September/October 2003 Living Now
Natural Singing

by Claude Stein

Every human being is born with the capacity to sing, and sing well. Yet most of us don't take advantage of the profound musical/healing instrument we have within us. Some of us believe we are 'tone-deaf' -- a self-fulfilling prophesy, some insist we just aren't good enough -- we lack the nerve, guidance or tolerance to practice, some settle for being just 'OK' -- why make waves, attract attention and power. 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, slow (relatively) thinking mind and develop enormous creativity, musicianship and the ability to inspire others. Singing elevates and integrates our light and our dark sides, our joy and our blues. When we sing we are vulnerable and real. 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 sound.

It is important to leave our judgments and idealized self-images at the door, and give ourselves unconditional permission to practice. When I coach Natural Singing, I do so in three parts: first we develop the use of the diaphragm, vocal cords and resonance within the body. Second, we explore range, tone and personal lyrical themes. 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 hard to describe in words. In 22 years of coaching professional singers and beginners, I have heard thousands of vocal breakthroughs which 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 dissapear, 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!

Gold Record producer Claude Stein has coached at Juilliard and NYU, at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and the New York Open Center. His private clients include artists on MCA, Atlantic, Virgin, Polygram, Sony, Warner Bros. & RCA. He will be offering a workshop at Breitenbush October 13-17. For information go to www.naturalsinger.com or contact Claude at vocalsman@aol.com. To register call Breitenbush at 503-854-3314