Utilizing technology to redefine our devine relationships

Any relationship can be devine. I believe that God sends people and situations for us to learn and grow. This is why things happen in seasons. We are tried in the fire, but the gold we become is so beautiful. The people we come in contact with shows us things about ourselves and how to deal in diverse situations. Do not miss the lesson to be learned from the person  or circumstance you are dealing with.

 For spiritual maturity we have to cross lines with out fear. We will never grow if we stay comfortable. The lines of tehnology are invisible. People suffer from a lack of knowledge. Use it to gain more  and be a critical thinker. Aso in that use wisdom and practce self control.

Saturday May 3rd is my New York debut. We are working so hard to make it a successfull event. I hope that all of you can come share this moment with me and some of my close friends. This is a special event to me because I  have been in the city for one year now, and I am ready for God's light to shine through me. Everyone involved with the Project has inspired me in some way.  If you could please come out and support I would be so greatful because inspire me as well.

Blessings

Nicholas

Every one knows the man. We have all heard the music. But do you remember when you fell in love with it? I know we all have a story. I will tell you mine.

In 2003(I know thats late don't judge me) I was in my dorm for spring break. I stole the Stevie box set from my friend Kev O. It was the background music for my night. Then song "Vissions" came on. I was transported to a place so beautiful and I was so inspired. I had to listen to everything.The lyrics are poetry.  I wanna hear your story! hit me up! God Bless you all.

~Nicholas

In my opinion the most important aspect of a singer’s voice is their tone.
The tone of your voice is the sound you produce when you simply hold a note.
This is the most important because it is God given. You cant learn your tone. But do not be mistaken! You CAN develop your tone!!
The way you develop it is by trying to sing with out tricks, riffs and runs.

This week every song you sing focus on making a beautiful, pure sound.

Examples of singers with beautiful tone are:
1. Donny Hathaway
2. Sarah McLachlan
3. Whitney Houston(First album)
4. India Arie
5. Ingrid Michaelson
6. Marvin Gaye
7. Sunny Hawkins

There are so many more but that was just to name a few. if you don know these artist get to know them! hit me up with any questions, comments or concerns! God bless you all!
~Nicholas(Ghetto Falsetto)

One of the most important issues I have faced in performing is ENDURANCE! This is why it is important to first study to learn proper technique, and secondly practice to apply everything that has been learned.
Practice might be the most important. We practice with technique so that when other elements take control(i.e. emotions and or the Holy Spirit)we have nothing to worry about.
When you are ready to perform you have to Pace yourself. Don't over exert yourself in the first five minutes trying to pull out your best run to slay the audience. You can begin with high energy but make sure there is more left for the end. The race is not given to the swift but to the one who endures.
God bless!
~Nicholas

Study to show yourself approved.
This week pick three artist, bands or groups of a different genre then the one with which you identify. Choose some that you would not normally listen to.
Pick something from either their style, performance or technique that you could learn. Apply their approach to your on style performance or technique. something to look for is their appeal.
Ask yourself two questions:
1. What makes them special?
2. How do I develop what makes me who I am as an artist/performer?
check out youtube performances and song postings.
If you have questions feel free to hit me up.
God bless!
~Nicholas

Sorry! this is long over due! it is becoming the vocal tip of the year! lol

One of the definitions of the word inspiration is to breath life into something.
The job of an artist is to be inspired by the Divine and to use the gifts and talents given to us to inspire the people. God wont breath life into something without a purpose.

As a singer, one has to be open hearted. Music has the ability to evoke emotions and ultimately bring liberty.

This week think back to the reason you first opened your mouth to sing. If thats not a pleasant memory think back to when you knew you loved to sing and wouldn't be complete without it. Write down this memory and ask God to show you how to apply that initial passion to everything you sing from now on. Ask God to breathe a fresh breath of life into your music to inspire others to find there purpose.

Most improvisation or improv in a song is done for the enhancement of what is already written. Most improv( i.e. runs/riffs) in popular styles of music is based on the Pentatonic Scale. This is a five note scale. Although you may not know the name of this scale the sound is most definitely familiar.
The basis of improv is ear training and vocal control.
To control your voice one can start by practicing scales major or minor. Start slow and try to hit every note. Increase your speed when you feel like you are ready.
To train your ear listen to the chord changes of a song and pick out different notes to sing aside from the melody. Now make a counter melody with the new notes you chose. make sure the notes fit with the chords.

Three things to think about for improv:

1. Timing
Is the timing right for what you are doing/does it fit?

2. Sense
Do the notes you chose make sense with the chordal structure.

3. Feel
Do you really feel what your doing or are you just trying to show off?

If you have any questions feel free to hit me up!
~Nicholas

There is so much to say about vocal heath!! Every singer is so different! so try to figure out a Heathy lifestyle that works for your voice! I am going to give a few general tips that will work across the board.

1. Vocalize every morning. (Warm up your voice)
even if you dont have to sing that day you should get your voice going. talking is just as hard on your vocal chords!!! The shower is a great place because of the steam!

2. Drink lot and lot and lots of WATER!!!!!!
It helps to stay well hydrated. the chords can vibrate and work together better.

3. Keep you throat wrapped and covered.(especially in the colder months)
When you get sick you throat is one of the first thing to feel it!!

4. Get lots of rest!!! (especially when you have to sing)
You carry your instrument with you everywhere you go. make sure you body is well rested.

and lastly

5. If you are hoarse refer back to numbers 2,3 and 4.
your chords a swollen. they are twice the size the are normally!! Trying to whisper, talk or sing on them could do even more damage to them that may be irreversible. so unless the Rent depends on it DONT sing on hoarse vocal chords!!!!!!

Hope this helps! love you all! god bless
~Nicholas

when sing, in any style always take nice low breaths!! this helps with the control of your tone, accuracy and pitch! ( lol). to know if your taking a nice low breath :

1. place your hand on your stomach 

2. take a deep breath in.

3. exhale.

if your stomach expands and flattens like a balloon this is correct! if not we may have a problem.

singns of improper breathing:

1. if your shoulders raise.

2. if the sound is audible

3.if the stomach does not expand.

never take a shallow breath!!!!!!!!! a quick breath or a "catch breath" is fine. but never shallow!! this drys out the vocal chords and doesnt allow for them to vibrate correctly! so we always take nice low breaths to increase our breath support!

~Nicholas

yo!! what up family!

im cleaning out my music player on my page soooo.......

all of the old stuff thats not on my project is up for dowload!!!

this is for all of you who love them!!! hope they bless you! they will be up for only 3 days!!!!!!!! hope you get while they are up!!

much love

lord bless

~Nicholas