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March 2001 Table of Contents
Your Voice For God
Finding the Balance
By Chris Beatty
 As a voice teacher/coach, who works with every level of singer imaginable, I am always seeking that productive balance between the technical and the practical. If I get too technical, insisting on anatomically, physiologically and acoustically correct terminology, I may well lose the battle. If I manage only to impress myself with information, but the student doesn't learn, what's the point? On the other hand, if I use overly vague imagery, that not based on scientific truth, I'm creating a monster. That student won't know how to get out of trouble when it comes. He won't know what the real issues are and how to fix them.
One example of the balance of technical and functional truth would be what a doctor has to do daily. I recently accompanied a friend to the doctor.
This person was having unusual discomfort in the abdomen and this was not the first visit to get help. After some discussion and some checks, the doctor had a choice. Should he explain the complexity of all the abdominal organs, their function and potential for problems? Should he have sited potential disease, and an array of other medical concerns? It would all be truth. Of course not. Why? Because the patient would interpret this from a non-medical perspective probably resulting in fear and terror. Instead, the doctor was gentle, thorough and at the same time truthful. The patient had been given the truth in terms HE could understand. That's wisdom.
The ultimate example of balance between UNDERSTANDABLE TRUTH and TECHNICALLY CORRECT TRUTH is Jesus. As the Son of God, He could have legitimately come off as "Holier than thou." He is! But He chose (and is still choosing) to keep it in balance. First, He does (and speaks) only what He sees the Father do. The example to us is this: If you don't know it as truth, don't share it as truth. Next, (and here's the big one), He shares it in such a way that those He is speaking to can grasp it. Jesus doesn't want us to be impressed with Him. He wants us to FOLLOW Him. That takes numerous ways of delivering the same truth. Sometimes He used parables. Sometimes He was silent. Sometimes He prayed. These are all good methods for us.
Choir directors, voice teachers and coaches: our job is to find the truth now. We can't rely on "how we always do it", or what our college degrees say we know. That takes training, or refreshing, or both.
As you march into this new year, preparing for weekly and seasonal ministry, get back to the basics. That's where the refreshing always begins. In scripture, it's the Gospels. In singing, it's the foundations of Posture, Breathing, Tone, Warm-Ups, Diction and Blend. This is also where it tends to break down. And remember that there may be some new members of your choirs and worship teams that just don't have these areas together. Sharing these foundations is where we at Vocal Coach excel, and I invite your questions to chris@vocalcoach.com. Many of these questions will already be answered on the TIPS page of our web site at www.vocalcoach.com.
How to start the journey to truth and balance? First, self-assess. Get before the Lord and come up with a list of where you are weak. Is it vocal foundations and how to impart them? Basic musicianship or conducting skills? If you ask the Father, He will answer. Then, find the resources. (And there are plenty!) When in doubt, find another area music minister or teacher whose work you admire and have a meeting. Most are thrilled to be asked, and will gladly either give some help, or direct you where there is some.
God bless you as you lead His team to excellence.
Together with their publisher, Ministry Music, they have created and produced 43 best-selling audio tapes, CD s, videos and books for the Christian singer and speaker. For full details please visit their web site at You can also write them at P.O. Box 2144, Brentwood TN 37024. Or call 615-331-1080 or fax 615-331-8847.
Email: vocalcoach@vocalcoach.com
Web: www.vocalcoach.com
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