Viva La Voice!

Sound Bath at Salt Lake Expo!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:51:43 PST

Springhollow Chimes will be taking part in the New Consciousness Expo in Salt Lake City, Nov. 14th - adding a wonderful ambiance to the Expo as well as offering healing sound baths with the huge, gong-like Chimes. Neat!

Sound Medicine for Kidney Stones

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:58:20 PST

A piece from an interesting article by Dr. Bakhru on sound healing and toxicity:

Sound therapy or the use of Mantras also are based on the power of vibration. I have personally used tuning forks on painful knots of muscles to see the knot and the pain dissolve before my eyes. Sound healing is currently used in Medicine to disintegrate kidney stones. Ultrasound is used in diagnosis and physical therapy. Pulsed electromagnetic fields are currently used in Orthopedics to heal non uniting fractures. Now, I am not negating traditional medicine, rather I am trying to say that we need to open our minds to all the healing modalities that are available to us.

If you have a blood pressure of 160/100 you had better go on anti hypertensive medication unless you would like to invite a stroke or a heart attack. However, high blood pressure is not from a deficiency of anti hypertensive medication. However, it could be from a magnesium deficiency. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also provide the potassium that is needed to keep the BP down. The mind and personality again have a role to play. Dr. Hal Huggins says High blood pressure could be from heavy metal toxicity from the amalgams in your mouth. A serious allegation but one that has merit in my mind. I have read his books and his research and it needs to be taken seriously. Many cardiologists are now performing chelation therapy with EDTA for heavy metals. Why would that help if heavy metals were not there in the first place? So, they are there. Studies now show that heart disease possibly originates from the bacteria in your gums and Dr. Huggins says these bacteria multiply because the mercury overwhelms the bodies defences. It is now undisputed research that heart disease originates from the mouth. It is only a matter of time before the whole truth comes out. Again, traditional healing methods have a lot to offer here. Traditional methods of healing and detoxification will help to keep healthcare costs down and offer a better quality of life as well.
Dr.Bakhru is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Additionally, she was awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Physicians. She is listed in the millennium edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare.
http://www.thecenterforenergymedicine.com/

It's Raining Yellow Leaves!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:36:11 PST

Nothing more beautiful than looking into an azure sky framed by bright Fall branches, while yellow leaves rain down all around you....

Welcome Back Your Creative Presence!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:43:17 PST

We were born singing, moving to music and banging on pots and pans and still harbor that joyous, creative spirit inside ourselves, no matter what our age. No matter how busy your life is, that playful, childlike soul is just waiting for you to welcome it’s passionate presence back in to your life!

Read more in my latest Voicegram!

Busting Inertia!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:00:17 PST

This month’s Voicegram is all about inertia....how to get started again once you’ve hit a wall, encountered a challenge or are beginning a new venture. Sign up for my monthly Voicegram and I'll send you “How To Start A Locomotive”!

Human Voices are Powerful!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:35:53 PDT

Went to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsal last night....my head is still spinning from those ethereal voices! There's nothing more transcendent than the sound of human voices singing/sounding together! Powerful.

Feel Comfortable with Your Voice

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:19:49 PDT

“When you finally feel comfortable with your voice, you can stop obsessing about technique and just sing, as we were born to do.” - Beth Lawrence

Start Kids Early!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:59 PDT

Next time you hear a toddler using their voice, listen to the strength and clarity of the tone. To maintain this natural voice, start your child early with healthy vocal habits that will help to keep the voice free, open and relaxed - all attributes that will make singing a joyful experience at any age!

Poll: Can everyone sing???

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:59:54 PDT

I took posted a poll on Facebook, asking "Do you believe that Everyone can sing?" Here are the results:

100% believe that everyone can sing. 75% believe that NOT everyone can sing ON PITCH. And we all agree that not everyone is an artist.

Would you believe me when I tell you that I've found most pitch problems to be caused by improper breathing/support, and that all my clients improve in this area once they start supporting?!!! True!

Singing To Your Baby

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:36:22 PDT

One of the most cherished memories from my childhood is remembering my mom singing me to sleep. If you're a soon-to-be, new, or seasoned parent, don't overlook the importance of singing to your child, even before birth!

Even if you think you can't sing, your baby will not only recognize, but IDOLIZE your voice. There are no 'American Idol' judges when it comes to the sound of your voice. To your baby, it's sweet music. A lullaby will soothe and calm a sick or agitated baby; distract a willful child, and redirect a fussy behavior.

Try making up a simple melody that you sing to your baby, that will be his/her unique song. It will become a familiar part of your day, and nightly routine.

And parents! If you want a good nights sleep for your child, AND yourself, put on a lovely lullaby CD at bedside and your baby will have a tranquil and restful sleep.....and what could be better than that?

Monkeys Respond Emotionally To Their Own Music

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:32:38 PDT

This is an incredible Washington Post article, again demonstrating that music affects man and beast alike. It also brings into question our definition of 'music' - animals have their own form of this ancient communication that seems to elicit an emotional response unique to their species.....

http://tinyurl.com/y9fbbmb

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:59:59 PDT

According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, sound energy therapy operates on the premise that certain sound frequencies can heal the body by resonating with specific body organs.

The center's site says numerous studies suggest that music can affect blood pressure, help reduce pain and anxiety and affect mood.

We are meant to be a 'whole' organism. Not just a physical body, but an integrated being which operates with the cooperation of body, mind, AND spirit.

Change it! Drop it!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:26:38 PDT

"Change it! Drop it!

Imagine speaking with your body, instead of your throat - this produces a deeper more resonant tone!" BL
Read this and more tips and inspirational quotes in my most recent Viva La Voicegram!

Singing Is 90% Mental!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:53:03 PDT

In my opinion, singing is 90% mental! The real secret to having a great voice is to stop trying to control the voice (which causes tension and constriction) and just sing with your pure, innocent, natural voice. This unimpeded sound is effortless, powerful and filled with beautiful overtones.

ChimeWalk with Deeksha Blessing!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:29:04 PDT

To usher in the Fall Equinox Springhollow Chimes hosted a ChimeWalk with Deeksha Blessing in Salt Lake City. The garden setting was gorgeous - crickets singing, candles glowing, huge Chimes gonging, and Sylvia Nibley was our guest doing Deeksha Oneness Blessings for ChimeWalk participants during the evening. I love this photo of Natalie Mercado, one of the attendees - very cool.

Nyle Steiner Playing his EVI Invention

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:36:07 PDT

A bit too early for the 'holiday spirit' but here's a tiny video I took of genius Nyle Steiner in his mad scientist laboratory (as I call it!). He's playing the EVI that he invented, now marketed by Akai and played by musicians all over the world. Hear Nyle's latest CD.

Guy Babylon Tribute

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:20:32 PDT

Im so sad - I just heard that keyboardist/arranger Guy Babylon passed away at 52. Guy arranged two tunes on my very first CD 'When the Sky Is Red', and he was not only brilliant, but a kind and gentle soul who was a pleasure to work with. Right about the time i was finishing the CD he was hired to work with Elton John, and continued in that capacity til his death. Folks, be happy, do your art, live life full out! I'll remember Guy and his sweet spirit. I"m thankful that he'll live on in MY music; how lucky I am.

Voice for Life!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:18:56 PDT

Be kind to your voice; treat those vocal cords with care and you'll have a healthy, strong voice for life! Scream, yell and sing incorrectly and you'll have a raggedy, raspy, weak voice. People judge you on your vocal tone, so make a good impression!

Smooth Jazz Format?

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:51:35 PDT

Streaming the Wave, Smooth Jazz. They just played one of my favorites - 'September' by EWF. Is this what smooth jazz is now??? Oh, and followed by that REALLY smooth jazz tune 'I'm Easy' - Lionel Richie. Wow, really?!!! What a strange format.....

Belly Breathing!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:42:58 PDT

Did you know that if you habitually suck in your belly in order to look slim, you are actually interfering with your breathing mechanism? In order to breathe properly for singing and speaking, you have to soften the belly so that the diaphragm can descend naturally, allowing for a full breath that will support your tone! You can find more tips in my monthly Viva La Voicegram

Actors Need Healthy Voices too!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:44:10 PDT

Even film actors, who are heavily mic-ed, need to use their voices correctly. Isn't technology grand? Just did a phone consult/coaching session online with an actor shooting on the East Coast who was having problems with his voice.

Vocal Power!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:24:15 PDT

Did you know you can get more volume from your voice if you RELEASE the voice, rather than trying to 'push', which causes tension and potential vocal damage? It's all about going back to the basics - just letting your natural, unencumbered voice out without constricting and controlling it! Sounds scary? Not at all. This concept will change your voice forever, and singing will become effortless!

How To Make A Point, with Your Voice!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:17:32 PDT

If you ever want to make a point, DROP your voice instead of raising the pitch....your listener will get that 'whoa' look on their face! Never underestimate the power of your voice.

Veteran Songwriter Scores Barbra Streisand!

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:48:40 PDT

Here's a flash - DON'T EVER GIVE UP YOUR DREAMS!

My dear friend, Phyllis Molinary just got a cut on Barbra Streisand's new CD, with her classic song "Here's To Life". It was written with Artie Butler, who wrote lovely music, but it's really Phyllis' enduring lyric that makes the song.

Phyllis is a veteran songwriter who used to teach songwriting in L.A., and really knows her craft. Through the years she's written some great songs, gotten some cuts, and missed some big ones (welcome to the music business!). How thrilled I am that after all these years, she's scored A BIG ONE. You can't get much bigger than Streisand.

So, don't give up! Keep living your passion even when it's difficult, frustrating and sometimes unrewarding. I believe that the reward is knowing that you hung in there, did your best, and were true to your artistic vision. Okay, so that's idealistic, but as artists, what else do we have but Idealism and Optimism? Aren't those the hallmark of a creative visionary? As Phyllis' lyric aptly puts it

'No complaints and no regrets, I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets, but I have learned that all you give is what you get'.

If my friend, Ms. Molinary ever dreamed of icing on her lyricist cake, this is it. For all you artists out there waiting for your own double fudge frosting, I say ''Go for it! Live your dream! Here's to Life!'

Response from Eve Kodiak, Lydian Center

beth@vivalavoice.com (Beth Lawrence) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:24:35 PDT

I got a nice response from Eve Kodiak at the Lydian Center in Cambridge, MA regarding sound waves moving through CSF. Here it is:

Hello, Beth,
> You asked me to elaborate on the process of sound waves set up by
> tuning forks that move through the CSF. Basically, it's sympathetic
> vibration. As a musician, you know that you can sing a certain note and
> get the piano strings vibrating all by themselves, if the damper pedal
> is up. The very pure tones of the tuning forks set off sympathetic
> vibrations in the physical structure of the body itself, and the
> coherence and force of the wave pattern can kind of "smooth out"
> disorganized connective tissue.
> The effect is very relaxing. I personally use a set of tuning forks
> based on the Pythagorean tuning system. They are tuned to the circle of
> fifths, and I use them in pairs, one at each ear. I work completely
> through the hearing mechanism, I do not place tuning forks on the body.
> I purchased my forks through The School For Inner Sound, and took a
> training course with them. I use the forks primarily as an adjunct to
> my work as a Brain Gym Consultant and craniosacral therapist. I find
> that the forks enhance and integrate the other modalities very nicely.
> I hope that this answers your inquiry.
> be well!
> Eve Kodiak