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Jo Oosterhoff

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Vocal Freedom

Brain Before Voice

It’s been a long time since my last post – life gets busy that way! But something has started recurring in my current teaching/coaching which is my cue to add a new tip! The subject of Brain Before Voice has

Jo August 4, 2011April 4, 2020 Barbershop Blog Read more

Tension vs. Intensity

It’s no surprise that often when we ask for intensity from our singers the result displays a greater degree of tension than when we began. That tension is usually displayed across the shoulders / chest and in the face, especially

Jo September 21, 2009June 9, 2022 Barbershop Blog Read more

The Breath Of Life

When we sing for any audience, breath is life – literally of course, but also the life of the sound depends on HOW we breathe. Leading breath of the song: breathe in the pitch, breathe in the vowel. Take natural,

Jo May 27, 2009April 6, 2020 Barbershop Blog Read more

Visual Communication & Choreography

Another in my series for school teachers with barbershop groups, this topic covers some basic fundamentals of the Showmanship category…Choreography Choreo should be relevant, vocally supportive (or at least not detractive) and naturally expressive (not mechanical). Having a visual plan

Jo July 14, 2008June 9, 2022 Barbershop Blog Read more

Growth Mindset

Just read a great article on how different mindsets affect achievement. The Growth Mindset is one where intelligence and ‘talent’ are recognized as requiring a lot of effort and hard work to bring to fruition. A Fixed Mindset believes that

Jo December 2, 2007November 18, 2014 Barbershop Blog Read more

Building Unit Sound

Here’s one way of looking at Unit Sound. Listening Skills provide the foundation to all good ensemble singing. You need good ears to hear and adjust to the others in the group, but you’ll find that as you get better

Jo November 3, 2007June 9, 2022 Barbershop Blog Read more

How Do I Know If I’m Doing It Right?

I get this question a lot. If you have a good vocal teacher, he or she should help you identify the physical feeling associated with the ‘right’ way vs. the ‘wrong’ way. Also, if it feels more relaxed/lifted and ‘easier’

Jo October 15, 2007March 7, 2014 Barbershop Blog Read more

The Secret To Success

What is the secret to success? 1. Decide how you define success, then 2. Be totally committed to CHANGE in order to achieve it, then 3. BE successful, ALL THE TIME. For example, if my friend wants to succeed at

Jo October 15, 2007April 4, 2020 Barbershop Blog Read more

Blog Subjects

Audiation audience-rapport Breathing changing-voice-parts Choosing Repertoire Choreography Duetting dynamics Interpretation Learning Music Personal Improvement Pet Peeves Philosophy Pitch Quartets Showmanship Singing Lead Unit Visual Plan Vocal Freedom Vocal Skills Vowels

Recent Posts

  • Brain Before Voice
  • Is this music difficult or easy?
  • The Curly Q
  • Tension vs. Intensity
  • The Breath Of Life
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