The Facts on Training at J. Wigginton Studios:

1. Vocal coaching should deliver significant, progressive and consistent results.
You should notice an increase in range, agility, power and consistency. Your teacher should encourage artistic expression while promoting vocal health. If this is not the case, then change teachers.

2. Every singer, regardless of how gifted, will benefit from studying technique.
Artists who pride themselves on being completely self-taught have fools for pupils. The greatest singers in the world, including Luciano Pavarotti, have vocal coaches. Any singer who thinks he/she is above improvement is tragically short-changing themselves and their listeners.

3. Proper technique and coaching should NEVER detract from the artist’s individuality or discourage personal expression.
A major downfall of traditional or “collegiate” technique is that it does not allow for artistic interpretation. While it is nearly impossible for the average listener to tell one opera singer from another, most people on the planet will recognize the voice of Michael Jackson or Madonna (both, by the way, study with vocal coach Seth Riggs). Whether you sing country or opera, the technique should work for you and not the other way around!

4. Range expansion IS possible.
It’s not only possible; it’s necessary for good vocal health! Have you noticed that there is an over-abundance of baritones in high school and college music programs and a serious shortage of tenors? This is going to sound harsh: There is not a shortage of tenors. But rather, there are thousands of guys who have been mislabeled “baritone” because there is a shortage of teachers who can successfully teach young singers to cross the “first bridge” and develop the mid and upper range. The same is true for women: most females have the same range potential as Mariah Carey or Patti La Belle. Traditional technique, however, often does not encourage the development of chest, mix and whistle register.

5. You CAN learn to sing many different styles convincingly.
While some people have a natural facility in certain styles (like R&B), everyone can learn licks and runs and how to express themselves better through these stylistic elements. Even though your voice and personality may be better suited for country music, studying different styles will give you more tools for performance as well as a competitive edge. I recently saw soprano Kathleen Battle in concert. For her encore, she sang her a capella rendition of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” in which she interpolates some R&B runs that would challenge Christina Aguilera’s.

6. Effective vocal coaching is based on FACT, not tradition.
A lot of really bad teaching has been passed on for generations. Phrases like “sing from your diaphragm”, “sing through the top of your head” and “imagine a space between your eyes” are all basically crap. Your diaphragm is an involuntary muscle (you can’t directly control it). And although its role in breathing is vital, it’s not going to make any music for you. Other phrases are based on imagery which is subjective (it means different things to different people).

7. Breathing technique is easy.
And it should be taught easily. It does not require an entire lesson devoted to making panting sounds while lying on the floor. Here’s your breathing lesson: stand up straight with good posture. Take a big breath without heaving your shoulders and chest up. Now hold it. With your shoulders and chest relaxed, you should feel the air expand in your belly. Now exhale with a hissing sound (ssss…) while keeping your sternum up (don’t let your chest cave in). Notice that your belly goes back in place as you breathe out. Practice this several times until it feels natural. That’s it. It doesn’t require a great deal of pressing or “support” to exhale. It should feel easy because it IS. There is no BAR exam or PhD required for breathing. Washing your cat is difficult; breathing is easy.

8. Your ability is much more limited by lack of knowledge than lack of talent.
If you are frustrated with your range, your pitch, vocal strength or any other aspect of your voice, then be encouraged. While it seems that some singers were born with amazing abilities, most of us weren’t. Range, pitch, power, style —all of it can be dramatically and progressively improved with knowledge and consistent application of solid singing technique.

9. Most people don’t know what they are capable of until someone shows them.
The most valuable asset your teacher has is a set of ears that aren’t on your
head. Your voice sounds very different to you than it does to your listeners. An objective, educated ear will know more about your voice than you do! A great teacher will know when you shy away from certain notes or licks because you don’t think you could sing them.

10. “WITH THE RIGHT VOCAL COACH, YOU CAN…
…dramatically expand your range, refine your style, improve your ear, and the overall quality of your voice. You can learn to sing higher, freer, and stronger with greater agility than you ever thought possible. You can, and you must. Whether you are a successful recording artist, a songwriter, or a soloist in your church choir, you owe it to yourself and your listeners to realize your full potential. If you’re striving for a recording contract, then you must present yourself as an undeniable talent. Your first step toward your new voice starts with an initial consultation with J Wigginton (which is always free). He will take your voice to amazing musical places you’ve never been before—just like he has done for thousands of singers over the past decade. And I should know…because I’m one of them. We’ll see you at the studio.”
–Megan Walker, Belmont Student and Studio Associate