More Info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/voicelabwithcourtneyswain/1409972 

Practical Tips for Singing Better:

A 3-session course focused on improving your relationship with your voice — hosted by Courtney Swain

This course is designed to help you deepen your relationship with your voice, providing both knowledge and practical exercises to enhance your vocal ability. Whether you're an experienced singer or just curious about learning more, this course welcomes participants of all skill levels.

Throughout my singing journey, I’ve noticed that while there are countless resources on scales and range, there’s a lack of practical advice on vocal health and maintenance. This course is my way of sharing what I’ve learned over the years so that you, too, can cultivate a deeper appreciation for your voice and the joy of vocalizing. Through a series of three 90-minute sessions, you’ll gain valuable insights and actionable tools to help you feel more confident and connected to your voice.

About Me

My name is Courtney Swain, and I'm a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, improviser, and teacher based outside of Providence, RI. I'm really passionate about singing, and I love helping people feel more confident and joyful about their voice.

A big part of my development as a singer has been driven by my touring career; singing six nights a week on low sleep, traveling for hours every day, and trying to figure out how to keep a healthy voice. This past summer I was on the road with my band Bent Knee, and I found myself enjoying the act of singing more than ever. My voice felt so strong, and it was so rewarding to find I could count on my voice night after night, after many past tours where I would lose my voice until it was just a sad little croak. The whole experience made me want to share the insights and tools I've gained over the years with anyone out there who wants to learn how to improve their relationship with their voice. 

What to Expect

• Three 90-minute sessions: Each session will focus on different topics related to vocal health, technique, and expression.

• A balanced mix of learning styles: Expect guided stretches and exercises, practical demonstrations, detailed lectures with slides, and plenty of time for Q&A.

• Session recordings: Recordings will be available for a limited time after each session, so you can revisit the material at your own pace.

• Personal growth: Take notes and engage in the exercises to maximize your learning and strengthen your bond with your voice.

Session Overview

Session 1: Physical Release and Reducing Effort
November 10th, 2024 @ 12pm EST (UTC-5:00)
In this session, we’ll focus on releasing physical tension and learning how to manage effort while singing. You’ll discover practical techniques for reducing strain and making your vocal practice more efficient. We’ll also cover strategies for consistent, intentional practice that will help you grow without overworking your voice.

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for reducing physical tension

• How to manage effort and avoid vocal fatigue

• Effective ways to practice and improve your voice over time

Session 2: Extending Your Voice, Confidence, and Vocal Tools
November 17th, 2024 @ 12pm EST (UTC-5:00)
This session dives into vocal warm-ups, resonance, and the tools you’ve likely heard about—like throat coat tea and lozenges—and what really works from my perspective. We’ll explore exercises that extend your range and help you unlock richer overtones, as well as ideas to incorporate into your practice in order to develop confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• My go-to vocal warm-ups for range and tone

• How to build confidence as a singer

• An honest breakdown of vocal tools: what helps and what’s just hype

Session 3: Singing with a Microphone
November 24th, 2024 @ 12pm EST (UTC-5:00)
In this final session, we’ll examine how we approach live performance and studio recording as singers. I’ll share my insights on using monitoring systems for live performances, how to incorporate effects pedals into your vocal practice, and tips for capturing your best in the studio.

Key Takeaways:

• Live performance tips: monitoring and staying connected to your voice

• Introducing effects pedals to expand your sound and improve your skills

• Strategies to bring out the best in your voice when recording