I'm Taking My People with Me!

Hi Singers!

Now that I've finished a short-term contract I'm finally back to putting my passion in order. And that passion is - as the mighty Harriet says - “to stand-up and take my people with me”.

I think the reason why American Black Music moves us deeply is because we can all relate to injustice and feeling powerless on some level. Some of us relate to this more deeply than others.

Obviously, I'm not of black heritage but I am a member of an Indigenous Band (reservation) in Canada. And yes, even though I have a white face, I did have to crawl out of an oppressive history, systemic racism, abuses, and lateral violence within my family and community. Imagine having an Irish father and having white skin amongst your shades-of-brown family.

Privilege is Relative

It's a weird "privilege" to move freely in the world unencumbered until secret thoughts are revealed - right to your face - because they believed you were “one of them”… And from a tender age, you experience the reality that your race, your family, your people are hated by so many.

When I'd hear things at school from teachers and friend groups, I would take it upon myself to speak up and say, “Well, I'm Indigenous and I'm here hanging out with you. Why am I different?”

“Oh….Uh….but we don't mean you…YOU dress nice.”

😒 Hmm, interesting. Well, there is more to tell about that part of my life but another time!

If Happy Little Bird Birds Fly…

Suffice it to say, if we witness any oppressed person in a hopeless situation who finds a spark of power, it begs the question: “Why can't I?”

We all need mentors to show us what is possible so we can climb out of the buckets that our world puts us in. Our environment may program our self-talk and identity but we can transcend all of this through a commitment to healing and nurturing our souls.

And those of us who desire to sing are also called to nurture our voices so we can share it with others and lift the world around us.

🖥️ Online Vocal Coaching

Last year, I took online Zoom lessons with a classical voice coach. I adored this teacher and she gave me fresh perspectives that I'm grateful for. However, the technical limitations of Zoom (syncing with her piano, my need to use a microphone, etc) were a bit of pain point for me. I'm the kind of person that doesn't like my flow interrupted when I'm concentrating.

How about you? Are you like this?

Recently, I clicked on a Facebook ad for a music teaching tool - a tool that I was already very curious about over the last year. After the free seminar, I was convinced this was exactly what I was looking for. I took the leap and bought an annual subscription to MOOZ and it's been a total game changer for me!

🤩 I'm in the MOOZ for Singing Lessons

MOOZ offers studio-quality audio (!) and because it's hosted on their platform app, there is no lag or sync issues. There's other features custom-built for teaching…and I'm thrilled that this will deliver a more immersive experience for singers.

Oh, and by the way, MOOZ is totally FREE for my students. I've added more information on my Coaching FAQ page along with my new pricing packages - check it out here!

I'm really excited to offer my Holistic Singing Lesson online and without compromise. In fact, I think this is better than in-person lessons.

💸 I Believe I Can Fly

In other related news, I thought I'd try more local awareness and invest in getting some flyers printed. Well, that cost more and took a lot longer than expected! The different print shops use different jargon and sizing - also, what looks good online doesn't always work in print.

The decisions were exhausting but I finally settled on this flyer design which you can check out here.

If you're in the Greater Vancouver area and have a suggestion for where I could post or distribute my flyers, I'd be grateful for your tips

Resources for Singers

NEW 🎉 Easy Singing Warm-ups for Everyone: Singing with soul starts in your body! When your body is grounded and your breathing is flowing, making sounds becomes playful and powerful. Try these easy warm-ups at your own pace, in any order you prefer, and open up your awareness to the sensations and sounds. You don’t have to “be a singer” to try these – al you need is YOU! : Download the PDF

Mastering Stage Fright Mind Map: In this video, I dive into my Mastering Stage Fright Mind Map and break down how it can help you conquer performance anxiety. Watch it here 📹

NEW 🎉 Download the Mind Map PDF

*Mastering Stage Fright Workbook* ($14.99 CDN): Dive into 18 pages of strategies to build unshakable confidence. Perfect for any singer preparing for a gig. Get the Workbook!

*The United States of Stage Fright*: This article explains the neuroscience behind the mindmap and workbook. I'd love to know what you think of it! Read the article!

Reply to learn more or grab these tools to elevate your performances!

To your soulful voice,

Veronica

"I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
I hear freedom calling
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones

I go to prepare a place for you."

Veronica Start