KEEP GOING! One of my all-time favorite scenes in the series NCIS is when the character Gibbs confronts a younger, less experienced member of his team about the team member’s lack of commitment to the mission. The young agent responds: “Sorry, Gibbs, I’ve been going through hell.” Gibbs turns and stares down the young agent.…

Mastery: Mindset or Skillset Part II It’s All About You Before reading this new blog post, please re-read Mastery: Mindset or Skillset? That blog post was published back on September 25th of 2025. Now … on to the future! Here are some additional thoughts on why Mastery Matters, and how it is so very different…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…