Dileesa Hunter
 
Being a professional singer is much like having a traditional job.  If you're expected to be at work at a specified job, then, that's the time people expect to see your face.  While you're at work, you are expected what your job requires of you.  Then, once the day has ended, there's a time where you're expected to clock out and leave.

Well, as a professional singer taking vocal lessons, recording, having a photo shoot, etc.....It's the same idea.  In the professional singing world, most of this stuff costs money.  So, time is utterly important.  If you pay for two hours of time, that's what you'll get.  The person you're working with has organized their schedule just for you.  If you try and get more time without paying, you are no longer viewed as a professional singer.  

Word of mouth travels fast, and the industry isn't as small as we think it is.  So, you will be known as the professional singer that wants to get more than what they pay for.  Who wants to be known as a professional con artist?  Good luck on that if you want gigs or a career.....

So, if you agree on a start time and end time, do what's expected.  This is your career.  If you don't take it seriously, no one else will.  

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Typically, you’re at your vocal in your late 20’s or during your 30’s.  Your chance of getting to this point is increased with vocal lessons.  I saw an award show last night where one act should have been a prime example of this, but it was clear that wasn’t the case.  Many of you want to be on stage constantly in front of your fans until you’re old and gray.  That’s definitely possible, but you’ve got to take the proper steps.  Barbara Streisand, Patti Labelle, and others are still doing what they love because they have vocal coaches helping to keep their voice in tip top shape.  At this point, I urge you to make a decision about your vocal career.  Where has it been?  Where is it now?  Where do you want it to go?  If you’re serious about singing, stop making excuses and get vocal lessons.  They’re affordable and necessary.  Remember, this is your life.  You are responsible for your success.  Since this is supposed to be your passion, go all out.  Do everything in your power to be at your vocal best to get the vocal results you desire!


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The Essence Music Festival is just days away.  My itinerary is finalized.  I’m packing bags.  Now, I just wait until the day I leave for the festivities.  Can you tell I’m excited?  I can’t wait to share pictures, stories, and video with you.  This is sure to be a great time for us.  So really quickly....I’m in the South with this brutal, summertime heat.  My tip for you is to drink plenty of water.  Please stay hydrated.  If you don’t, you can risk permanently damaging your vocal chords.  So, when you wake up in the morning, drink you some room temperature water.  Throughout the day, especially if you’re going to be in the sun, drink plenty of water and liquid.  Stay healthy & keep that gift in tact!  


Download your singing product at http://www.dileesahunter.com/products.html      
 
 
 
This camp definitely took me back to my school days in middle and high school.  Students weren’t so happy when the activities weren’t taught by Ms. Dileesa.  As a child, none of us really like change.  We don’t adapt well at all.  Some of the students had crushes on the other students.  I forgot that the news of a crush is equivalent to announcing the next president....LOL.  Some students don’t understand the magnitude of their beautiful voices.  I mean some of the students, their voice blew me away.  Then, there were students that were divas.  Then, there were students who thought their voice was on a level, but in actuality, it wasn’t.  I can’t wait until next year’s camp.  The first year was a success.  I learned so much and got an opportunity to touch lives.  

Download your singing product at http://www.dileesahunter.com/products.html       
 
 
The identification of pitch accuracy while singing or playing music is intonation.  Pitch can either be flat, sharp, or both, simultaneously.  If your vowels aren't formed correctly, the result is definitely bad intonation.  So, practicing the vowels, ah eh ee oh oo, will help you to significantly improve your intonation.  Get in front of your mirror, which as a singer, should be a close friend.  Practice.  Your mouth should change a little when singing the various vowels.  Singing in tune and on the right pitch is detrimental to the singer and musician.  If your performance is going well and you've taken your audience to a place, that bad note is equivalent to getting into a  sudden car accident.  That's not to say that bad notes won't happen, but practice can minimize them.  So, that's my quick tip on intonation and how to improve.  Continue to get better daily!  I believe in you!   Remember the Young Stars Performing Arts Camp begins this summer.  Sign up at http://www.dileesahunter.com/summer-camp.html 


Download your singing product at http://www.dileesahunter.com/products.html 
 
 
Here's a great example of tempo change.  It's almost as if you're listening to a different song, but it makes perfect sense & was done magnificently!  Tempo changes done right are superb!    Remember the Young Stars Performing Arts Camp begins this summer.  Sign up at http://www.dileesahunter.com/summer-camp.html 


Download your singing product at http://www.dileesahunter.com/products.html 
 
 
Collaboration is key to the success of any industry.  No one makes it alone.  So, I wanted to give you this little gym.  Network with other vocalists & musicians.  They can add something different to your set, track, song, etc.  For instance, an R&B singer could very well get some acoustic set.  All he or she has to do is network with some other acoustic musicians.  That skillful guitarist can turn that soulful track into an acoustic story right on stage.  Now, you've broadened your audience with just that simple tweak or experiment.  A country singer could very well link up with a pop or urban producer and do a remix version of an original track.  So many examples I could....The point is to work with each other & GROW!  Remember the Young Stars Performing Arts Camp begins this summer.  Sign up at http://www.dileesahunter.com/summer-camp.html 


Download your singing product at http://www.dileesahunter.com/products.html 
 
 
Dynamics can do wonders for a song.  Today, we’ll specifically focus on what it means to crescendo.  It’s a gradual increase in the volume or intensity of a sound.  It helps to phrase the lines.  It’s good to utilize during long notes.  Specifically, if a note last longer than 2 beats.  Reason being is because long notes that are the same get boring.  Grant it, it’s beautiful when a singer can hold a note, but one long note at the same level, not so beautiful.  So, here’s another technique for your vocal arsenal!       

Download your singing product at http://www.dileesahunter.com/products.html      
 
 
 
This week I wanted to focus on health issues that can affect the voice and ways to get rid of them.  Let me explain that I'm not a physician or anything close to that.  I'm a vocalist who deals with life just as we all do.  Unfortunately, life brings about sickness sometimes.  One of these annoying problems is sinusitis, or sinus infection.  This is an inflammation during a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.  Now, the sinuses are air pockets in the skulled lined with mucus membranes.  Healthy sinuses naturally drain mucus, and air flows through freely.  Sometimes, the mucus builds up and blocks the airways.  This build up is a great environment for easy bacterial build up, along with germs.  The build up usually results in infection, which can come from several things.  

  • small sinus hairs not functioning properly
  • colds and allergies
  • nasal septum, bone spur, or polyps 

Sinusitis doesn't have to kill you.  So, be sure to get it treated.  Some home tricks include putting a moist, warm cloth to your face several times, daily.  Also, drinking a lot fluid will cause the mucus to get thinner.  Inhaling steam 3-4 times daily and spraying with nasal saline will also do the trick.  Using a humidifier and Neti pot are also other ways to flush that mucus.  So, you all have heard people sing before with this problem.  It limits the flexibility and sound of your voice.  So, maintain that healthy voice by learning more and more each day!  
Book your lessons at http://www.dileesahunter.com/voice-lessons.html   
 
 
This time of year when the weather is deciding how quickly or slowly it wants to change cause the body to react in the most annoying way. Allergies are exaggerated immune responses to things that are typically not harmful. Genes and the environment play a big part in whether they will flare up or not. How do they affect the voice? In many ways, some examples are losing the voice, causing the chest and throat to get tighter which prevents proper breathing, hoarseness, etc. Congestion can negatively affect resonance. I could go on and on. So, as a singer, it’s highly important to treat your allergies to protect your voice. If they are severe, I recommend visiting a physician who can help diagnose and treat your allergies. You can certainly treat them yourself. Visit your local pharmacy, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, to name a few. Benadryl is very common, but it can cause you to be sleepy and out of it. I’d recommend speaking with one of the pharmacy technicians. They can recommend a product for you. Also, drink plenty of water and tea. A humidifier in your room when you sleep, if they bother you at night, will help you breathe. I definitely hope this helps. Protect your voice and treat those allergies as soon as you can.

Book your lessons at http://www.dileesahunter.com/voice-lessons.html  
 

Dileesa Hunter