<![CDATA[STEVEN FLAM - Blog]]>Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:00:04 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[The Vocal Fountain of Youth]]>Sun, 24 Sep 2017 22:02:43 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/the-vocal-fountain-of-youth​Why do stars like Adele keep losing their voice - In response to the Guardian
An interview with Steven Flam, founder of BreathingRx
By Elisabeth Commanday Swim, M.A.
Steven Flam is an internationally recognized singing expert. He helps singers who, despite working hard, are still stuck at a certain level. In short, his clients learn to stop vocal failure before it starts. I sat down with him to talk about the latest Guardian article Why do stars like Adele keep losing their voice.
Elisabeth: The Guardian article made the rounds pretty quickly on social media, and is read by both fans and singers. Why do you think it is so popular? What wisdom does it offer for a singer afraid of going the way of Adele?
Steven: First of all, I love Adele’s passionate and powerful style of singing and it’s terrible to think she might not be able to sing anymore! Singing is a whole body art. In order to become a strong singer with a healthy technique, a singer needs to build a strong foundation of organized breath. This can seem very basic but it is an investment of time and energy that pays itself back almost immediately. This needs to happen throughout a singer’s career, in order to maintain the voice as a healthy and expressive instrument. If you are missing this key component of your technique, it is never too late to embrace it. Without having to unlearn any of your previous training you can find your own vocal fountain of youth through The BreathingRx For Singers System.
Elizabeth: How can a singer use your work along with their voice teacher’s established program?
Steven: Breathing Rx For Singers is ideal for singers who have struggled with persistent hindrances to their technique. It adds the right understanding and techniques to a singer’s tool bag so they can sing with ease anywhere at any time.
As I have worked with hundreds of singers and voice teachers, I have seen that, without fail, this system paves the way for healthier and easier singing. In fact it helps singers fix the most common and harmful mistakes that they don’t even know they are making. I want singers to know that any voice teacher whose goal is a healthy, sustainable vocal technique will be fully compatible with my system.
Elizabeth: I remember in my own experience as a student, a lot of the mistakes I made were a result of me misinterpreting my voice teacher’s instructions or taking them to one extreme or another. Can BreathingRx for Singers help with this?
That’s exactly why this system works so well for students and teachers! Until now, a common language of physical use of the instrument has not been developed. [link to workshop]BreathingRx[/end link] gives both students and teachers a common language and a common understanding of the body as an instrument. This helps singers understand their bodies, and their teachers. With Breathing Rx for Singers in place, a student and teacher can work efficiently and quickly toward optimal performance in every lesson.
Elizabeth: Tell me more about this vocal fountain of youth.
Steven: Every singer has access to limitless potential to their voice. To access this the singer needs to get out of their own way. While most singers have heard this before, hearing and doing are two different things. In my upcoming online workshop  will share the three most common and harmful mistakes that stop singers from reaching their potential. After my master class you will understand how to remove those blocks, so that you can get the technical know-how and confidence you need to be your best everywhere you sing.]]><![CDATA[Watch Atarah Hazzan embody the BreathingRx Method, and Join us this monday for an introduction on how you can too!]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 22:54:07 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/watch-atarah-hazzan-embody-the-breathingrx-method-and-join-us-this-monday-for-an-introduction-on-how-you-can-tooListen to what the BreathingRx For Singers System can do for the entire voice from our co-developer, opera star Atarah Hazzan! 

It has been said of Ms. Hazzan that she has, "The power, center and velvet of Tebaldi with the brilliance in sound of Olivero and the Vocal Drama of Callas!"
 
“THIS HIGH NOTE PIANISSIMO AT MINUTE 8:02 IS PROBABLY SOMETHING THAT'S NEVER BEEN HEARD BEFORE, AND IT GOES ON FOREVER.”
 
Parisina: Act II: Ho combattuto pel mio voto (Ugo d'Este, Parisina)
 
“Here’s another floating pianissimo at 6:37”
Parisina: Act III: Forza non hai. Son viva! (Parisina, Ugo d'Este)
 
Want more? Enjoy!
 
Parisina: Act II: Ahi, Vergine Maria (Parisina, La Verde)

0:03-0:23   (clear and full low voice)
0:48-1:15   (flexibility between ranges)
1:40-1:51   (resonant control)
2:02-2:15   (crescendo using resonance control only)
2:56-4:34   (A beautiful section)
4:47-5:30   (Ahhh, that warm and golden sound)
6:10-8:26   (middle voice free and warm tone)
 
Click to register for the next BreathingRx For Singers Workshop called:
“Prepare for Performances Like A Pro”
]]><![CDATA[Step Three of the ART-IM Method is Live!]]>Tue, 25 Apr 2017 22:33:08 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/step-three-of-the-art-im-method-is-live
]]><![CDATA[What is 'ART' and where Can I Find It?]]>Wed, 19 Apr 2017 21:27:28 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/what-is-art-and-where-can-i-find-itOn May 15th, join BreathingRx at Othello Studio on Broadway in the Upper West Side for an evening of exploration of the foundational principles of ART. What is 'ART', you may ask? 

It's the start of something special for you and your voice:

ART stands for awareness, release, and Techniques. It's the Core of the #BreathingRx vocal Program.

Awareness:
What makes your voice sound good? Where do you hold your tension? How do you choose the material for your show? How do your plan your preparation? When are you unable to speak or sing at your best?

Release:
Strategies for vocal warm ups that can be done anywhere. Getting over stage fright.

Techniques:
Vocal mastery strategies to solve; sore/stressed throat, having enough breath to get through phrases, how to hit your high notes consistently, how to always sing ON PITCH and speak without cracking your voice!

Learn more about the workshop and snag your tickets here.

Until then, keep singing and keep breathing deep!

​
With love,
Steven Flam, founder of BreathingRx
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]]><![CDATA[The first in your 5 steps to vocal freedom!]]>Sat, 11 Mar 2017 17:24:46 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/the-first-in-your-5-steps-to-vocal-freedomIn just 5 steps, you can increase your vocal power and capacity. Some can do this in 3 months, others spend their lives working through these seemingly simple and sometimes even passive exercises.

Students of the BreathingRx methodology remember the 5 steps because it is forward thinking and Dr. Seussian. 'ART-IM' stands for Awareness, Release, Techniques, Integration, and Mastery. The steps are
both sequential and concurrent at times. Everyone starts at the first step, awareness.

Awareness is becoming aware of your structure, and its components. Awareness is the first step of any physical learning model. Knowing your tension, where it collects and how it operates is crucial to releasing it.

Suzie: Tension Restricts Singing

Suzie was singing beautifully when she first came to me, but she could not sustain a high note. Suzie is a slight woman with a sweet soprano voice, thinly produced. When I watched Suzie sing, I noticed that she seemed to be working hard to get air.

Two weeks later, Suzie came back and while her voice was still thinly produced, she was able to sustain a high note and there was no observable effort being spent to bring in air. I taught Suzie the following exercise and she practiced it once each day for two weeks. Suzie gained enough awareness to effortlessly let the air into her system before she sings.
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Our techniques can help set your voice free!
Here is the exercise itself:

1. Lay down with head flat and pillows under the knees, (you may choose to put a small pillow under your head to get it into a neutral position).
2. Place your hands with your fingers slightly overlapping on your lower abdomen. Close your eyes.
3. Relax so your mouth opens and let the air come in and out through both mouth and nose.
4. Notice how your hands move as your body expands and contracts in passive inhale and exhale.
5. Let yourself breathe as passively as possible for 2-3 minutes. (Set a timer).
6. Ask yourself these questions to raise your awareness:
  • Were your hands moving up and down or out toward your sides as you inhaled and exhaled?
  • Did the movement of your hands change over the course of the 2 minutes?
  • Were you breathing mostly through your mouth or your nose? Did that change?
  • Did you notice tension in your body that you may not have noticed when you first laid down? (Abdomen, upper chest or shoulders for example.)

Suzie noticed that she had tension in her chest. When she started Suzie was not able to feel her fingers move apart (instead of up) for the first 90 seconds, but by the third day and each successive day, her fingers were moving apart earlier and earlier in the exercise, demonstrating that she was allowing in more air passively.

Doing this exercise each day for just 14 days increased Suzie’s capacity. Try it yourself and see what happens before you watch the video below :)

Steven Flam is the developer of the groundbreaking teaching technique called BreathingRx For Singers which includes diaphragm target training. For more information or to debate the content of this article please contact him at steven@breathingrx.com.
]]><![CDATA[Welcome to the First BreathingRx Microlesson video: How To Inhale For Singing]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2017 23:18:06 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/welcome-to-the-first-breathingrx-microlesson-video-how-to-inhale-for-singing
]]><![CDATA[Get a taste of the upcoming "Experience your Soul Through Singing' Workshop in this intro video]]>Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:46:58 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/get-a-taste-of-the-upcoming-experience-your-soul-through-singing-workshop-in-this-intro-videoIn this brief video, Steven explains what will be happening in the upcoming workshop at Romemu, on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Details for the workshop can be found below.
Sun, February 5, 2017
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

West End Presbyterian Church
165 West 105th Street @ Amsterdam
New York, NY 10025
Buy Tickets Here
]]><![CDATA[Open Up To Your Highest Potential at the Find Your Authentic Voice Workshop ]]>Wed, 19 Oct 2016 19:53:18 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/open-up-to-your-highest-potential-at-the-find-your-authentic-voice-workshopHi everyone!

So excited to announce our upcoming workshop at the KIMA Center on November 8th. We will all have great fun opening up new depths of expression—perfect for actors, singers and speakers.
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Join us on a deep dive into your breathing mechanisms and body work which will support your path to more authentic expression. The magic of "listening on the inhale" connects you with deeper creative impulses. Then the fun really starts! Come ready to stretch your physical and expressive boundaries!

Bring a song, monologue or speech that challenges you or moves you deeply. If you don't know it by heart bring sheet music or script pages. Together we will workshop your challenge and you will experience the magic of our system.

Register with a friend and both show up and have your tuition refunded at the end, two for one!
https://findyourauthenticvoice.eventbrite.com

Can't Make It Live? Buy the virtual view ticket for $5. and I will send you the link to view and take the workshop when it is most convenient to you.  I will release the video within a week of the presentation and you will have one month after the workshop to view the taped version.
https://findyourauthenticvoice.eventbrite.com

See you there!

Tuesday November 8th, 7:30 to 9:30pm
KIMA Center For Physiotherapy And Wellness

 7 West 22nd St., 8th Floor
]]><![CDATA[Parisina: THe Method in Motion]]>Fri, 07 Oct 2016 15:57:02 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/parisina-the-method-in-motionHere's what's possible with BreathingRx techniques applied at the top level in opera. The Soprano Atarah Hazzan, singing the title role of Parisina and using BreathingRx techniques. THIS is why we do what we do: to help our students achieve magic on the stage and embody the spirit of their songs.
Steven Flam has perfected the training of your diaphragm for vocal power.
GET YOUR FREE ‘FROM THE PRESCRIPTION PAD OF BREATHINGRX’ EBOOK NOW
]]><![CDATA[6 Inside-Out Warm-Ups,                               The BreathingRx Way]]>Wed, 07 Sep 2016 01:09:44 GMThttps://www.stevenflam.com/blog/6-inside-out-warm-ups-the-breathingrx-wayExercises for you to improve your Daily Practice

Find Your Breath:  The Organic Breathing Exercise:  Become Aware!
  1. Lie down with pillows under your knees and rolled towel under your head or neck.
  2. Place one hand on you lower abdomen and one on your upper chest making sure that both are completely relaxed.
  3. Leave your mouth open letting air flow freely in and out through mouth and nose.
  4. Let your breath settle into the most organic rhythm.
  5. Take note of how your body moves when your breath is settled.

Connect Your Vocal Cords:  Diaphragm Target Training
  1. Lie down with pillows under your head and knees – placing one hand on your lower abdomen and one hand on your upper chest.   Make sure that your chest and abdomen are completely relaxed.
  2. Breathe through your open mouth – 10-20 breaths and notice that there is no tension in chest and abdomen restricting your organic breathing pattern.
  3. For 5 breaths, use your exhale to passively produce a “la la la” sound.
  4. Do the exercise again, breathe for 10-20, and la la la for 5-10.  Then, get out of bed and go to work!
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Free Your Articulators:  Jaw Traction and Tongue Thrust and Lip Trill release exercise

Jaw Traction:
​Repeat 3 times with 2 minute breaks (light chewing) in between
  1. Sit or stand with balanced body alignment in front of a mirror
  2. Hook the pads of your thumbs behind your jaw and under your ears
  3. Rest your hands on your cheeks
  4. Open your mouth so your teeth are one inch apart
  5. Keep your mouth open and push your lower jaw straight forward as far as you can comfortably
  6. Keep your mouth open one inch still and pull your jaw straight forward further, using your thumbs
  7. Hold the traction for 45 seconds until it feels comfortable

Tongue Thrusts
  1. Sit or stand with balanced body alignment in front of a mirror
  2. Envision your tongue at the back of your throat
  3. Thrust your tongue forward from the place that you have envisioned
  4. Hold it for three seconds and release
  5. Thrust harder for 3 seconds and release
  6. Thrust it one more time even harder, and release
When you get an impulse to cough or your jaw wants to lock up before the 3 repetitions, you have completed this exercise

Lip Trills
  1. Let your lips touch lightly
  2. Breath out through your lips --- saying an elongated bbbbbbbb
  3. Vary the pitch sliding it up and down
  4. Practice until you can keep the lips with a consistent buzz throughout the pitch variation
      Standing Now – putting it on it’s feet --- the baby is walking

Getting Vertical:  Balance and Body Release Practice
Stand up with your feet shoulder width apart from front to back and side to side
  1. Bend your knees slightly letting your bum drop to follow the motion
  2. Bend your upper body forward slightly from the hips
  3. Round your shoulders forward slightly and let your back round to follow the motion
  4. Keep your head steady --- not forward or back.    
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Movement Exercises:  Body Release and Diaphragm Freedom
  1. Still Standing in your balanced orientation, wiggle your ribs side to side (loosens back and frees diaphragm).
  2. Slightly bend your knees and use the movement of the bent knees to help release pelvis and abdomen
  3. Soften your upper chest so it releases down
  4. Let your head rock back slightly to open your throat
  5. Sing and experience your new found joy

Put it Together:  Vocal-eases
  1. HUMMS
  1. Vocal Focus;  let the inside of your lips touch gently
  2. Spastic Rabbit;  move your upper cheeks up intermittently
  3. Hum using random pitches, middle, low and then high voice
  1. UGLY AAAHHHS
  2. Relax your throat and let your mouth widen
  3. Say the ugliest AHHHH that you can yet make sure that your throat is relaxed while doing it
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Steven Flam has perfected the training of your diaphragm for vocal power.
GET YOUR FREE ‘FROM THE PRESCRIPTION PAD OF BREATHINGRX’ EBOOK NOW.
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