SLS, It Really Does Work!

I recently had an e-conversation with Billy, a worship leader, about Speech Level Singing. Both of us were so excited that the exercises could cause phenomenal range improvement literally over night so I thought I would share part of our conversation here.

Cosima:
Billy,
…. About 10 years ago I came across a great method that changed my life, saved my voice and added 2 octaves to my range literally over night. Now, I know this sounds like I’m ’selling’ something so I have purposely left out any links for that reason.

Speech Level Singing or SLS has been used by trained professional vocalists to correct bad technique and improve range. Some names include, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Natalie Cole, Bett Midler, Marty Goetz, Cheri Keaggy, Morgan Cryar, Mark Kibble(Take 6), to name a few. (see more)

Go ahead and type Speech Level Singing into your search engine. Look for Seth Riggs, (the guy behind the technique) and Brett Manning, (great teacher and example of SLS)… You don’t have to go to them because they have brought their technique to you through books and other materials. I used a book with CD’s and spent under $50 with amazing results.

…. let me know if you have tried or decide to try SLS. I’m very interested to hear what results you have.

Singing stronger, higher and better than ever at 50 years old!!!
Cosima

Billy:
Cosima, I ran across Brett Manning’s site a few days before I found your site…. He is amazing.

True Story:
Just like you I experienced a 2 octave range increase overnight by using Brett’s technique. I haven’t even ordered the CD yet but did this by simply putting into practice the free tips that Brett has on his site. The crazy part is this was last night!

I woke up this morning and started singing to my wife I was so excited. She noticed the improvement as well.

Cosima:
…. I totally identify with your excitement. I was floored when I sang 2 octaves above my “normal” range. The exercises really do work and it doesn’t take years of tedious practice either.

Billy:
Where did you find SLS cds and workbooks for less than $50? I am very interested in learning more about SLS. The curriculum I’ve seen out there cost more than $100.

Cosima:
…. check out Singing for The Stars. (this link gives a good look at what’s inside the book) It’s prepared by Seth Riggs and has been updated recently. It’s the book I used and still refer to it for tune-ups. I also encourage all my vocalists to use it. If you follow the simple program and keep up with it you should progress rapidly.

He does a great job of simplifying vocal mechanics and proper technique. The exercises on the CD’s might seem too fast at first but be persistant and allow your ear-voice coordination to adjust. Don’t force trying to be accurate with pitch at first. Just let your ears do their job. Accuracy will come. Also, the vocalists on the CD’s are more formally trained but that won’t matter. The exercises don’t train you to sing like that, they just help you to free up your voice. You’ll learn to sing with more ease through all your registers and your voice will be stronger but not more operatic. I actually used my piano more than the CD’s to do the exercises, except occasionally I used them while driving in my car. I mostly just listened to the CD’s for reference to be sure I was doing it right.

There are some bad reviews of this book. I’ve read most of them and agree that the book might seem like a big commercial and ego trip for Seth Riggs because he name drops and there are several recommendations by some of his students. Ok, so Seth Riggs wants you to believe the program works. I don’t see anything wrong with that. Besides, you can skip all that stuff and get right to the lessons. Other reviews seem to come from folks that are skeptical from the beginning. You know how it is. It’s kinda like salvation. If it seems too easy people don’t believe it. Especially if they believe you need to train with a pro for years to get similar results. Well, that said I guess the book isn’t for everybody.

Here’s a list of SLS Certified Teachers

~ by worship1 on September 27, 2007.