Every human being is born with the capacity to sing, on key, in a way that frees our soul. Yet most of us don’t take advantage of the powerful instrument we are all born with. Some of us believe we are ‘tone-deaf’ — a self-fulfilling prophesy, some sing but insist that they just aren’t good enough — lacking the nerve, guidance and patience to practice. Some fear being heard — why make waves, attract attention, criticism or attention? Even the “gifted” singers have fears and hold back Most of us are terrified at the thought of being right in the moment revealing our true voice, with its ‘imperfections’, in front of others. This, however, is the place from which we can grow the most.
Each and every one of us can be taught to sing better, naturally and from the heart. And it’s fun! We can overcome the debilitations of the ever-careful and often fear-based deliberative, thinking mind, and develop enormous creativity, musicianship and the ability to inspire others. Singing elevates and integrates our light and our dark sides, bringing inspiration from our joy and our blues. Singing songs – lyrics and music – integrates our right and left brains. When we are in authentic alignment with what we sing we are vulnerable, powerful, and real. And our truths when energized in song, creates a more beautiful, musical and original sound. And therein lays the magic. Expressive Arts are deeply impactful when we are authentic and passionately ourselves. As we embrace our humanness - sing despite our imperfections and fears — we can hit the notes better, rekindle our creative instincts and move others with our voices.
It is important to leave our judgments and idealized self-images at the door, and give ourselves unconditional permission to practice. In The Natural Singer Workshop we develop the use of the diaphragm, vocal cords and resonance within the body. We train the ear to match pitch, the voice box to remain free and the jaw to relax. Then we explore personal lyrical themes and improvise with them. Lastly, we light a fire with our inner messages, build connection and support with others, and let our voices merge with the music we hear around and within us.
The results are breathtaking and build a remarkable sense of community. The breakthroughs go far beyond singing. Healing the inability to speak up and ‘sing out’ is deeply linked to some of our most challenging core issues. We long to know that our true voice and our presence is welcomed, is beautiful as it is, belongs and is needed here on earth. Through Natural Singing, we dignify and validate the expression of our love, our fears, our tears, our passions, our sensuality, our quirks, our "imperfections".
As we get in the habit of trusting our voice and ear, there is tremendous personal catharsis and visible inspiration for others. We can be more ourselves! And the more comfortable we are being more ourselves, the better we sound! We become engaging, expressive, good singers.
It is the most energizing and beautiful way I know of to honor the diverse aspects of the personality. Negative emotions flow and process quickly, ‘wrong’ notes begin to disappear, and we can rejoice confidently in the opportunity of each fresh moment of being. This is the magical transformative power of fearless, natural singing. It’s your voice. Play it! Explore it. Sing out! Give it space and be your own compassionate teacher. Find support from others. It’s an instrument you were born with which connects your psyche, your spirit, your heart, your creative impulses and your physical form. It’s your right, your treasure and a direct access point to the beauty of your soul and genuine esteem. Your voice is a tremendous healing gift you were given at birth. Use it!
Claude Stein can be reached at www.claudestein.com
Claude Stein is a Multi-Platinum award winning voice coach whose private clients include artists on Atlantic, Island, Elektra, Sony, Virgin, MegaForce, Polygram, Warner Bros., R.C.A. and M.C.A. Records. He has offered workshops in self-expression for people at all levels at the Juilliard School, the New York Actors Institute, the Rubin Academy of Music, the Omega Institute, The Crossings, the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy, Breitenbush, and the New York Open Center.
VoiceLeader Corporate is an innovative program for leadership, teambuilding and presentation. Mr. Stein has coached senior management professionals at Sprint, Siemens, Johnson& Johnson, Altria, JPMorgan, Maersk, the Massachusetts General Hospital Leadership Academy, the Institute for Integrated Leadership, the Institute for Transformational Change and the Center for Professional Excellence. He has taught thousands of people across the United States, Middle East, Asia and Europe to communicate with greater passion, power and ease.
Claude blends easy to learn vocal skills with powerful performance techniques enabling people to express themselves more fully and effectively. It is a distinctive approach that quickly empowers both beginners and professionals alike. The results have been highly acclaimed by leading coaches and experts in the field of communication and creativity.