What is mastery?

Mastery is the ability to reproduce the same or similar result EVERY time.  Look at anyone who has achieved incredible success in their chosen field … behind that you will find mastery of their craft or art form.  Another common trait of these people is an unswerving desire of constant and never-ending improvement.

If you speak to a singer who sings well (even though most singers don’t think that they sing well) and they have had a particularly good recording session or performance and you ask them “How do you know you have sung well?”, you will get an answer very similar to this: “It felt right”.  What they are talking about is not necessarily the audience or the sound (although those things do have an influence) they will say that physically, it felt right to them. This is what VOCAL MASTERY is all about. It’s about knowing your voice and knowing it to the point that you can be empowered with it so that you will be able to make further discoveries and greater improvements.

This program is set out in three stages, these being Function, Application and Performance.

• Stage 1 is about the FUNCTION of the voice.  Here, we will establish things like vocal exercises, warming up, vocal health, assessing your voice and so on.
• Stage 2 is about APPLICATION. Simply put, this is where you will apply what you have learned in your exercises into a song, also using a song as an exercise.
• Stage 3 is where we move into PERFORMANCE. We will cover many aspects of performance such as how to select material, how to prepare for performances, recordings, auditions and so on.

Furthermore, in VOCAL MASTERY you will learn to use a definite cycle of singing, represented by the acronym "BASS":

The cycle repeats itself throughout the act of singing and is essential to VOCAL MASTERY. In essence, BASS reminds us that we must go through the process of taking a breath in, having animation in the voice, singing, stopping singing (or speaking), either releasing the breath or refilling to start again.   

In VOCAL MASTERY, there are 2 categories a singer falls into when learning to sing effectively. These are:

1. Too MUCH vocal chord closure - Simply put, having too much vocal chord closure means that you are experiencing a feeling of getting tighter as you sing higher into your voice. A specific set of exercises are prescribed for these people.
2. Too LITTLE vocal chord closure - Having too little vocal chord closure simply means the opposite, i.e. your voice is very breathy and weak. A different specific set of exercises are also prescribed for you.

Despite the differences in categories, VOCAL MASTERY is applicable to all voices. The practical and simple exercises you will receive in the book and on audio CD (or PDF and mp3 if downloaded digitally) will see you make discoveries with your voice that will give you results.  

We look forward to working with you while you are on your journey to "Giving Yourself the Gift of Discovering Your Voice".

 

Leigh McRae gives singers the techniques and skills they need to achieve their dreams.

From London to Singapore, Munich to Sydney, Leigh McRae is one of the most sought after voice teachers working today. Whatever stage you are at in your career, Leigh’s individual approach to teaching will help you achieve your goals.

“Whether you want to sing at your wedding or win a Grammy, every student is different and has different needs. So, it is important to me to ensure that each lesson I give is tailored to meet the individual needs of the student I am teaching. That way we can work together to ensure they get to where they want to be.”

With a background in performing, Leigh understands the demands placed on the modern singer. So as well as training the voice he also helps students develop an understanding and respect for what it means to be a performer, preparing them for careers in many different aspects of the music industry.

Throughout his career, Leigh has worked with artists such as Human Nature, Damien Leith (Australian Idol Winner) Delta Goodrem, Marcia Hines, Kaylan (Disco Montego), Melinda Schneider, Casey Donovan (Australian Idol Winner) Sophie Monk, Denni Hines, Tammin Sursok, Nathan Foley, Toni Pearen and as well as lecturing at WAPPA, Macquarie University and the Hillsong conference.

He has also worked closely with labels including Sony Music, Engine Room Records and Warners and has trained theatrical performers in; Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Sweet Charity, Miss Saigon and the Australian production of Rent.

Whatever your goals, whatever your experience, Leigh McRae and Vocal Mastery gives you the techniques and skills you need to achieve your dreams.