What will you do with your "Omg Voice"?

The Voice, America's Got Talent, and The Masked Singer are all shows that could make you rich and famous.

I like watching the first few episodes of the season of the Voice or America's Got Talent. It seems more real to me to see all of the auditions.

So. Many. Happy. Tears!

But, what makes those chairs turn?

What makes that "oh my god!" voice?

I know what it is.

It's the same sound that whips your head around when you hear someone cry for help.

It's the same sound that melts your heart when you hear a parent sing a loving lullaby.

I know how to teach you to make that Million Dollar Sound.

It's all in the training - the voice building.

You can learn how to:

• Belt those high notes

• Croon the ballads

• Even out your mixed voice

• Sing the way you've always wanted

Get started on your journey here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Josh

Hallelujah, I just love Pugs so....

Rebecca wants a new pug puppy.

I'm not so sure.

Let's take a poll!

Should Josh and Rebecca get another pug puppy? (comment below yes or no)

Positives:

• Cuteness

• Josh can sing to two pugs instead of one (are there any pug songs?)

• Siegfried (our current pug) will have a friend.

• Our boys can have more responsibilities.

• Rebecca will be in love with the new pug, and, therefore happy forevermore.

• Students will be in love with the new pug.

Negatives:

• Siegfried will teach the new pug to bark at everyone.

• The new pug might be a psycho, just like Siegfried.

• I might be known as "that singing teacher with all the pugs" (possible positive!)

Hmmmm.......

I just don't know.

Rebecca is researching Pugs right now.

Oh God.

It's a good thing I have a 5 Minute Breathing and Singing Meditation on YouTube: ​

I always joke that singing is the modern-day Smoke Break.

When I was washing dishes in high school, I was always jealous of the peeps that had a smoke break.

Smoking is terrible for you - it can kill you - we all know this - Don't do it!

Singing is great for you - it makes your life better - we all know this - Do it!

Slow breaths, long singing phrases, slow breaths, long singing phrases.

Try it on the YouTube link above.

It's lovely.

My heart rate is already slowing down.

Pug Decision 2022 is coming. Cookie, Waffles, Pepper, Gizmo, Winnie, are all looking at us through the iPhone Screen - calling to us...

Learn more about breathing, singing, and awesomeness here: ​

Pugs 4EVER!

5 Minutes to Stress Reduction

It seems all of us have never been busier. 

Practicing your art is probably not at the top of the to-do list! 

It is somewhere on there, though, or we wouldn't be chattin' it up right now. 

So, here's a checklist of how to practice singing in 5 minutes:

• Breath

• Breath some more

• Breath before you sing

• Keep breathing while you sing

• Enjoy the stress reduction

• Enjoy the oxygen high

• Repeat tomorrow

I just made a video on YouTube that walks you through this. 

Bookmark it and sing along during your day for the singing version of mood-enhancing drugs!

Get your Stress Reductions singing warmup here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LcTo52LZe5E

If you want to dive deeper into the technique and get the most out of your warmups, check out the full Sing with Josh course here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

I Am Not Throwin' Away My... Shot

Two weekends ago, we saw Opera Colorado's production of The Shining.

This past weekend, we saw the national tour of Hamilton.

Live theatre is fantastic. The electricity in the audience for Hamilton was spellbinding. People were screaming in joy. The actors lit up the stage, and I had a smile on my face for 3 hours.

The Shining was more like being in a museum, like looking at a piece of great art. It commanded respect and rapt attention.

Opera singers don't use microphones, and Musical Theatre singers use microphones.

Because of that, the whole medium changes.

A "no microphone" vocal production has to be different to be heard over an orchestra and to be projected to the back of the house.

There were some fantastic singers in Hamilton. Some of their bios even said they trained classically.

Classical vocal training allows you to sing everything. You can sing pop, rap, rock, opera, jazz, or whatever you want. All you have to do is adjust the vowel production for the genre you are singing.

The Vocal Academy at Sing with Josh stems from my 20 years as a professional singer in New York City and around the world. The curriculum is based on my education at Manhattan School of Music and the world-class teachers and coaches I have studied.

Not only will you get an excellent singing education through the Sing with Josh online course, but you will start to recognize the subtleties that make other singers great (or not great!). You'll start to enjoy live performances more because you'll identify vocal technique in action.

This technique changed my life. I'm excited to see how it will change yours!

Sign up here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Benefits In All The Wrong Places

Yesterday was an exercise in lemons out of lemonade.

The car wouldn't start, but my amazing neighbor rescued us and took the kids to school. We had a great conversation during the commute.

The dishwasher leaked and the kitchen flooded with water, but Rod, our contractor, went to YouTube University and fixed it.

A dear old friend of mine was going through a rough patch and said a few choice words to me, but it motivated me to write an original song about his situation. (demo releasing soon!)

And then, I started teaching.

I guided students through breathing exercises, which helped steady my nerves.

I got to sing all day by demonstrating vocal technique, which improved my mood.

One student recorded Moon River and Illicit Affairs while I played piano and helped produce the track on Ableton. It felt great.

A simple 5-minute singing warm-up can calm your nerves, change your mood, and give you some inspiration.

If you could bottle those benefits, you could make millions of people happy.

Wait, I think we already did that.

It's all here in the Sing with Josh online course.

It's more than just a singing course.

Inside The Vocal Academy, You Will:

• Learn professional techniques for every level of singing

• Develop the muscles that directly control your singing voice

• Develop your chest and falsetto registers and learn to coordinate between the two voices

• Overcome your fears of singing

• Learn vowels, vocal anatomy, ear training, breathing for singing, emoting, and performance skills

• Professional, hands-on guidance with an optional private lesson and four months of group coaching

• Apply your technique to songs you love

• Learn to experience the pure freedom of singing well

Read more about it here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Please let me know if you have any questions.

My wife can't stand Kevin Costner

I'm not sure why, but Rebecca just can't deal with Kevin Costner movies.

It's become a running joke for us.

"Should we watch Waterworld tonight? I heard it's awesome."

"Hey, the kids won't be home for 3 hours - wanna watch Dances with Wolves?"

Yeah, right.

My favorite Kevin Costner movies are a close call.

Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, or, Field of Dreams.

"If you build it, he will come."

That's the famous line from Field of Dreams.

I've always thought of that line whenever I would work on something.

I thought, if I worked hard enough on whatever it was, it would work out.

It's usually true.

Ray Liotta was the "coach" in Field of Dreams. Throughout the movie, he helped our friend Kevin like the friendly ghost he was.

He would pop out of the creepy cornfield with some wise adage, and Kevin would get back to work, tearing up his farm. Thankfully, it worked out in the end.

Everyone needs a coach, and a good coach is hard to find.

I've studied with SO many vocal coaches and teachers, and I feel like I'm that Ray Liotta ghost, wandering out of a digital cornfield, saying to you, "If you build it, they will come."

If you build your voice like I know you've always wanted to, you will find a bit of fulfillment.

I see it all the time with my students, and I'll be here for you along the way to make sure you stay on the vocal path.

The Sing with Josh online course is designed to make sure you feel comfortable in your vocal progression.

If you have a question, just call out my name (or drop me an email - that might work better).

Build yourself a better voice today.

Get started here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Last call to save $100 at Sing with Josh

Hello friends, just a quick note that our 20% off sale is ending today.

If you've wanted to introduce your vocal cords to the Sing with Josh Vocal Academy, this is an excellent opportunity to do it.

So many perks, so little time!

• Lifetime access to the curriculum

• Learn at your own pace

• Four months of live group classes

• Optional private lessons with me

• Performance opportunities and much more!

Grab the sale here before 11 AM Mountain Time on March 9th:

https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Only 2 days left to save $100

"I wish life was not so short... Languages take such a time, and so do all the things one wants to know about."

J. R. R. Tolkien

A student posted this quote the other day, and it made me realize how many things I want to learn more deeply:

• Spanish

• Martial Arts

• Piano

But, the Vocal Academy at Sing with Josh works on your time.

Our self-paced curriculum never goes away. How does lifetime access sound?

Our practice schedule will help you parcel out moments in your day to practice.

And, you'll get extra inspirational videos and tidbits of vocal insights from me.

Live classes are optional and recorded for your convenience.

But, the sale is going away in two days!

Sign up here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Volcanos of bubbles in the bathroom

"Um, Josh, did you put bubbles in the toilet? Because there is, like, a volcano of bubbles coming out of the toilet," my wonderful red-headed wife says to me.

"Huh?" I mutter in confusion and saunter over to the bathroom. 

I mean, sometimes, sure, I put some bubbles in the toilet to keep things interesting, but surely there can't be bubbles exploding out of the toilet.

Lo and behold, in our construction zone of a bathroom, there are more bubbles than I have ever seen seeping, oozing, really, out of the toilet. 

My first thought is the bubbles will clean the caulk and drywall dust for me, but then I remember that two red-headed twin boys are taking a bubble bath upstairs.   

"Booooooooooooooys!" I holler in my chest-coordinated baritone.

The water stops running, and they hobble down in their bubble suits and start cleaning up the art exhibit. 

I should have taken a photo. 

Anyway, the moral of the story is: Chest Voice is for Hollering.

One must strengthen and train the chest voice to be heard over a gushing bathtub full of bubbles. Or an Orchestra, for that matter!

The chest voice is for hollering! Use it or lose it, I say. 

If you want to get your hollering on and save a potential bubble catastrophe, slide on over to the Vocal Academy at Sing with Josh. 

Hurry on up; there's a sale happening for the next 5 days. 

After that, the sale will disappear like Bubbles sprayed by Isopropyl Alcohol. (Did you know that? Many thanks to my Mother-in-law!)

Get your elite vocal technique here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

P.S. This story reminds me of "Singing in the Bathtub," as sung by the fabulous Mandy Patinkin (we have another great tale about him, too!)

The most nervous I've ever been!

A group of tough-looking Jets was standing stage right at Carnegie Hall. My destination at center stage was a good 50 feet away. The New York Philharmonic started playing "When you're a Jet," and I had about 15 seconds to get there to start singing my solo. 

There was a tiny walkway between the violins and the lip of the stage. 

The sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall was to the right, and the New York Philharmonic crushing the score of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story Suites was on the left. 

One Billion Butterflies were flying around in my stomach. 

And, I walked stone-cold to Center Stage and sang my guts out. 

After the show, my singing hero at the time, Thomas Hampson, big hair and all shook my hand and said, "Great job."

I was nervous. I was terrified. But, I kept going. 

Preparation is critical for any endeavor. Singing is a little different, though, and it takes a little longer to prepare.The opportunities that help you prepare for big gigs are few and far between. 

You might not be singing at Carnegie Hall tomorrow or next year, but what about that audition for a community theatre, school play, or just a family concert in the living room? 

I want to help you prepare for those moments when you want to stand up and sing. 

The nerves might be there, but you can keep going too. (It helps to walk slowly!)

The Vocal Academy at Sing with Josh will help you become a better singer.

Learn more about it here: https://www.singwithjosh.com/

Keep Calm and Sing On!

How To Hit The High Notes

Lately I’ve been composing some original tunes. I’ve been able to record my vocals without any issues, and I’ve gotten to the point where I like listening back to my own singing. But, it took me a while to like my own voice.

How about you? Do you like listening to your voice? Please reply if you want to chat about it!

Enjoying your own singing is possible, and I invite you to check out our online Vocal Academy at Boulder Voice Lessons!

In the Academy, I teach bi-weekly live group classes, private lessons, and you’ll get access to the full-scale course!

If that’s not for you, I also offer a library of free classes on YouTube. Here’s one of my favorites.

How to Sing High Notes — For Lower Voices

Homeschool Music Teacher

Elite Music Training for your Homeschool Academy

Add instant cache to your Homeschool Academy by bringing Boulder Voice Lessons into your curriculum. World Class Voice Teacher, Joshua South, has developed an elite, fully customizable music education program for your homeschooling pod that includes:

• Choices of One/Two/Three Classes per Week

• World Class Vocal Training

• Music Theory

• Ear Training 

• Sight Singing

• Ukulele

• Piano

• Creative Songwriting

• Music Production on various computer programs

• Engaging, Fun, and Highly Informative for all levels - beginner to professional. 

Joshua South, lead teacher of Boulder Voice Lessons, has performed with 50 Cent, Paul McCartney, Kelli O’Hara, Kelsey Grammar, Brian Dennehy, and many other world class singers, conductors and stage directors (Julie Taymor, Sir Jonathan Miller, among others) at many world class venues like Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He has been a member of a number of world class vocal ensembles, including The Clarion Choir (2017 GRAMMY nomination for Best Choral Performance), St Thomas Men and Boys Choir, New York City Opera Chorus, New York Choral Artists, the Bard Opera Chorus, Trinity Wall Street, and has sung on numerous SAG/AFTRA major motion picture soundtracks. 

He has performed in Brazil, Italy, Austria, and gave a 2 week recital and masterclass tour in China, with performances in Shanghai and Xiamen.

Joshua has been a student of vocal technique for over 20 years and has studied with the most well respected voice teachers, vocal coaches and collaborative artists in New York City. He holds a Master of Music Degree from Manhattan School of Music.

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Reviews

“It can be hard to know what to look for in a teacher. Josh embodies everything we needed as we looked for the next step (son has been taking for 9 years working with teachers locally and in NYC). First and foremost Josh provides a focus on vocal cord health, then helps you identify and love your tone and range while helping you grow it. For a male singer going through voice change, it can be as difficult emotionally as it is physically learning to sing again. Josh patiently helps male students relearn the shapes and sounds while helping regain their confidence (using technique and songs). We highly recommend Josh to anyone looking to work technique or up your game for professional gigs or college auditions.”

— Google 5-star Review

“Josh is a really amazing teacher! He is very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and patient, and I have seen immense progress in my few months of working with him. As a shy singer I was initially a little intimidated of singing in front of people, but Josh has a gift for creating a relaxed and safe singing environment. I am excited to see where my voice will be in a year or so! I would highly recommend Josh as a voice teacher.”

— Google 5-Star Review

“My daughter loves her voice and piano lessons with Josh and has grown so much. It’s really inspiring for her to work with a professional singer and we even got to watch him perform with the Colorado Opera. He’s fun, patient, and she looks forward to each lesson. Josh is a true master of his craft and we highly recommend working with him.”

— Google 5-Star Review

“Boulder Voice Lessons is AMAZING! How did we get so lucky to get Josh in our little town! Josh is so talented at teaching his technique. He is patient and so smart. He has a true method to his teaching always with growth in mind for the students. Everything he teaches is with purpose. My daughter has learned more in 2 months then in all the years she has studied piano and voice! Thanks Josh!”

— Google 5-Star Review

Voice Lessons This Summer

Boulder Voice Lessons Summer Music Academy’s registration deadline has passed…. But, there are still opportunities to have a voice lesson. Please get in touch with me by clicking the button below and we will find a time for you.

And, if you haven’t checked out my new TV show(!) on https://www.twitch.tv/bouldervoicelessons, then run right over before those lessons are deleted. If you have any ideas on musical topics that you would like to learn about, drop a comment below, or send an email!

Keep practicing!

Josh

Boulder Voice Lessons

Boulder Voice Lessons Master Teacher, Joshua South

Summer Voice Lessons and Music Lessons

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Boulder Voice Lessons is Moving to a Tuition Based Music Academy

Starting June 1st, 2020, Boulder Voice Lessons will be moving to a tuition based Music Academy. Clients will purchase a semester of lessons at a time for guaranteed weekly sessions.

Lessons will incorporate world class vocal technique, repertoire, musicianship, sight singing, rhythmic dictation, ear training, keyboard skills and brief song writing concepts for each student

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What are some of the benefits of joining the Academy?

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1. You are reserving my time.

   I have been a working professional singer for the past 15 years. Many times, a wonderful singing opportunity would take me away from the students for an extended period of time. I have decided to make the choice of being a teacher my priority. By moving to a tuition based service, you are now guaranteed that I will always be available for your scheduled lesson.

2. You will get a dedicated time slot for your weekly lesson. 

   In the past, scheduling a lesson was first come, first served. This has many benefits, but I feel that a dedicated weekly lesson time will lead to greater advancement for the student. 

3. Access to Masterclasses with leading performers in the industry. 

   Because of my professional singing career, I have worked with some fabulous performers, and many of my peers are now working as performers on Broadway, National Tours, on the international opera stage, and as recording artists. I have also worked with many internationally recognized directors and casting directors which will be featured in Masterclass. There will be opportunities for the Academy students to have masterclasses with these industry leading professionals. This is a very special thing! There will be at least one major masterclass per semester.

4. End of the Semester Recital

   Students in the Academy will be able to perform at a professionally recorded recital at the end of the semester. Because of timing, the recital may be scheduled during the following semester. 

5. Advanced music theory and keyboard skills.

   Choir auditions in Boulder, and around the United States are extremely challenging - this ranges from elementary school all-state choirs to middle school, to high school, to adult community choirs. Without elite musical training, you will [probably] not get into these choirs. Your lessons will include sight-singing preparation, ear training preparation, and basic keyboard skills that will give you the best chance at being accepted into these choirs. If the student is headed to college, this could also potentially save thousands of dollars by passing out of basic musicianship courses at the collegiate level.

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Tuition and Summer Semester Dates:

Summer semester dates:

June 1st - August 28th, 2020

Vacation will be: July 1 - July 8, 2020

Weekly lesson tuition:

60 Min: $1,096 (About 13 slots remaining)

(Tuition Cost includes $100 Recital Fee, and a $3 per Lesson Studio Fee)

Payment plans can be arranged!
Contact me with any questions or concerns.
info@bouldervoicelessons.com

Boulder Voice Lessons Available Summer Times - Current as of 5/18 at 8am

Boulder Voice Lessons Testimonials

“It can be hard to know what to look for in a teacher. Josh embodies everything we needed as we looked for the next step (son has been taking for 9 years working with teachers locally and in NYC). First and foremost Josh provides a focus on vocal cord health, then helps you identify and love your tone and range while helping you grow it. For a male singer going through voice change, it can be as difficult emotionally as it is physically learning to sing again. Josh patiently helps male students relearn the shapes and sounds while helping regain their confidence (using technique and songs). We highly recommend Josh to anyone looking to work technique or up your game for professional gigs or college auditions.

— Google 5-star Review

“Josh is a really amazing teacher! He is very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and patient, and I have seen immense progress in my few months of working with him. As a shy singer I was initially a little intimidated of singing in front of people, but Josh has a gift for creating a relaxed and safe singing environment. I am excited to see where my voice will be in a year or so! I would highly recommend Josh as a voice teacher.

— Google 5-Star Review

“My daughter loves her voice and piano lessons with Josh and has grown so much. It’s really inspiring for her to work with a professional singer and we even got to watch him perform with the Colorado Opera. He’s fun, patient, and she looks forward to each lesson. Josh is a true master of his craft and we highly recommend working with him.

— Google 5-Star Review

“Boulder Voice Lessons is AMAZING! How did we get so lucky to get Josh in our little town! Josh is so talented at teaching his technique. He is patient and so smart. He has a true method to his teaching always with growth in mind for the students. Everything he teaches is with purpose. My daughter has learned more in 2 months then in all the years she has studied piano and voice! Thanks Josh!

— Google 5-Star Review

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I am extremely excited to bring this tuition based academy to Boulder Voice Lessons. If you have any questions or concerns regarding payment, please reach out to me and we can discuss.

Weekly Online Dance Class for Kids

One day a week for dancing glory is [about] all it takes.

We have changed our Movement and Music schedule to one class a week - just Fridays at 2:30pm (12:30pm EST). Each Friday we will build on the previous weeks’ work, songs, rhythm, and stretching.

We are working on functional movements that will help your child become more athletic, stronger, more flexible, and build greater hand-eye coordination.

This class rocks with live music, music education, singing instruction and rhythm exercises.

Get your dancin’ and singin’ shoes on and sign up below:

Josh South

Boulder Voice Lessons

Online Movement and Music Class

Are your kids crawling up the walls???

Here is the solution:

Boulder Voice Lessons is starting an online movement class that my partner, Rebecca is teaching. The class teaches pre-ballet movements that Rebecca has designed specifically for kids, and I will be playing the piano and incorporating musical education during part of the class (rhythm, ear training, and basic vocal instruction).

The class is 2:30pm on Fridays and Mondays ... It's $10 per class (total, per household), and it's great to get the kids moving during these isolating times! We will hold it on a private link on Zoom, so it's sure to be safe and private. 

You can sign up here: 

www.bouldervoicelessons.com/schedule

Hope you all are well, and staying well!

Best,

Josh and Rebecca

Boulder Voice Lessons

Online Singing and Piano Lessons from Boulder Voice Lessons

Online Singing Lessons are the new normal...

Online Piano Lessons are the new normal...

But! How about taking those lessons with the same person, in the same hour?

General Music Education Online, combined with world-class singing lessons and piano lessons, is available through Boulder Voice Lessons.

The students and I are having a great time in our lessons and due to my fantastic professional audio set-up you will hear me loud and clear, with no audio issues...

Stay creative with a songwriting project supplemented through the technique I will teach you… Online recording lessons with your audio production software can be incredibly simple. Practically everybody has access to Apple‘s app, GarageBand and you would be astounded at the quality of the songs you can write.

Online Song Writing Lessons teach the student so much about life- Rhythm, melodies, music theory, poetry, math, ratios, fractions, deductive reasoning, problem-solving, determination, patience, and even reading and writing.

Schools are off here in Boulder until at least April 17, so think of these lessons as world class “un-schooling” or homeschooling sessions.

Lessons are easy to schedule, just follow the link here:

www.bouldervoicelessons.com/schedule

Much peace,

Josh

Joshua South
Boulder Voice Lessons
info@bouldervoicelessons.com

Free Piano Lesson and Daily Piano Warmups

Boulder Voice Lessons Daily 7 minute piano warm up will make you a better piano player.

Daily Piano Practice will make you a better piano player!

If you don’t know what to practice, or if you are sick of practicing your assigned song, just do this simple 7 minute warm up, and you’ll continue to improve.

It’s like 7 minute Abs, but for your fingers.

Check it here:

How to Audition

The other week my rambunctious twin boys auditioned for their first professional theater company. They were going for the role of Tiny Tim. We worked really hard for about two weeks to get them ready.... (There was lots of bribing involved)

The big day came... they had resumes and headshots in hand as they each strutted into the audition room without me, handed their music to the pianist, proudly announced their names and their selections and sang their piece.

I was trying as hard as I could to be the ultimate “stage dad” with my ear against the audition door listening for their cute dulcet Tiny Tim voices. And, after everybody in their group was finished with their own additions, they called the whole group back into the room to work on a new song.

A NEW SONG???? But they are only six years old....They can’t even read yet, let alone read music.
(Internal eye rolling, internal palm to the face)

“Why didn’t I prepare all of Tiny Tim‘s music for my kids!!!” I yelled at myself in the silence of my own brain.

Welp, neither one got the role.

Lesson learned. Learn the whole role if you really want to be considered.

This goes for six-year-old singers auditioning for musical theater, stage actors auditioning for Hamlet, opera singers auditioning for whatever, and grade school kids auditioning for their school play at Mesa Elementary, Bear Creek Elementary, Fairview High School, or Southern Hills Middle School, or any BVSD school.. The more you seem prepared, the more the producers will trust you. After all, you worked hard to get this far, why not learn that extra piece and impress the audition panel.

If you’re interested in working locally with me, sign up for a lesson at www.bouldervoicelessons.com, or drop me an email at info@bouldervoicelessons.com.

How prepared you have to be?

The show is tonight!

Peace!
Joshua South,
Boulder Voice Lessons,

#BoulderVoiceLessons Instagram Feed

Singing Lessons Near Me has never been nearer to YOU.

Boulder Voice Lessons Instagram Feed is going to give you a :59 second singing tip as often as possible.

How to Sing Like a Top 40 Star is the theme for this “course.” We’ll give you great tips on mic technique, smokey sounds, chest sounds, belts, etc.

Singing Technique for all ages, all types, all genres of music.

Check it out!

Peace!

Joshua South

Boulder Voice Lessons

Had a blast taking bjj class with @easton_online today!

Movement and music class to fill the soul today. 2:30pm Mountain time. Sign up on the website, bouldervoicelessons.com #dance #danceclass #lessons #bouldervoicelessons Link in the description.