Tag Archives: singing

Living By Heart: Reclaiming the Oral Tradition

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Barbara McAfee

I lead a monthly community sing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Newcomers to the circle are often looking around for the lyric sheets or songbooks. There aren’t any. I teach singing in the oral tradition, one line at a time, without paper … Continue reading →

Posted in oral tradition | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Five Simple Practices to Improve Your Voice Right Now

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Barbara McAfee

Many of my voice clients enter coaching with me with some big goals in mind: “I want to more fully express who I am in the world – starting with my voice.” “Please help me get over this life-long stage … Continue reading →

Posted in Full Voice, self expression, speaking, speech, vocal exercises, voice, voice coaching, voice warmup | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mr. Brown

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Barbara McAfee

I’ve been clearing out. The recycling bin has been filled three times with detritus from my past. I’ve saved very little, but there is one piece of paper that is so precious, I had to tuck it back into the … Continue reading →

Posted in choir, music, singing, teaching, voice, voice coaching | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

About Singing

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Barbara McAfee

“I’m the world’s worst singer.  Can’t carry a tune in a bucket!” “I used to sing. Then I stopped.  Went to school, got a job, had a family, got busy.  I sure miss it.” “The only reason I go to … Continue reading →

Posted in community, music, oral tradition, self expression, singing, voice | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

No one else can sing your song

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Barbara McAfee

Voices are so personal. They mirror our story – our gifts, doubts, history, mood, identity, and secret dreams. Every time we speak, we are revealing something about ourselves – the things we’re proud of and perhaps the things we most … Continue reading →

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Patterns, Sound, and Surprises: Client Interview #1

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Barbara McAfee

This is the first of a series of blog posts based on interviews with voice coaching clients.  I am consistently astonished at how working with opening a person’s full voice affects other aspects of their lives.  Their stories touch me … Continue reading →

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40,000 Singing Norwegians

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Barbara McAfee

Thursday 40,000 (that’s right, 40,000) Norwegians showed up to sing in the square near the courtroom where Anders Behring Breivik is on trial for murdering 77 people last year. Breivik cited the song, a Norwegian version of a song by … Continue reading →

Posted in community, culture, diversity, inclusion, singing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A June Birthday

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Barbara McAfee

Here is a song to sing to everyone you know with a December birthday. (To the tune of ‘White Christmas’) I’m dreaming of a June birthday One free from holiday excess For friends don’t remember us poor Decembers Or if … Continue reading →

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