Ideas, insights, and practical guidance for your voice
Whether you sing, speak, or both — there's something here for you.
I write about the voice because I find it endlessly fascinating — and because I believe everyone deserves access to good information about how their instrument works.
These posts explore technique, health, performance, and the mindset behind vocal development. Some are deep dives. Some are quick tips. All of them come from four decades of teaching, performing, and learning alongside my students.
Browse by topic below, or scroll through the latest posts.
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Auditions in Olympia, WA – 2025 Guide
A curated guide to choral and theater auditions in Olympia and Lacey, WA, with tips for nailing your audition from a local vocal coach.
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The Quiet Power of Consistency: How Steady Practice Shapes the Voice
Why consistent vocal practice matters more than intensity, with strategies for building sustainable habits and overcoming common barriers.
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Aging, Hormones & the Voice: What Changes—and How Vocal Coaching Helps
How menopause, andropause, and aging affect the voice, plus practical coaching strategies for maintaining vocal health and confidence at any age.
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How Wide Is Wide Enough? Singing, Resonance, and Vowel Shaping Explained
Why "open wider" isn't the full answer for singing resonance, and how vowel shaping across the vocal tract creates richer, more efficient sound.
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Singing with Authenticity: Technique, Truth & Voice
Explore three dimensions of authentic singing: technical foundation, artistic truth, and the true target voice where technique meets identity.
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Singing vs. Speaking: Why Vocal Coaches Help Both Performers and Professionals
How singing and speaking share the same vocal foundations but diverge in refinement, and why a singing-trained coach excels at both.
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'Forward' Is NOT Forward: Setting the Record Straight on Vocal Placement and Resonance
Why "forward placement" is a misleading concept in singing pedagogy, what vocal resonance really is, and better language for teaching singers.
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Your Voice Has a Journey: The 5 Stages Every Singer Experiences
From hesitant beginner to accomplished artist—discover the five stages of singing development and practical vocal coach tips for each stage.
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What Is Breath Support? Mastering Vocal Compression
A clear explanation of vocal compression—the coordination behind breath support—with practical exercises for singers at every level.
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Mastering Vocal Projection: Power, Clarity & Air Use Without Strain
Eight techniques for developing vocal projection and clarity—from posture and breath support to resonance and efficient air use—without straining.
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Breath Support for Singers: Myths, Essentials & Mastery
Debunking common breath support myths and explaining the real mechanics of alignment, compression, and airflow regulation for healthy singing.
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Mastering the Raised Soft Palate: Eliminate Nasality in Singing
How to lift and control the soft palate to eliminate nasality and unlock resonant, vibrant singing with practical exercises and tests.
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Maximizing Vocal Practice: 3 Tools for Faster Singing Progress
How a mirror, audio recorder, and video recorder can accelerate your vocal development with objective feedback and self-assessment.
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Mastering the Art of Singing: A Guide to Classical, Musical Theater, and Contemporary Vocal Styles
Compare classical, musical theater, and contemporary singing styles—their techniques, health considerations, and what makes each unique.
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If You're Human, You're a Singer!
The biological, evolutionary, and neurological evidence that singing is hardwired into every human being—and why everyone can learn to sing.
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Debunking the One-Size-Fits-All Myth in Public Speaking
20 aspects of your communication style that should be embraced rather than standardized, and why authenticity beats conformity in public speaking.
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Overcoming Public Speaking Fear: Build Confidence & Speak Authentically
How professional coaching and the PASS Profile help transform public speaking fear into confident, authentic communication.
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Mastering Vocal Techniques: Tailor Your Singing Style for Artistic Freedom
Why one-size-fits-all vocal training stifles potential, and how mastering diverse techniques gives you the freedom to sing authentically in any style.
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Effective Vocal Coaching: Discover and Develop Your Voice
Why vocal coaching is essential for singers and speakers—from discovering your unique voice to mastering technique and building stage confidence.
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Vocal Freedom: The Power of Proper Alignment in Singing
Practical imagery and exercises for grounding your stance, releasing tension, and aligning your body to support free, healthy vocal production.
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Morning Vocal Warm-Up for Singers | Clear Your Voice & Build Resonance
A step-by-step morning vocal warm-up routine with box breathing, humming, and targeted exercises to clear your throat and build resonance.
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Vocal Coaching for Barbershop Quartets | Improve Singing Valentines Performances
How targeted vocal coaching elevates barbershop quartet performances for Singing Valentines in Seattle—from vocal production to ensemble skills and stage presence.
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Masterful Singing: Technique, Emotion & Performance
Beyond technical skill—discover the hidden layers of masterful singing including emotional expression, vocal health, and the art of performance.
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Welcome to Ted's Voice Academy: Vocal Coaching for Singers & Speakers
An introduction to Ted's Voice Academy in Olympia, WA—personalized vocal coaching for singers and speakers ready to discover their authentic voice.
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Reading is a great start. Working together is where real progress happens. If something here sparks a question or a goal, I'd love to hear about it.
Book a Free Discovery CallOr reach out anytime: ted@tedsvoiceacademy.com