Introduction: The Machete Level

Uvula down (open nasal passage)

Uvula high (closed nasal passage)

This material is comprised of the nuts and bolts mechanics that excellent singers are made of. Just as in Volumes One and Two, this is not about style, but about technique. Once you thoroughly understand and can execute these techniques you will have the resources to sing whatever you wish to sing, however you wish to sing it.

I remember an experience I had more than once as a music student in various music schools. I often heard the words, "musicians on this side of the room and singers on the other side of the room." It generally made me angry to not be considered a musician as a voice student. Perhaps these experiences helped motivate me to work harder. Singers often get a bad rap because singers often deserve a bad rap. As front person in a band, it's easy to misinterpret all of the attention one is given. Considering, after all, that this is the "entertainment business," a good performer is worth a lot. But when you close your eyes and listen, what's the quality level like? At the end of the day both things are important, and the only way to get a serious sound is to take the music and the instrument you're making the music with, seriously.