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        News
        the-elite-singer-of-the-21st-century-innovation-and-new-tools-for-training

        The Elite Singer Of The 21st Century: Innovation And New Tools For Training

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        MusiCares
        Jun 21, 2017 - 8:20 am
        By Dr. Veera Asher

        Life has evolved to the point where digital downloads and updates are a daily essential if we want to be faster and more productive. Science is advancing the ways we eat, exercise and socialize so that we can be stronger and live longer. Why is it then, with so much progress, the way we train singers has come to a standstill?

        In a nutshell, the vocal mechanism is similar to outer space. There is so much we know about it and so much more that still remains a mystery. Now, in the 21st century, there is a need for experts from different disciplines to work together in order to create innovative practices and procedures for the elite singer of today.

        For example, laryngeal surgeon Dr. Steven Zeitels, who lectured at the 2012 Future Now Grammy event in Los Angeles, is continuing cutting edge research with the support of some legendary singers. Dr. Zeitels explains why analyzing a high performance singer, like Steven Tyler, is analogous to working with a high performance or Olympic level athlete; and how it helps us better understand, “what happens in the midst of a high performance concert.” Watch National Geographic’s excerpt from “Incredible Human Machine” (featuring Steven Tyler and Dr. S. Zeitels).

        Singing is an athletic event because it involves entire body systems (i.e. neuromusculoskeletal). With millions of dollars spent every year in sports science research, it only seems fitting that we should also be able to identify and use valuable information that is specific to voice performance. If singers are like athletes, then the question is: as singers, how can we use information gained from cutting edge interdisciplinary research to advance our training?

        The vocal folds are so tiny they are essentially the size of your thumbnail (“Incredible Human Machine”). So, how can you train that small entity to be the powerhouse and power source for voice performance? In short, you can’t! Instead of focusing on the little vocal folds to train the big muscles related to singing, we can now train the big muscles with specific neuromuscular recruitment patterns (i.e. muscle contraction sequences) to target and improve performance of muscles like the transversus abdominis for improved voice performance as well.

        Historically, singers have been afraid to ‘push the boundaries’ of singing, because of fear of injury. When the pressure is on, some singers resort to audio/computer technology to support them for improved power and/or quality of sound. However, through the use of new tools based on scientific evidence that focus on increasing voice-core strength and conditioning, singers can be more powerful and have greater stamina, without being fearful of overuse injury.

        As a sports-specific strength and conditioning Pilates2Voice® practitioner, I regularly collaborate and confer with laryngologists, vocal coaches and other music industry professionals, while also staying current with sports science research, certifications and continuing education from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA).

        I often ask myself after years of study, practice and developing the Pilates2Voice® technique: what is the benefit to having music, science and sports related degrees or certifications, and professional performance experience?

        It doesn’t take a Doctorate degree to teach or train singers and athletes, but it does take an advanced education to understand complex theories, and to figure out how to “KEEP IT SIMPLE.”

         

        The Practice and Regimen: Simple Steps

        Singers should have similar regimens for strength and conditioning like that of a high performance athlete. Exercises performed for improving athletic performance of the voice and the core simultaneously should be customized so that one can monitor (target goals) and measure (repetitions). Workouts should be progressed by increasing resistance and/or repetitions to create a training regimen similar to those of elite athletes. Initial training should involve diagnostic and instructional sessions and continue with feedback and facilitation from the practitioner/coach, until the final stage where the client becomes independent.

         

        “All body shapes and sizes can have expert level Core Strength.”

         

        The artist PINK took singing to a whole new level with her aerial-singing performances. I am grateful for her vision, because it led to my discovery of the extent I could train singers. As a soprano and performing artist myself, I’ve enjoyed exploring the new discipline of aerial-singing (harness & wire). Extreme singing is not for everyone, but it’s empowering to know what it takes to do it! You don’t have to aspire to become an aerial-singer to benefit from the new cutting edge strength and conditioning techniques. However, you do have to commit to something with an Olympic level of discipline in order to fully realize its potential.

         

        Pilates2Voice®: A Summary of Benefits

        • Improved vocal power and stamina

        • Improved breath management and breath control

        • Improved posture and performance body

        • Increased vocal range - both lower and higher

        • Improved core stability and balance

        • Improved core strength and conditioning

        • Improved confidence and reduced performance anxiety

        • Improved overall athletic performance of the voice-core connection™ & prevention of overuse injury

        *All diagnostic and instructional sessions must be performed and facilitated by a Pilates2Voice® Practitioner

         

        Performance Tips based on Pilates2Voice® Principles:

        • Try this Tip for posture and performance body: Don’t roll to the outside of your feet, but rather grab the floor gently with your toes while you are singing.
        • Find out why you shouldn’t chew gum at least 48 hours before a performance.
        • Learn why physical warm-ups utilizing energized breathing should be used before a vocal warm up.
        • Learn strategies for better concentration, like keeping your eyes open and focused, especially when learning new songs.
        • Find out why you shouldn’t push the belly out when you initially breathe in or when you sing (i.e.exhale).
        • Learn why traditional Pilates is not recommended for improving voice performance.
        • Discover why maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle with good nutrition and physical rest needs to be part of your regimen.

        Whether your aspiration is to be on the world stage or to just sing better in the shower, continue training as an ELITE SINGER by learning Pilates2Voice® exercises like The Dorothy™, Bubble-Nose-to-Mouth-Breath-IN™, and Anchor the Armor™.

        Join Dr. Veera Asher on April 16th for a MusiCares World Voice Day Event at The Recording Academy in Los Angeles.

         

        Dr. Veera Asher is the creator of Pilates2Voice®. She is currently working with clients to enhance voice performance, athletic performance, create new aerial-singers, and reeducate for prevention of overuse injury. She works in collaboration with medical professionals. Dr. Asher is a Provider for MusiCares.

        Please visit www.pilates2voice.com for more information and testimonials.

        © 2013 Dr. Veera Asher

        News
        performers-added-to-carole-king-musicares-tribute

        Performers Added To Carole King MusiCares Tribute

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        MusiCares
        Jun 21, 2017 - 8:20 am

        Multi-GRAMMY-winning artists Jakob Dylan, Amy Grant, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Nettles, Pink, and will.i.am; multi-GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Gloria Estefan; multi-Latin GRAMMY-winning artists Jesse & Joy; GRAMMY-winning artists Miguel and Train; Merry Clayton, GRAMMY winner Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, and Darlene Love, who were featured in the documentary 20 Feet From Stardom; and current GRAMMY nominee Sara Bareilles, Louise Goffin, Martina McBride, and Leah McFall have been added as performers for the 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Carole King on Jan. 24, 2014. The multi-GRAMMY-winning King will also perform. Television personality Jimmy Kimmel will be the evening's host. 

        Previously announced peformers are Lady Gaga, Jason Mraz, James Taylor, and Steven Tyler.

        King is being honored as the 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary creative accomplishments as well as her significant charitable work, which has included a range of philanthropic activities over the years. In addition to her continuously evolving musical career, King is actively involved with environmental organizations in support of forest ecosystem protection as well as a range of political causes.

        The gala will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction, sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation, that will offer an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences, and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS Studio. Acura MDX is the MusiCares "Vehicle of the Year." During the gala dinner, a live auction will feature an exciting array of items, including a customized Acura MDX. This year's red-carpet press arrivals area will be sponsored by Degree, the publishing sponsor will be Disney Interactive, and the honoree tribute video will be sponsored by Rhapsody International. 

        Proceeds from the 24th annual benefit gala dinner and concert will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

        The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. The celebration culminates with the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT. For updates and breaking news, visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook. 

        News
        pennyroyal-studio-creates-tony-alva-pendant-to-benefit-musicares-map-fund

        Pennyroyal Studio Creates Tony Alva Pendant To Benefit MusiCares MAP Fund

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        MusiCares
        Jun 21, 2017 - 8:20 am

        Los Angeles-based jewelry design company Pennyroyal Studio and skateboard pioneer Tony Alva announce the release of a design collaboration benefiting the MusiCares MAP Fund. The handcrafted sterling silver pendant is modeled after the original 1977 Alva Skates skateboard deck.  The pendant includes an adjustable cotton cord and is available to purchase for a limited time exclusively online. Pennyroyal's many charitable design collaborations have raised over $230,000 since 2009.

        Dolly Parton

        Dolly Parton

        Photo:  Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

        News
        Superstars Honor Dolly Parton For MusiCares 7-things-we-learned-about-dolly-parton-musicares-person-year-celebration

        7 Things We Learned About Dolly Parton at MusiCares Person Of The Year Celebration

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        We have 7 things we learned about Parton and some of the superstar artists that covered her hits at last night's MusiCares event.
        Jennifer Velez
        MusiCares
        Feb 9, 2019 - 4:10 pm

        Last night Miley Cyrus, Pink, Leon Bridges, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes, and Yolanda Adams were among the artists who gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center to pay tribute to the only person that could bring together such a diverse caliber of stars: Dolly Parton.

        Watch: MusiCares Dolly Parton Tribute Red Carpet

        The country music queen is 2019's MusiCares Person Of The Year, and the star-studded event included performances of her hits and an auction to raise money for MusiCares. Although the exclusive event was not broadcasted, we have seven fun facts we learned about Parton and the artists that paid tribute to her, besides the fact that there's only one Dolly!

        1. Dolly Is The First Country Music Star To Be Honored As MusiCares Person Of The Year

        MusiCares has honored the likes of Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin and Bruce Springsteen, but Parton, who says she has written roughly 3,000 songs throughout her career, is the first country star to be honored with the award. "I truly am honored to be the MusiCares Person Of The Year and the first country artist to be honored," she said. "I can truly feel the love in this house tonight ... it's a long long way from hills of East Tennessee to the Hollywood Hills, but it has been a wonderful journey."

        Dolly Parton's Person Of The Year Acceptance

        2. Little Big Town Loves Dolly

        GRAMMY-winners Little Big Town played hosts last night, but that didn't stop them from sharing just how much they love the queen of country. Band member Philip Sweet shared that he dressed up as Parton one Halloween as a kid, blonde wig and all. "I mean, I look fabulous," he said as the image was shared on screen. "Wait a minute, ya'll, I named my baby after Dolly Parton," Kimberly Schlapman, said right after. While it's clear LBT loves Dolly, Schlapman might take the cake with that one.

        3. Kacey Musgraves And Katy Perry Killed Their Dolly-Inspired Costumes
         

        katy perry and kacey musgraves

        Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves at 2019 MusiCares Person Of The Year Honoring Dolly Parton
        Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

        Kacey Musgraves and Katy Perry reunited on stage to perform Parton's hit "Here You Come Again," and while their cover was a fabulous rendition, their outfits alone are shout-out worthy. Perry rocked a lavender fringe outfit with a cowboy hat and cape, while Musgraves had major Parton vibes going on with big hair and sparkley hoops. 

        4. Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks Did A Super Cute Duet

        Ok, we know Yearwood and Brooks are adorable together, but their romantic cover of "Old Flames (Can't Hold A Candle To You)" had the whole crowd in their feelings, including Pink, who felt so moved she let her fans on Instagram in on it. "That man could teach every other man alive how to love a woman. I’ve never seen anyone look at each other the way these two do," she posted. 

        Related Article: Dolly Parton Primer: 10 Must-Hear Songs By The Queen Of Country

        5. Parton's Production Company Has Produced Major Shows

        Parton owns several businesses, including her theme park Dollywood, and you may know that she owns a production company named Sandollar Productions. But did you know her production company produced Buffy The Vampire Slayer starring Sarah Michelle Gellar? It's just one of the hit pop culture shows we can thank her for. 

        6. Everyone Rocked Their Rendition Of Dolly's Hits
         

        Mavis Staples, Leon Bridges, Jon Batiste

        Mavis Staples, Leon Bridges, Jon Batiste perform at the 2019 MusiCares Person Of The Year honoring Dolly Parton
        Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

        From Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson and Shawn Mendes' performance of "Islands In The Stream" and Mavis Staples, Leon Bridges and Jon Batiste's take on "Not Enough" to Pink's version of "Jolene" and Yolanda Adam's take on "I Will Always Love You," all the tribute performances were Dolly-worthy. Another special moment included a reunion between Linda Rondstadt, who has been living with Parkinson's disease, Emmylou Harris and Parton, who collabed on songs like "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," which was covered by Jennifer Nettles, Margo Price and Cam. 

        7. Dolly's Got Heart

        Parton was being honored not only for her remarkable artistic contributions, but for her generous philanthropic work as well. Parton has supported a host of causes, including the fine work MusiCares does to support music people in times of need. You can make a donation in the name of Parton with MusiCare's Facebook fundraiser. Click the post above for more info.

        2019 GRAMMYs Viewer's Guide: Where To Watch Music’s Biggest Night

         

         

        Little Big Town

        Little Big Town

        Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

        News
        Little Big Town To Host Dolly Parton Tribute more-performers-added-little-big-town-host-musicares-person-year-honoring-dolly

        More Performers Added, Little Big Town To Host MusiCares Person Of The Year Honoring Dolly Parton

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        Yolanda Adams, Jon Batiste, Cam, Brandi Carlile, Jennifer Nettles and Margo Price announced as additional performers
        Nate Hertweck
        MusiCares
        Feb 6, 2019 - 9:30 am

        Multi-GRAMMY-winning artists and current GRAMMY nominees Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town have been announced as hosts of the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Dolly Parton on Feb. 8.

        GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams, current GRAMMY nominee Jon Batiste, past GRAMMY nominee Cam, current GRAMMY nominee Brandi Carlile, GRAMMY winner Jennifer Nettles, and current GRAMMY nominee Margo Price will join the performance lineup at the star-studded annual fundraiser for MusiCares, the signature health and human services charity founded by the Recording Academy.

        Boy @MusiCares sure is pulling out all the stops for me! I can't wait for the show in February! https://t.co/JSPBWijNth

        — Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 21, 2018

        Previously announced performers include Leon Bridges, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood, Miley Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Shawn Mendes, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Katy Perry, Linda Perry, P!NK, Mark Ronson, Mavis Staples and Chris Stapleton. GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton will close the evening's performances. Greg Phillinganes will be the musical director.

        Dolly Parton Primer: 10 Must-Hear Songs By The Queen Of Country

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        Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.