TOOLS
“The Voice Straw is a vocal training tool for singers, actors, and speakers that helps relieve tension, strain, breathiness, cracking, and flipping in the voice. The Voice Straw is scientifically shown to improve technique for singers, voiceover actors, and anyone who relies on voice projection as part of their work. It’s a must-have tool for anyone looking to improve their sound and strengthen their voice!”
-thevoicestraw.com
Why I love it…
Having been using and teaching with straws for over seven years I found this pack a game-changer. In particular, the cups help singers to make the transition from straw work to singing songs efficient and effective. You can literally sing vowels while still supporting the muscular coordination you’ve found on the straw!
Available here.
Use coupon code ‘MELTOY10’ for 10% off.
OR! contact me to express your interest and when we have enough people interested I will do a bulk purchase so we can all save on shipping!
Books
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”
- Elizabeth Gilbert
why I love it…
Wow, this book touched me on so many levels and had a huge impact on how I perceive my creative life. Big Magic is a constant reminder of why we do what we do, why it can be challenging, and why its importance is not all that important - and yet why it is. This book challenges and stimulates the creative artist within you, offering thought-provoking stories, expressions and ideas that I found immensely inspiring.
Throughout Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert shares her own experiences which serve as a guide to creative living - or at least a challenge to the way you are currently living your creative life. The writing style is conversational and approachable with a good dose of humour thrown in. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
Available from A Great Read here.
Available from Amazon here.
Also available as an Audiobook.
why i love it…
Dr. Dianna Kenny is one of the worlds most recognised researchers in the field of Music Performance Anxiety. It’s difficult to conduct any research on the topic without coming into mention of her work (and most probably this book!) during your literature search. And it’s easy to see why.
Whilst more ‘sciency’ than the other books listed on this page, this book is written with a clear and approachable style. It is a wealth of knowledge on the topic of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) and a wonderful starting point for any teachers, singers, or researchers looking to better understand MPA. Throughout this work Dr Kenny considers MPA from the perspective of the performer (instrumental and vocal), exploring its impact on their quality of life, and performance experience’s (or lack thereof). She also covers aspects relating to treatment, prevention and pedagogy.
I read this book at the very beginning of my journey into performance anxiety and continue to return to it time and again for more wisdom and guidance. I love that Dr Kenny has made this information so openly available to those seeking to better understand this complex condition.
Available from Blackwells here.
Available from Amazon here.
“Music performance anxiety at it’s most extreme might constitute a disorder of the self.
- Kenny, 2011
“Perfectionism is the belief that if we love perfect, look perfect and act perfect we can minimise or avoid the pain of blame judgement, and shame. Perfectionism is a sheild.”
- Brené Brown
why i love it…
Let’s be honest… I could have picked pretty much any of Brené Brown’s books and put it here. Dr Brené Brown is a shame researcher who has turned her hand to sharing her work through a number of books that explore the various aspects of shame we experience in our lives, it’s impact on our wellbeing, as well as how we can understand and recognise our shame experiences - and better yet, “show up” even when they are happening.
I chose to highlight The Gifts of Imperfection because perfectionism is a construct that plagues the creative industries. It is also one of the barriers that reoccurs time and again within the studio. Through a combination of personal stories and a decade of research, Brené encourages readers to embrace their imperfections in order to encourage a sense of worthiness and acceptance. This is something that we as creative artists must do if we wish to move beyond the confines of so-called ‘perfectionism’ and onto the wealth and fulfilment of imperfect (but possibly more productive!) living.
Available from Blackwells here.
Available from Amazon here.
Also available as an Audiobook.
Podcasts
“a space to discuss pressing issues; explore possible strategies; and provide sources of support for your journey.”
- thephdliferaft.com
why I love it…
The PhD Life Raft podcast offers a supportive channel for anyone currently undergoing a PhD. Hosted by London based supervisor, examiner and lecturer Dr Emma Brodzinski; the topics range from anxiety to time management, imposters syndrome, and work/life balance. It is an excellent resource for any PhD students looking for a community who understand and share in their experiences.
Details on the website here.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
why i love it…
We are lucky to live in a time where vocal health information is so readily available. Thanks to organisations such as Vocal Health Education; singers, teachers, and supportive organisations can now access the most up-to-date findings at vocal science and philosophy with the click of a button. The thinking voice podcast considers the singers experience from a multitude of perspectives - psychological, physical, existential, and anatomic. An entertaining and thought provoking series of conversations.
Details on the website here.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
“The Thinking Voice podcast by Dr Jenevora Williams, Robert Sussuma and Stephen King is all about exploring the human voice through open conversation.”
- vocalhealth.co.uk