple products we have today? Boring!

The demise of Apple was not to be. For the screen was set for the reemergence of Steve “The Visionary” Jobs to stage his comeback and tell the world to Think Different. No wonder some astrologers refer to Pisces as the comeback kid. Jobs to the rescue, and pulled Apple out, and all the way up over the top to be the second most valued company of today. Only Exxon Mobile has a greater value. Can you believe that! If you haven’t seen the footage of The Apple Company celebrating the life of Steve Jobs, where Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook speaks eloquently and recording artists Norma Jones and Cold Play give Heart-felt and Outstanding performances, here’s your chance: Celebrating Steve.

As a tribute to Steve Jobs, I’ve decided to buy an iPhone 4S and or an iPad and purchase the Steve Job’s biography via eBooks written by Walter Issacson and read it via my new iPhone or iPad… I know, I know, I would have done this anyway. But hey, now I have extra motivation, and I can always say Steve Jobs influenced me, and it wouldn’t all be untrue… Just my way of saying how much I admire Steve Jobs…

Cleanse And Purify Thyself
Did you know if you found a cure for cancer, its against federal law and against the law in 48 states in the U.S. to state that you have done so? Why would the federal and so many state governments pass laws so no one can say they’ve found a cure, even if they have? Doesn’t that seem over the top? It is stated that these laws are for the benefit of the medical establishment and the reason they are still on the books to this day. I didn’t know about this until I read Cleanse and Purify Thyself. Reportedly, there are many procedures that cure cancer, but most of them are barred from practicing in America, as to why so many people in the know who can afford it, go elsewhere for alternative treatments. You have to go out of the country to avail yourself of these alternative treatments because the truth of the matter is, they are not allowed to practice here in the United States. People who are raw foodhist know this and that those practicing holistic treatments must keep a low profile or they will be shut down. They cannot advertise the benefits people are getting from their treatments, because they will be out of business. Reportedly, the establishment doesn’t want you to know about it. People go to a wheat grass clinic in some parts of the U.S. and do a cleanse, alternative treatments and wheat grass and their cancer go away, but the masses never hear of it.

This and other information is what I learned while reading Cleanse and Purify Thyself. It was the first book I read on the subject, but there are many others. The book tells a story about Dr. Koch who had found a cure for various forms of cancer and had a very high success rate in treating patients. But he was hauled into U.S. court to account for his “misdeeds.” During the trail doctors who also worked along side Dr. Koch and testified on his behalf were reportedly killed. After several attempts on Dr. Koch’s life, he won the case but left the U.S. and became the top physician in the Brazilian government but was reportedly poisoned to death. Yet, the huge cancer organizations (you know the ones) raise billions of dollars for a cure for cancer, but have they found a cure? Are they really looking? The book quotes Linus Pauling as saying “Everyone should know that the ‘war on cancer’ is largely a fraud, and that the National Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society are derelict in their duties to the people who support them.”

I read the book to learn how to cleanse and indeed I did, but I also learned so much more I didn’t bargain for, but changed my life and the way I view the world. I talk a lot about the raw food diet and I tell people about my journey to becoming a raw foodhist. The book, Cleanse and Purify Thyself and the cleanse itself, the Arise and Shine Cleanse have significance in my life. I needed to cleanse to remove toxic waste that does not leave the body unless it is expelled in some effective manner. One may think that bowel moments clear everything eaten from the body. The truth is, even for a person who is thin in size but eats a regular American diet, has undigested food particles that build up in the intestines and never leaves unless he cleanses it away and out of the body. This is significant because I believe the holistic practitioners are correct when they state it is the toxic fecal matter that causes disease. So one of the most important things a person can do for health is cleanse the body on at least an annual basis.

I will always be appreciative to Patricia Thigpen of Arise and Shine Cleanse Support (yes they have an on call Cleanse Support Staff) who I believe may well have saved my sister’s life. My sister had traveled to her in-law’s house for a holiday celebration and got seriously ill from the food she had eaten. She couldn’t hardly get out of bed. I was very concerned. I could tell, my sister needed help fast and she wasn’t getting it from her local doctors. I called Arise and Shine Cleanse Support and arranged for Patricia to speak to my sister. She told my sister to drink the broth made from organic vegetables and my sister recovered. I bought the books and the cleanse for my sister and her family. Thank you Patricia and Arise and Shine!

The meat, the dairy products, the deep fried foods, the wheat, the sweets… etc that don’t leave the body, builds up and cakes up the intestinal walls keeping any good nutrition from flowing through the tiny pores of the intestinal walls and into the blood stream so the body can receive proper nourishment and healing. I didn’t know how the entire body got its nutrition until I read Cleanse and Purify Thyself. That was amazing to me. So, even a person who has eaten poorly for some years and then decides to start eating healthy, won’t receive optimal benefit because the walls of the intestines are blocked via toxic fecal matter keeping any good nutrition from seeping through the intestinal walls and healing the heart, the kidneys, the brain… etc. But by cleansing, we reset the body so healing can occur. Cleanse and Purify Thyself.

In This Issue

The Platinum Vocal Workshop
Learn To Stylize Your Songs
Here comes The Platinum Vocal Workshop! Great News. Due to the late launch of this event, the early bird price will be in effect until the day of the workshop. Skype is now available at both San Jose and San Francisco locations. Lorna and Alexys just spoke with RAab this morning and are ignited by his passion to pass on his knowledge. This encompasses everything from the audition process of shows like the X-Factor and The Voice to technique, performance to musicality. There will be Q&A opportunities throughout the class.

Remember, this is open to beginners to advanced singers. We will participate from our seats as well as observe RAab walk through the vocal styling process with volunteers on stage. There will be some vocal lesson give-a-ways from bay area teachers as well as other surprises. These three hours will fly by and won’t feel like a class. It’s more like a family reunion with the common bond of the love of singing. Be There

Also…

Health Tips

Find out about the wonders of E3Live and receive 10% off this and other skin care products from my friend and skin care specialist, Sylva!

Enjoy.