Backstage at The American Music Awards

by Lis Lewis Sunday November 21, 2010 It’s Sunday morning at 10 AM and I’m hanging around in my pajamas. It’s my day off. The phone rings and it’s Thomas, Rihanna’s tour manager. Do I have time to work with Rihanna today, he asks? Well I guess so, what time? Can you be here at… read more »

Fear Of Scales

Dear Lis, I hate doing scales. Why can’t I just sing songs? Alec Dear Lis, Exercises don’t do me any good. I want improve my range and strength singing songs not exercises. Justin Dear Lis, Every teacher I go to wants me to do those ‘la-la-las’. What’s the point? Rebecca Dear Alec, Justin, Rebecca and… read more »

Building Bridges

Dear Lis, My registers don’t connect very well. There’s a big break when I pop over from one to the other. What can I do to smooth out the connection between the two. Greg Dear Greg, Here is an exercise called the waterfall.

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Starting in your upper register, called head voice, sing the… read more »

The Right Key

Dear Lis, How do I choose the right key for my voice? Annette Dear Annette, Adjust the key so that the melody fits your voice perfectly – there shouldn’t be any notes that are too high or too low. Experiment with different keys to explore the ways you use your voice: how does moving the… read more »

Pitch Perfect

Dear Lis, I want to work on my pitch but it’s hard to do by myself since I’m not sure when I’m in tune. George Dear George, There is a wonderful, inexpensive program called ”Vocal Lab“ www.rustykat.com. Unfortunately it’s only made for the Mac. (If you find a good program for the PC please let… read more »