This blog is by singer/songwriter/producer, Benita Charles Music. She shares her thoughts and views on life and music. She resides in Harlem, NY. Her debut CD, Moments In Love: Volume 1 is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
"Image is Everything!" That is the theme of the "Your Image" Section of the Singing Tips with Benita Charles Show. Nowadays, your image can be more important than your music in some cases. That's why it has to be impeccable.
Your image consists of your appearance, your communications and your behavior. Once you sharpen those areas of your image, you will be unstoppable.
In this show, we reviewed the 10 tips in the "Your Image" Section (Tips 31 - 40).
"Your Image" Section
Tip #31 Image is everything
Tip #32 Self Image/Self Care
Tip #33 Your Appearance
Tip #34 Effective Communications (verbal, non-verbal and written)
Tip #35 Your Communication: Your Message
Tip #36 Your Behavior (Your Reputation) Tip #37 Your Behavior (Time Management)
Tip #38 Your Behavior (Self Discipline)
Tip #39 Your Behavior ( Self Confidence)
Tip #40 Your Behavior (Self Esteem/Self Worth) Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Benita Charles with super producer, Themi in New York City
Since we recently had a expert holistic health practitioner, Carolyn Jones on Singing Tips talking about self care for artists, I thought it was important for me to share my struggles with vocal care. In order to remind the audience of the importance for singers and speakers to practice proper vocal care.
On this episode, we discussed the importance of taking care of your voice from my experience of abusing my voice. I've paid the price of severe hoarseness my vocal fatigue.
I'm working on new music in the studio, I've been hired to work with other songwriters on their music in the studio and I've had quite a few live performances. All these things are very demanding for my voice. I haven't been practicing good vocal care and I'm paying the price for my actions. I finally had to take a step back and look at the things I was doing. I had to change my ways or suffer severe vocal damage.
Here 4 ways to Take Care of Your Voice:
1) Watch overusing your voice.
-- Speak at a normal vocal. Sing within your range and work with a vocal teacher to expand your range.
-- Avoid excessive talking, whispering, constant shouting are all things that are bad for your voice if at all possible.
2) Remember to warm up your voice before you sing.
-- Just as you should warm up your muscles before you exercise, the same applies to your voice for singing and public speaking.
-- Even if it's a low hum for a few minutes.
3) Properly hydrate your voice.
-- Drink lots of water before, during and after you sing. I noticed this especially in the studio where the room could be dry.
-- Proper hydration made a huge difference to my recordings.
4) Rest your voice between shows as much as possible.
-- Sometimes it's good to take a complete vocal where for a day or two, where you don't use your voice at all. If you must communicate, you will write down everything you need to say when communicating with others.
-- This will allow your voice to repair from overuse.
I hope these tips were helpful. Please heed my warning and "take care of your voice!"
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Singing Tips Live with Benita Charles: Ask the expert, Carolyn Jones
On this episode, we had a special guest/author, Carolyn Jones talk to singers about self care the holistic way. It was very enlightening and educational.
Facebook Live:
About Carolyn Jones:
Carolyn Jones is the author of "Pick Up Your Bed and Walk: A Self-Care Guide to Improved Health.
She is the founder of the Qi to Go Project. The company services focus on soul retrieval as a lifestyle, the importance of detoxification and the art of self-care.
Carolyn is a holistic health consultant/practitioner who educates clients about the importance of holistic self-care, stress elimination, pain management and alternative healing modalities.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
If you are a singer and you're looking for a place to communicate with me regarding any of the information on The Singing Tips Live with Benita Charles Show, please join the new Facebook Group I created called the The Born To Sing Society. There's artists from various levels and genres who are a part of the community. It's a great way to network and learn new and interesting things. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/BornToSing17.
I recently had a great recording session this past weekend. The song was great, the producer was engaging and had great ideas and my vocals were on. It was truly amazing.
That hasn't always been the case. When I first started recording, I had a difficult time in the studio.
Because I started as a live performer, I was use to singing in front of an audience. In the studio, it was just me and a mic. I was out of my element and it was difficult at first.
I tried so hard and I over thought everything. In turn, my recordings would turn out horrible. Not to mention, some of the producers I was working with didn't know how to bring things out of me. It was not a good situation. My confidence and self esteem were wrecked.
One of the things that helped me was when I performed the song live first before I recorded it. It made all the difference in the world. In this case, I was able to experiment with the song first before I went to the studio. When I returned to the studio, recording was a breeze. This boosted my self confidence and raised my self esteem tremendously.
Benita Charles with super producer, Themi
Here are 3 top lessons I learned from recording:
1) Always be prepared
-- Know the song and make sure you are performance ready
2) Get out of your own head
-- Relax and take your time
-- Usually, the first few takes are the best
3) Never, ever give up -- Keep up working at it, eventually you will get better
-- This will definitely improve your confidence in the matter
Best wishes as you take your music to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and
entertainment!"
Singing Tips by Benita Charles - Tip #40 Your Image: Your Behavior
SELF-IMAGE/ SELF ESTEEM
"Self-esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves." -- Nathaniel Branden
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." -- Marilyn Monroe
"Never say anything about yourself you don't want to come true." -- Brian Tracy
In this episode, we discussed self image/ self esteem and how it affects your behavior in every aspect of your life.
*Self image is the idea one has of one's abilities, appearance and personality. (Reference: Google)
*Self esteem reflects a person's overall subjective, emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is important because it shows ourselves how we view the way we are and the sense of our personal value. It affects the way we are in the world and the way we act towards others. (Reference: Wikipedia)
Things that shaped self esteem:
Childhood
Experiences with family and friends
Work experiences
School/college experiences
Society (cultures/religion/race)
Here are 5 key ways to enhance your self esteem:
1) Love yourself
-- Be kind to yourself as you are to others
-- Accept yourself for who you are
-- Treat yourself to something nice (a nice bubble bath, a nature walk, etc.)
2) Take care of yourself
-- Your health is #1. You can't do anything if you're not healthy
-- maintain a healthy lifestyle: eat a nutritious meal/exercise/get plenty of rest/drink water
3) Give yourself a break
-- Practice positive self-talk (build yourself up)
-- Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Learn from them and move on
4) Schedule "Me Time" everyday
-- Ideally: 10 minutes first thing in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening before bed
5) Focus on your strengths, gifts and talents
-- Develop your talents and sharpen your skills
-- This will increase your self confidence and self esteem
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and
entertainment!"
"One important key to success is self-confidence. A key to self-confidence
is preparation." -- Arthur Ashe
In this episode, we discussed self confidence in all you do in life. Self-confidence
will set you a part and attract success to you.
*Self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities and
judgement.
Self-confidence is a set of behaviors you can improve and it's built from the
outside in. You can improve your self-confidence by changing your behavior.
Self-confidence should not be confused with self-esteem.
**Self Esteem is an evaluation of one's own self-worth. In other words, self-esteem
is how we feel about ourselves (it's built from the inside out). Based on where
you are in your self-esteem, it can take years to repair and improve.
I. Here are 3 key ways to enhance your self-confidence:
A) Look the part
-- Always look your best
-- When you look good, you feel good (buy a new dress or suit. Get a new
hairstyle.)
C) Act the part
-- Make your presence known in every situation
-- The way you sit and stand speaks volumes: sit up straight and stand tall
-- Look people in the eye when speaking
-- Speak slowly and deliberately
-- Be assertive and self-assured, not timid
D) Know your stuff
-- Study your industry and gain the knowledge you need
-- Practice your speeches, presentations, songs to perfection (Practice makes
perfect!)
-- When you know what you're doing and what you're saying, it automatically
makes you more confident
II. Fake It Til You Make It
***The purpose of this phrase is that by imitating confidence, competence with
an optimistic mindset, it can lead to the realization of that imitation in an
individual's life. In other words, acting as something can lead to that something.
Aristotle once said: "To be virtuous one must act as a virtuous person
would act."
**** I read an article from a coach, John Sannicandro and
he said that he once worked part time in a psychiatric ward. He discovered that
the patients did well when they were exposed to positive behaviors (such as
bedtime curfew, mandatory group attendance and structure). He found that
structure, behavior and routines are the best ways to create positive change.
This can definitely apply to positive behaviors to enhance your self-confidence.
"Do what you gotta do so that you can do what you want to do." -- Edgar Holley, Sr.
In this episode, we discussed self-discipline in terms forming successful habits for success. Self-discipline is one for the keys to success.
Growing up, I've always been a child who loved to play first (pleasure before pain). This has carried through my adult life. It hasn't worked out too good. It has lead to missed deadlines, missed opportunities and unnecessary stress. I've decided self-discipline is something I'd like to improve and master.
Here are 3 key ways to improve your self-discipline muscle:
1) Make a list of things that need to be done for the day
-- Prioritize your list to the top 3 things that need to be done
2) Do the one thing from your priority list that will make the most impact on your life
-- This will leave you with more time to do the things you want to do
3) Do it even when you don't feel like it (this is the key to self-discipline)
-- This is the most difficult thing to do and this is the heart of mastering self-discipline.
-- If you can push through those times when you don't feel like it, success is on the other side.
-- Sometimes you need a swift kick in the rear-end to get the party started. Get it done!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
It is imperative that artists are on time for their obligations and events. This will project a professional image and ensure more work. This week's topic is time management.
In this episode, we had a special guest contributor, Ed "Preachermann" Holley. He has a great sense of time that dates back to childhood. He was an athlete throughout his youth and adult life (baseball & football). His father was a football player and coach and instill great values of line in him. One of the things his father use to say has stayed with him throughout his life:
"Do what you gotta do so that you can do what you want to do."
Here are some key time management points from Preachermann:
*He's known by his friends and people who work with him as someone who is always early.
*He give himself time for "life" (train delays, wardrobe mishaps, traffic). This leads to less stress.
*He arrives at his gigs 2 hours in advance (this allows him to prepare equipment/solve any venue difficulties, sound check, etc). Whatever the issue, he's there to address it early.
* He allows time 10 - 15 minutes before he goes on stage to "center" himself.
A special thanks to Ed "Preachmann" Holley for the valuable information he shared with us!
About Preachermann:
Preachermann is a recording artist/dynamic live performer who performs with his band, Preachermann and The Revival throughout the New York City area. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Preachermannmusic/.
Singing Tips by Benita Charles - Tip #37
On this episode on Singing Tips Live, we discussed ways to improve time management.
Effective time management as it affects your image and reputation.
"How you do anything, is how you do everything." -- Martha Beck 3 key ways to improve your time management skills:
A) Commit
*Make a commitment with yourself that you will improve your time and you will improve your time.
B) Prepare (Plan...Plan...Plan)
*Always use a calendar to keep up with your obligations and events.
*Make a list of everything you need to do to prepare for a particular event. Think about the time it will take you to get each thing done.
*Calculate that time into the total amount of time you will need to leave on time. Include extra "cushion" time.
*Prepare the night before for your event (eg. review directions, prepare clothes, bag/purse).
C) Execute
*Leave on time for your event (with the extra "cushion" time calculated into the total time, it will take you to get to your destination)
*Practice Lombardi Time
- Vince Lombardi, the legendary Green Bay Packers Coach, had a motto: always arrive 15 minutes before the appointed time. If you're on time, you're late!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love, Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Your Image: Your Behavior (Your Reputation) Today, we discussed your reputation and ways to enhance it.
Your Reputation are the beliefs and opinions that are generally held about someone or something.
3 ways to improve your reputation:
1) Dependability -- Are you dependable? Do you show up when you say you will? -- My grandfather use to say, "Your word is your bond!" Can people count on the words you say?
2) Punctuality --Are you on time for your appointments and engagements? Do you value other's time? Do you allow for enough tine for your appointments? --The famous coach Vince Lombardi was known for his punctuality. He coined the phase, Lombardi time (always arrive 15 minutes before the event). If you're your early, your on tine. If you're on time, you're late.
3) Self-Discipline
--Self-Discipline is the ability to control and motivate yourself, stay on track and do what is right - even when you don't feel like it. --Improve your self-discipline and you inprove your chances of success.
For this week's Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show, I received a free makeover at the Bluemercury Cosmetics Store in Tribeca, New York City by a lovely lady named Jennifer Byers. She was a representative of Bobby Brown Cosmetics. I was very pleased with the results!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Your message is your intentions of your music to the world. It's your legacy.
** I believe as artists, we are put here for a reason: to touch the world and make it a better place through our music. Each artist has a unique gift and message.
**Benita Charles' message: To make music and entertainment that ignite passion in people to change the world. How do they change the world? They change the world by being who they are meant to be (their greatest selves) and by sharing their gifts to the world. (This is why I encourage everyone in the broadcast to live their dreams.)
3 Ways to Communicate Your Message
Today, we discussed how to communicate your message (your legacy) to the world.
1) Identify your Message
You must be clear on your intention and what you'd like to communicate to your fans.
My message: A singer who brings joy and inspire her audience to live their dreams.
2) Incorporate your message in everything you do
Whether you are singing, releasing new music or speaking to an audience, your message should always be in the forefront of what you do.
For example, my original songs incorporate my message of inspiring my audience: We Can Make A Difference, The Freedom Song and Can I touch You There. My daily social media posts are always, inspirational, encouraging and empowering.
3) Share your message to the world
Continually create new music, books, blogs, motivational speeches and music services.
Write your autobiography (share your musical journey, experience and your life). You never know who will be changed by your life.
As Minister Angela Williams (special guest and expert on the Singing Tips with Benita Charles show #19, Oct 10, 2016) "Someone is waiting on your message!" -- Dr. Angela Williams. Your message just maybe what someone needs to hear to carry them through life!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #34 Image: Effective Communications
Today, we discussed ways of improving communications for music artists.
As an artist, you will have to communicate to your fans, business executives, venue owners, managers, your family, etc.
3 Keys things you as an artist communicate to the world:
* Your message: Your intentions of your music to the world
* Your music: Your self-expression in music
* Your marketing/promotion: Your promotional materials
3 ways of communicating:
1) Verbal: Your voice/how you speak your words and sentences/your tone of voice
-- Be confident when you speak.
2) Non-Verbal: Your body language - how you sit, stand and your gestures.
-- Be open and approachable to your fans.
3) Written: Ensure your written material is grammatically correct and error free in your marketing materials and social media posts.
--Always use a professional editor with your written content.
3 Ways to Communicate effectively:
1) Speak clearly and look people in the eye when you communicate
-- During interviews and meet and greets with fans.
-- Watch your body language: your words should match your body language.
2) Be authentic/ Be yourself
-- Express yourself freely without being crude or rude
-- Speak with confidence
3) Practice speaking in a mirror
--This will help you see what you look like to others
-- This will help you see what you need to improve on
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - My Audition Experience
"You cannot wait for the perfect time, because there may be no such thing, sometimes you must dare to jump." -- From Law of Attraction on Twitter
"Do your best and God will do the rest." -- Benita Charles (divinely inspired)
My Audition Experience Today, we discussed my recent audition with an event band, Here's I learned from the experience.
I recently had an audition for an event band. Auditioning is something you have to do in order to obtain paid singing work.
I worked on two new songs I had to learn and I refreshed on an oldie-but-goodie song (a total of 3 songs). I learned the songs, rented a rehearsal studio to practice and rehearsed the songs in my sleep. However, I almost didn't go to the audition. I didn't feel like I was ready. I didn't like how my voice sounded in rehearsal. I was doubting myself and my abilities.
After going back and forth about going to the audition, I decided to go, despite my doubts and fears, for the experience. Also, I had worked so hard and spent money on preparing, it would have been shameful to not at least try.
Even up until it was time for me to audition, I was having so much self-doubt, I almost walked out of the audition. I made myself stay.
I auditioned and the song went so well that I got a positive response from the producer of the audition as well as others in the room. It was so encouraging and it made me realize how important it is to always push through your fears and self-doubt and do it anyway.
It was such a positive experience and I made great contacts. If I had've given into my self-doubts, I would not have gain such a valuable lesson.
I encourage you to push through your fears and pursue your dreams! If you do, you will amaze yourself!!
5 Key Take-Aways:
1) Do your best
-- Do all the things within your control to prepare (learn the songs, rehearse & build your confidence)
God will do the rest.
-- Once you audition, let it go. It's out of your hands.
2) No matter what happens, see the process through to the end! (Never, ever give up)
-- Don't listen to the negative voice in your head that tells you to give up/don't try/don't show up and leave.
3) Don't focus on the outcome, just do your best and let it go.
-- Focus on the things you can do within your control (preparing for the audition and building your confidence).
4) Celebrate your success.
-- You have to acknowledge the hard work and success that you achieve.
5) Move on and prepare for the next opportunity.
-- You can't rest on your last success. You have to continuously work to keep your talent sharp for the next audition and opportunity.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #33 Image: Your Appearance
Your appearance is the first thing people will see of you, even before you speak. Always put your best foot forward!
3 ways to Enhance your appearance
1) Always look your best at all times
When you are out and about, on stage, in a formal interview and even at rehearsals or recording sessions, always look your best. You never know when a camera will find you or when someone tag you on social media!
2) Be authentic and dress according to your own style and personality
If you are a trendsetter, classic or bombshell babe, always dress to show your true identity and personal style. You will fell much more confident and look your best if you're authentic.
3) Own the room
When you look your best, you feel your best. It's such a confidence booster and all a part of putting your best foot forward!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Happy Summer!! It's finally here. My absolute favorite time of the year. Warm sunny days, longer nights and fun outdoors! I hope you have a great summer!!
In celebration of the first day of summer, I will present 3 special concerts for the 10th annual Make Music New York festival on Tuesday, June 21, 2015!
At 12:00 pm, I will present a fun-filled set at McKinley's Children's Garden in Jamaica Queens. It's been a couple of years since I've played there. This year they asked for me back and I'm happy to return! It's always a great time with the children.
At 4:00 pm, I will be in Harlem for soulful set at for Mothership Connection Show at Jackie Robinson Park, This is the first year I'm joining the Mothership show. I'm looking forward to rocking the crowd in the park!
At 6:00 pm, I will be at Mist for Uptown Funk in Harlem on 116th street for a showstopping set of original music and songs from my favorite singers with my guitarist, Peter Archer and percussion. It's a great way to end the evening on such a monumental event!
About Make Music New York:
Make Music New York is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs become impromptu stages for over 1,000 free concerts.
For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://makemusicny.org
I look forward to seeing you at the concert!
Much Love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 - MAKE MUSIC NEW YORK 2016 McKinley's Children's Garden - 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm 108-56 Union Hall St, Jamaica, Queens A large outdoor community garden in Jamaica, Queens. (No cover)
NY-vocalist, Benita Charles presents a fun-fill set of original music, children's songs and family friendly fun.
***
The Mothership Connection Show - 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Jackie Robinson Park (145th Street), 145th Street at Edgecombe Ave.
NY-vocalist, Benita Charles presents a soulful set of original music and covers for a crowd pleasing set in the park! You won't want to miss the fun.
***
Uptown Funk at Mist in Harlem - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
46 W 116th Street
NY-vocalist, Benita Charles presents a showstopping set of original music and songs from my favorite singers with my guitarist, Peter Archer and percussion.
The Mothership Connection Show: I had a wonderful time with the lovely,
Bea Montgomery on her show last nigh! I will be joining her at Jackie
Robinson Park on June 21st (4 pm) for Make Music New York 2016. .#musicshow#tvstar#mmny2016
Strike a pose: Good times at The Mothership Connection Show in NYC!
The Mothership Connection Show: it was great to meet Grand Cru here with the lovely, Bea Montgomery. These young men won a talent contest to get on the show!
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles shares singing tips for beginner singers.
Tip #5 - Build your repertoire. Create set lists from different genres. (This will help you become a performer in-demand.)
Practice at least 2 - 3 songs per week.
Establish set lists
from different genres. This will help you build your repertoire and get
more gigs. (Michael Jackson learned over 100 songs as a child! This is
one of the things that made him great - not too mention his raw talent.)
Make your rehearsal fun. Practice sets from different eras (eg. Disco, Motown, 80s hits, etc.)
Record your rehearsals. This will help you learn what works and what doesn't work.
Use an app like "Setlists" to help you manage your set lists and learn your lyrics.
Benita Charles is a singer/songwriter/producer who resides in Harlem, NY. Her debut CD, Moments In Love: Volume 1 is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
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