• Mastery: Skillset or Mindset?

    Mastery: Skillset or Mindset? When it comes to Vocal Training, and the physical skills required for singing, the concept of mastery goes far beyond just getting better at something. When you truly master a skill, there are tangible results. Mastery helps you: foster a deep sense of fulfillment; enable personal growth; and learn resilience. These…

  • The Benefits of Learning New Rep – Part I

    One important focus area of the MaJoVTA Summer Term 2025 has been learning new repertoire. Said another way, new songs in new styles help you break out of vocal adaptations that may have become a part of your singing, whether you realize it or not. It’s been said that one definition of insanity is “Doing…

  • The Value of Goal Setting in Vocal Training

    Setting personal goals in Vocal Training is a powerful tool that drives personal and professional success. Whether striving for career advancement as a performer, personal growth, or improved well-being, setting clear and measurable goals provides direction, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment in your training regimen. Why Goal Setting Is Important Vocal Training goals serve…

  • The Benefits of Rest for Vocal Athletes

    In returning and rest shall ye be renewed; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. Is. 30:15 There is a reason we talk about singers as “Vocal Athletes.” This week, I want to write about something that often gets overlooked in the world of elite training—period rest. You know, as much as you…

  • Successful Performances: What You Get Back

    It’s week 15: We’re almost there — the end of the Spring 2025 Training Term. Any recital performance –but especially your first one– is a major life goal and significant personal milestone But it’s important to understand that it’s not just about the accomplishment itself – it’s about the emotional and psychological bonuses that come…

  • Singing: ‘Soul Food’ for the Psyche

    That’s right: singing is more than just a form of artistic expression; you feed both your cognitive and emotional self by singing! And that can significantly enhance your well-being. From improving mental health to boosting brain function, research tells us that singing is a powerful tool for all kinds of personal development. Singing enhances cognitive…

  • Fear + Action = Results – Part II

    Personal Growth Through Live Performance Mastering Stage Presence A singer’s technical prowess may be impressive, but it is their stage presence that often leaves the most lasting impression on an audience. Live performances offer the opportunity to cultivate this essential skill—everything from body language to eye contact to the way a musician moves and interacts…

  • Fear + Action = Results

    There’s a reason the MaJoVTA Tagline is: “Real. Solid. Vocal Training That Works … When You Do.” It’s because, as Mark Twain famously said: “Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.” Sure – live performance can be fear-inducing and stress-y. But it is the heartbeat of any singer’s journey.…

  • Ready – S.E.T. – Go! – Part III

    “To be successful in life, you must get in the habit of turning negatives into positives.” ― George Foreman, Knockout Entrepreneur If anyone ought to know that this is true, it was George Foreman. Although he passed away this weekend, he left behind a legacy that most certainly embodies the three qualities of stamina, endurance…

  • Ready – S.E.T. – Go! – Part II

    Last week, we focused on the “S.” and “E.” parts of S.E.T. This week, let’s look at the last one “T.” Mental Toughness Years ago when on tour with FLIPSIDE: The Patti Page Story we played two very different venues on back-to-back nights. The first was the Kravitz Center in West Palm. A 1750-seat venue…