Lizzy Clarke

What are some of the vocal myths that you used to believe? Are there any vocal ideas that you're unsure of? This week I'm debunking some of the most common vocal myths! Follow me on insta for more vocal myths! (@lcsinginglessons) . . . .... #learntosing #vocalmyths #singinglessons #voicelessons #vocalcoach #singingtips #voiceteacher #voicecoach See more

Let's talk about the dreaded VOICE CRACK! It's something that happens when the voice is pushed beyond its capacity in some way. The most common cause for cracking in pop and rock voices is the forcing of the chest voice, which causes breaking or cracking. This is an abrupt and sometimes painful transition to the head voice with no control and seemingly no warning. You can coordinate your voice (the TA and CT muscles) through practice and exercise to build up habits that will ...help you avoid this embarrassing and damaging vocal blip! . . . . #thechestvoice #theheadvoice #voicecrack #voicebreak #singinglessons #voicelessons #vocalcoach #singingtips #voiceteacher #voicecoach #singing #singingteacher See more

Sound on for cuteness. If you've taken lessons with me on zoom, you've likely seen or heard this little one singing along. . . . .... #catsofinstagram #cats #kitty #instacat

Happy Monday. let's start things on a positive note. Your self-belief, your confidence, is JUST as important as any scales or vocal exercise you could ever do! This week is all about self-care for me! I hope you're all taking care you yourselves too!! #singinglessons #voicelessons #vocalcoach #singingtips #voiceteacher #voicecoach #singing #singingteacher #sing #condifence #selfcare #selflove

I have dubbed this week Registration week. This is the first of 3 videos I'll be posting this week to discuss registration, one of the most challenging elements of vocal technique. This week's group class Friday at 7pm! is on extending your range and understanding registration. Visit www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca, click group classes and search for this week's class for more details!

When you start over-thinking the vocal tract, it can seem overwhelming. There are so many moving pieces! So much to learn, understand and master! Tonge placement, vowel shapes, facial muscles, teeth, lips, the palateit can feel like a lot to a new singer. Remember, you have already had a lifetime’s worth of experience manipulating the vocal tract! You have already mastered a fairly complicated mechanism! You smile, cry, yell, laugh and speak. You use this skill to talk w...ith friends, to coo at babies, to yawn and to sing! This is something you already do well! Now it’s just about gaining a bit more control over the already well-oiled machine! Manipulating the vocal tract and using different vowel sounds is one of the most important parts of vocal technique! Here are some of the ways that your vocal tract shape or vowel shape will affect your voice! Voice health Certain vowels shapes will reduce vocal strain at certain pitches Sound Quality / Timbre Your vowel choice has an effect on sound quality, timbre and tone of your voice. This means you can make you voice richer, darker, brighter, thinner, thicker...by changing your vowel sound a little! (or a lot!) Style Some vowels lend themselves better to certain styles. You may use different shapes if you are singing a country song, a soul song or a classical tune! Range Vowels can also help you to navigate the registers, which will allow you to use your full range more easily! See more

Today is the first group class of 2021! We get started at 7pm EST! I can't tell you how excited I am! Tonight's topic is a Singing 101 overview. Everything from how to breathe while singing to registration! (what that is and how to manage it!) Here is what you can expect from tonight's class: Learn a brief history of vocal technique (classical to modern)... Consider and lay-out your musical and vocal dreams Define a musical instrument and be able to describe the voice as one Learn the staples of vocal technique Understand your voice and what you need to do to strengthen it! Familiarize yourself with the terminology to be used throughout the course Cultivate vocal goals to include in your vocal practice Choose your voice type Learn a vocal warm-up To sign-up for this class or the full course, head to www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca See more

In need of a little bit of a break from today? Here are my cats in hats.

ATTENTION SINGERS! Take your voice to the next level! My 2-hour Singing Masterclass is now being offered for free! This extremely limited time offer will be held on October 9th at 6pm EST! And if you can't make the class, don't worry! It will be recorded and available on my website. Pre-order a copy today!... Singing is about so much more than hitting the right notes at the right time! Join me to learn the basics and explore all the possibilities of your voice and its potential! You will learn: Vocal health Warming up the voice Posture and Movement Breath Control Vowels and vocal tract shaping Defining, finding and training the chest, head and mixed voices Songwriting tips Creativity and expression Vocal AND melodic freedom!!! All in 2 hours! Yup! This is an intensive course made for curious singers who want to learn more about their voices! So sign up or pre-order today to level up your voice! Spots are limited!!! www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca

www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca for more details!

Breath is the most misunderstood element of vocal technique. There are many terms and concepts that speak to it. You may have heard it referred to as diaphragmatic breathing, or supported singing, or you may have been told to sing from the tummy or make a singing baby (which is my personal favourite), but the most common is simply; support. The most divisive word in the vocal world is support. SoLets talk about the word support. The term often gets thrown ar...ound without much explanation. Are you supportingthe sounditself? How does that even work? Are you supportingthe air?Whats doing the supporting and what is being supported??? The diaphragm has a reputation of being important in this process, but what does it do?Is the goal to increase the lung capacity or improve the quality of the breath you use? Is support using more air?? Is it using less air?? Is it a tiny leprechaun who doles out breath like gold nuggets??? Instead of support, I prefer the term breath control. Its more accurate to the task at hand. We arecontrollingthe breath. Its like the Goldilocks of vocal technique. Not too much and not too littlejust enough. Many wonderful singing instructors also use the term breath management. Thats also super accurate. (different strokes for different folks you know?) I like the word control because it puts you in charge. Youve got all the muscles and organs you need and its up to you to put them to work! #breath #learntosing #vocalsupport #singershelpingsingers #breathe #support #lung

Join me on October 9th at 6 pm on Zoom for a brand-spanking-new intensive master class FOR FREE. Learn more or sign up at www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca We're gonna chat: The 3 staples of vocal technique ... The role of improvisation in pop/rock/r&b styles The effects of the pandemic on singers of all levels I'd love to see you all there! . . #learntosing #singing #singershelpingsingers #singers #vocaltraining #singing101

Join me in October 9th at 6 pm for a brand-spanking-new intensive master class FOR FREE. Learn more or sign up at www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca

NEEDED: People who LOVE to sing to trial a brand new singing course FOR FREE! (Seriously. Free. As in $0. No Joke) For a (VERY) limited time, I'm offering my Singing 101 Intensive Master Class FOR FREE on October 9th, 2020 at 6 pm. This 2-hour intensive is still in its beta phase so I need people who love to sing to trial, rate and critique this new course. The goal is to create a full 8-week course based on this intensive and I want to make sure that it is filled to the brim... with everything you could have ever wanted to know about the voice and singing!! After the course, you will be asked to fill out a quick survey and give feedback. By signing up you will also be entered into a draw to win access to the full course once its done FOR FREE! This intensive, valued at $75, covers the basics of the voice, its mechanics, expression and potential for expression and creativity!! Heres just a bit of what you can look forward to learning: 2 hours of in-depth and focused voice work. Learn the 3 Pillars of vocal technique Vocal health and longevity strategies Master your range, sing higher, louder and more powerfully by understanding and caring for your voice New vocal exercises and warm-ups designed for modern singers Build confidence, meet other singers and have fun! If you cant make the class, you can pre-order the playback which will be available on October 10th for $10 to stream and download at your convenience All levels of experience welcome! Sign up now! Spots are limited! Sign up or learn more at www.lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca #learntosing #singinglessons #vocals #singer #singing #singingmasterclass #vocalmasterclass #singloud #singerlife #vocalist

Signing is 80% confidence and 20% skill. Say this out loud, to yourself if you're feeling like you feel like your stuck, or like you're missing a bit of belief in yourself today: "I've made it this far, and I'm proud of all the things I've done to get me here. I'm excited for what's to come!" You are golden and never forget it! Join me tonight at 6pm for a LIVE Q&A session where we'll chat vocal confidence! I'll be on zoom, Message me for the link if you'd like to join! #zoomlesson #liveqanda #singersunite #confidence #thepoweroflove #patreon #

Online singing lesson check list: Tea and/or water Comfy and safe space Internet connection Your phone, tablet or phone... Headphones (not nessisary but helpful!) Your dope self! #singinglessons #singproud #onlinelearning #zoomlesson

Take advantage of what I call 5th week Magic! When you pay for four lessons every month get 5th one free if there happens to be a 5th weekday on your lesson day! . . . #freesinginglesson #freestuff #singer #fortheloveofmusic

A new kind of singing lesson!! Personalized exercises, challening and modern songwork, singer skills, music theory, songwriting and so much more!! . . . #singinglessons #vocaltraining #singforyourself

Just a singing teacher in her natural environment. #blazernotincluded . . #singingteacher #vocalcoach #learntosing #sing

Join me on September 15th at 6pm for a live Q&A session on all things singing, vocal technqiue and music industry available to all patreon members! Join for as little as $3 and stick around for the monthly perks! Ever wonder how air turns into sound? Does your voice strain or cause you discomfort? Are you new to singing or a seasoned pro? In anycase, join me on Patreon.com/lizzyclarke to gain access to this event AND tons of other exclusive musical treats! . . . .... #learntosing #singingteacher #singinglessons #live #liveqanda #zoom #askanything #askasingingteacher See more

Join me on Sept 15th at 6pm for my very first live Q+A session. From the comfort of wherever youre comfortable. #learntosing #singinglessons #qanda #patreon #membersonly

It was a tough switch from in person lessons to online at the beginning. I had so many anxieties about creating an exciting and productive experience for my students using an online platform! This has been a hard time for everyone and to lose singing would have been the straw that broke the camel's back for many of us. I'm happy to say that online lessons have been a raging success! They are just as productive and just as exciting as in person. Of course they're not the same,... but there are hidden Silver Linings that I never would have dreamed of. Like the comfort that people feel in their own homes to sing it out! Like the fact that I can work with anyone anywhere in the world in this way! Singing in person maybe a ways away at this point so I'm so glad to say that I offer lessons online in a safe and beneficial way. . . #onlinesinging #onlinesinginglessons #singingteacher #singinglessons #remotesinging #zoomlesson #facetime #zoom #hangouts #meet See more

Singing is about so much more than just making pretty sounds (though that can be fun too) Its an exciting adventure into how music touches us as people! For you, it could be a cathartic hobby, a personal challenge or a rewarding career. Wherever you're coming from, know that I will work with you to reach your goals and build a more confident voice! . #learntosing #howtosing #singinglessons #singforthemoment #vocalcoach #singingteacher

Full video on the YouTubes! #linkinbio You've got to be willing to look a little silly when you #Sovt!

I think its appropriate that this is my first post on my new insta as this is the first warm up I do for my vocal practice! Full Vid on my YouTube! Follow the link in my bio! . . . .... . . #Sovt #strawsinging #vocalwarmup #singersecrets #notsosecretanymore #singinghacks #singinglessons #onlinesinginglessons #learntosing See more

Full video here: https://youtu.be/t-HmEDB_4NQ

Lets start with the blooper reel and then click on over to the real thing. Get at this AWESOME straw exercise right here: https://youtu.be/t-HmEDB_4NQ Get MORE nerdy vocal tidbits on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/LizzyClarke

New tune out NOW! Who doesn't love a soft launch?!! Stream on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lizzyclarke/loved OR Purchase on Bandcamp for a single dollar: https://lizzyclarke.bandcamp.com/track/loved

I've posted the draft of the first chapter of my vocal workbook on my Patreon! This is a great resource for anyone who needs a bit of a kick in the butt to practise consistently! Join me on Patreon to see the whole thing and take advantage of bunches of other sweet offers!! www.Patreon.com/LizzyClarke Here's a wee little peek! Vocal Practice FAQs...Continue reading

Ive been working on this song for a while now. I'm actively working against my impuse to leave this on my hard drive forever until one day, years from now when I'm long gone someone finds the hard drive and releases the songs in a posthumous tribute...instead, I think I'll finish it up and release it now...thoughts? #actuallyreleasingmusicsoon #probably #imeanwellsee

New Blog Up! "The vocal world is split in two, classical technique and contemporary technique. The word contemporary is an umbrella term that pretty much means anything thats not classical. From Bebop to EDM, pop to indie, contemporary music is a massively broad genre. There is not one kind of contemporary singer, there are dozens. So, what is contemporary vocal technique? How can a single set of rules cover the needs of dozens of styles and the unique technical needs tha...t the nature of each genre requires? How can one technique serve jazz singers, pop singers, rock singers, r&b, soul, punk, metal and indie singers? I have found this question particularly troubling as I embark on writing a book on modern vocal technique. Its been pretty hard to boil down one set of rules that will work for everyone! In fact, its been impossible. What Ive learned and what I want to share with you is that modern vocal technique is not about learning how to sing but how your voice works!" https://lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca/blog/popsingersdilema

One thing I've learned about myself during the pandemic is that I love making art but I hate sharing and promoting it. This is something I've always known under the surface, but it's become abundantly clear is that my passion lies and the creation, and not the sale music. I'm going to be releasing some new songs over the course of the next few weeks. I'll be posting them only to bandcamp for the time being. Some of these songs have been remotely recorded by myself and friends..., others I've done all by my lonesome in an experimental phase of my creative expression. (Get ready for some wonky mixes!!) I will be releasing these songs under my own name instead of my alter-ego Elsy as I've done in the past. As cheesy as it sounds, I just want to make music and put it out into the world with honesty. Whether anybody actually listens to it or not is a-okay by me. I would honestly probably be happy just keeping it on my hard drive forever, but that seems a little wasteful seeing is I've spent so much time making it! That's it! Thats my pitch. Music for music's sake. Music for joy. Music for catharsis. Stay tuned! . . . #bodyposi #music #newmusic2020 #effyourbeautystandards #musicforjoy See more

www.patreon.com/LizzyClarke for more detials

Well, #pride looks a little different this year. We're all cooped up masked up and practicing responsible social distancing (Stay safe y'all!!) Even though I'm not doing in person lessons these days, my 'studio' is still a safe space for all who wanna break into song at the drop of a hat. I love you all, see you on zoom! #singinglessonstoronto #singingteacher #singinglessons #pridemonth #lgbtq

Hello Patreon!! Weekly video singing lessons, starting from the ground up! Singing Warm-Ups and Vocal technique tips and tricks based on my on-going research! Behind the scenes ELSY content and original music updates! Fan-Requests! ONE FREE 30 MINUTE VOCAL LESSON ON ZOOM EVERY MONTH!!!!! Phew!!... Join me on Patreon to choose your rewards! www.patreon.com/LizzyClarke See more

A letter of support and introspection from your friendly neighbourhood singing teacher. #BlackLivesMatter https://lizzyclarkesinginglessons.ca/blog/blm

June 29th, in 10 days, there will be a vote in Toronto to pass a motion to defund the police and direct funds more transparently and responsibly into the community. I know the phrase defund the police sounds scary at first, but please read more about the proposed plan. This plan seeks to reduce the police budget by only 10%. It also would put budgetary decision making at least partially back in the hands of the city, as opposed to leaving that decision solely to the Pol...ice Department. The motion requests the Toronto Police Services Board to provide a line-by-line accounting of their 2021 budget (I cant believe this doesnt already exist) AND finally, it seeks to reallocate the funds to community-led alternatives to policing and the criminal justice system, anti-racism education, childcare, affordable housing, the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy, Tenants Defence Fund, Employment Counselling and Food Security in Toronto. Consider calling or sending a letter to your city councillor to help turn the dial! So far there are only 5 councillors supporting. 8 are sympathetic and 11 opposing. They need 17. Many councillors who are not currently supporting have expressed ally-ship with the BLM movement and the general push to find a solution to police brutality, but they have not yet supported the motion. If we let them know this is important to us, we may just be able to get the votes needed! Follow the instructions in the images or visit www.swanthonyswan.com/blm/ for more details. They have phone and e-mail scripts you can use as well as a form to fill out if you want them to send a letter FOR you!! Easy as pie!!

Studio Update: Its been a bit of a wild ride the past few months, but heck, even that last few years. Since starting my own teaching and production business, its been full of ups and downs and I just want to say a wholehearted thank-you for sticking with me and thank you to all of my new students as well! Ive chosen to sublet out my studio. Between losing 100% of my performance income and the ups and downs of running a small business during a pandemic, I had no choice but... to reduce my expenses as much as possible while continuing to teach online. This was not an easy decision to make, especially now as the city seems to be slowly opening up again. My goal is to re-open in the fall, but honestly, I dont know what will happen with the studio space in the coming months. I will keep you updated as I am able to make plans and move forward. Anyone who knows me knows that I put my heart and soul into my workspace and Im more than a little bummed about how this has all gone down. That being said, Im optimistic that the future holds good things and Im so grateful for all the support Ive gotten from all of you. I've subletted to an talented yonge artist who I know will love the space and create some serious bops. I'm so thrilled the space is being used and appreciated! Have fun @bluelikenilo I want to confirm that I will be continuing online lessons for the foreseeable future. Online lessons have been working REALLY well. They are turning out to be a wonderful alternative to in-person and have proven to be just as productive! Thats it for now! See you on Zoom or wherever your favourite video chat service is! All my love, Lizzy

You must watch this. Everyone should see this. Share it and amplify her voice! https://www.youtube.com/watch

As the world slowly opens up, its easy to feel relieved and hopeful about getting back to normal. But as Sonya Renee Taylor (www.sonyareneetaylor.com) so perfe...ctly said, We will not go back to normal Nothing will ever be the same and thats a good thing. We NEED to look at these uncomfortable truths in the face and say NO MORE. As humans, we need to de-normalize inequity, support each-other more thoroughly understand one another more empathetically. As white folks, we need to be humble, listen, learn, support and donate. Continuously, not just today, but ongoing. So to my fellow white friends and family, lets sign the petitions, lets amplify black voices, lets support black business and lets face these difficult truths with thoughtfulness and humility: We had it easy, the game was rigged in our favour and we didnt do anything about it for a long time. Ive been facing my own unconscious racism and trying to reconcile the fact that I am a white woman, singing music written by black musicians and writing music inspired by black culture. I have more to be grateful for than I have truly acknowledged. I have a lot of soul searching, reading and research to do. But for now, one teeny tiny thing Im doing is for the full month of June, Im forwarding all of the Bandcamp proceeds from my solo project ELSY to directly to Black Lives Matter Toronto. So if you dont have my music and you want it, nows a good time. BUT if you REALLY want to help the cause, you should donate directly to BLM Toronto on their website (fewer processing fees): www.blacklivesmatter.ca OR any other organization/non-profit/fundraisers for black communities in Toronto: https://nowtoronto.com//black-organizations-toronto-donate/ OR shop at black-owned stores in Toronto: https://www.afrobiz.ca/Toronto OR read and educate yourself on the black experience in Canada: https://www.cbc.ca//25-books-about-being-black-in-canada-1 Lets not let normal be what normal was. It didnt work and it wasnt a fair game. This is an opportunity for growth and more understanding. Dont get caught up in feeling defensive (if thats been part of the gut reaction to this whole thing) or misunderstood (#blacklivesmatter doesnt mean your life doesnt) Take this as a moment to breath and think about what people of colour go through. Think about the beauty of the future and what you can do to make the world a more equitable place. Starting today, and then every day afterward. p.s. Most of my friends on my FB list are already pretty much on board with all of these sentiments, I have a feeling I'm "preaching to the choir". BUT if I have anyone on my feed who is uncomfortable with what's happening in the world, doesn't understand the importance of #blacklivesmatter or doesn't believe in white privilege, please message or call me. Let's have a respectful and productive chat instead of hashing it out in the comments section. p.p.s. I dont know where this picture was taken, or even if its a real mural. I googled it to try to find out but I cant seem to figure it out. So if you know, lemme know! The source of the picture is Angela Jooste (https://www.angela-jooste.com/blog)

Singers! Let's clear up this confusion about the falsetto and head voice once and for all! . . . #singersofinstagram #singerproblems #falsetto #headvoice #learntosing #twominutesinginglesson