Discover the art of the sound check with this expert guide. From preparation to execution, learn how to navigate this crucial pre-show ritual with confidence and professionalism. Whether you're performing at a small club or a major festival, this blog post offers practical tips to ensure you sound your best on stage. Learn how to communicate effectively with sound technicians, optimize your monitor mix, and gracefully handle unexpected challenges. With Valerie's 30-plus years of experience, you'll gain invaluable insights to elevate your live performances and connect more deeply with your audience.

Discover your voice's perfect match in this comprehensive guide to microphones. Explore types of microphones and their impact on your vocal performance. Learn how to choose the perfect microphone to amplify your artistry, protect your vocal health, and enhance your joy of performing.

Learn how to find the best key to sing a song in — one that will suit your voice, create the emotion you want to communicate, and add to the song’s interpretation without feeling like you’re cheating or being inauthentic.

How often should you rehearse, and for how long? It depends.

This quick overview outlines how often musicians typically rehearse and how much rehearsal time you’ll need for different types of performances. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but it’ll at least give you an idea of what kind of time is usually required. But every situation is unique, so I’ve also included a simple formula for calculating your rehearsal time.

What if rehearsals were something you looked forward to? What if they gave you energy rather than depleting it? What if they had the same potential as performance for creating connection and community? What if they were actually fun?

From mindset to preparation, communication to practical tips, here’s what will make your rehearsals the best they can be.

In this blog post, you’ll learn all about one of the most important elements of style in singing — vibrato.

It's not easy when your body is your instrument. Other musicians get sick too, but their instruments don't wheeze or get clogged up with mucus when attacked by an infection.

In this blog post, you'll learn how to stay healthy during the cold and flu season, what to do when you're sick, and how to decide when it's time to cancel a performance.

Sleep. Often elusive. Always essential.

As a singer, you already know that sleep is the first thing that goes when you're busy preparing for a performance. We all know that sleep is necessary, but how does a lack of it affect your voice?

Read on to learn how vital sleep is to a singer’s life, and how you can get more of it.

There's an old saying for singers, "If you want to sing clear you gotta pee clear." And it's true. Right up there with sleep is the importance of staying hydrated. You can be slightly dehydrated and not even know it. Let's take a look at what your vocal cords are made of, what happens to them when they’re dried out, and how you can help them to stay hydrated so you can sing your best.