For years instead of hand massage I have used a percussive massager [also called a massage gun] to relax my shoulders and the sides of my neck as part of my vocal warmup. I just read an article quoting a neurologist who thinks using a percussive massager on one's neck is a dangerous practice that could possibly cause a stroke. I don't know if this is a warning all neurologists share but I'm passing the information along. Here's another article with more on the topic. If you want to heed this warning just use your massager on your shoulders, not your neck. On your neck you can go back to good old hand massage and stretches.

I got the flu and lost my voice this last spring. Here's a new blog about what did and didn't help as my voice very slowly came back.

Singulair has long been the recommended allergy med of choice for singers since it doesn't dry the vocal cords, unlike many other allergy meds. But recent findings make me much more cautious about recommending it: it now has a 'black box' warning that it can cause depression, sleep issues, and suicide. If allergies are getting in the way of your singing I'd explore alternative remedies first.

I'm teaching online singing lessons from my new home in Bend now, but Expertise.com has just listed me as one of the best vocal coaches in Nashville for 2022--since I taught in Nashville for almost twenty years and still work with many singers there I guess that makes it legit.

A talented young singer who studies with me sent me three questions for a homework assignment. Here are my answers.

I've learned a few new vocal healing methods since The Vocal Recovery Warmup was released, so I just updated the ebook. The 2019 updated ebook will download automatically if you purchase the method. If you purchased the warmup via this site sometime in the past contact me and I'll send you the updated ebook for free.

Expertise.com has once again named me as one of the twelve best vocal coaches in Nashville. Thank you for the recognition, Expertise.com!