Singing Tips and Techniques | Grace Foley Blog - Grace Foley

What Colour Is Your Soul?

5/15/2017

'Can you paint with all the colours of the wind?'. That is a line from one of the first songs I ever sang and it is a song that I now love to teach my singing students. The reason I ask this question is because I have been thinking a great deal about the seasons and the colours they bring with them.
As a young singer I competed in many singing competitions and my Dad was always fascinated at how the adjudicators would describe the 'colour' of a singer's voice. My own voice was often described as being 'gold', 'chocolate', 'bronze' and 'dark'. These types of colours are used to describe a warm, often low, voice in singing. Words like 'bright', 'yellow' and 'light' are then used when we talk about a higher voice. I am wondering if there might be a connection between the colour of our souls and the colours that we are drawn to.
I always say that I love the Autumn and Winter. I love the colours and the cosyness of these seasons. Most people can't understand why I don’t love the Summer but maybe it is because I don’t relate to that season's colours.
I wonder if other types of artists feel this way. Does your brush often hold a certain colour? Do you base a lot of the stories you write during a specific season? What is your favourite colour? What colour is your soul?

Musical Divisions

5/8/2017

Many of you may know that my background is in classical singing. Sometimes the mere mention of the word 'classical' in relation to singing can send people running for the hills! There is a common notion that this type of performance is very high brow and not all that accessible. While I was knee deep in my music studies I found myself constantly defending my idiom to those who, in my eyes, didn't understand the world of music I lived in. Since having some distance from that world I have had many mixed emotions and opinions on the classical world and where it fits in our society now.
People like Katherine Jenkins and Andre Rieu may have a classical background but they are often shunned by those in the classical circle as they can be seen as having 'dumbed down' their performances to make them more commonly appreciated. Now that I am standing back from the topic I ask, what is so wrong with making the classical style of music more accessible and loved by more of the general population? I am proud to call myself a classical-crossover singer because I have finally come to the realisation that this is where I am most comfortable and where I can express myself best.
I think if performers of all styles, be it classical, pop, jazz, trad, or crossover, could find a deep appreciation for each other's art we wouldn't have so many divisions between 'us and them'. We are all doing the same job. We are all trying to evoke emotion and connect with our audience. I think we can all learn a great deal from each other. Music is a universal language and while we all have our opinions on what is the 'best' type of music, we must respect all disciplines. Classical music is my background and I will always be an advocate for it and for all music.

Music Reaching Out

5/1/2017

I always say that it is a great thing when a group of strangers come together to make music. This could be in a choir or an orchestra or a folk group. When people make music together it creates an unspoken bond between them. They feel as though they share one voice, even if just for one song.
I have recently realised that it can be even more powerful when a group of people, with something very important in common, come together in one voice. In the first episode of this year's Britain's Got Talent something very special happened. A choir walked on stage with one thing in common and one very important goal. The vast majority of the choir's members have loved ones who are missing and the others work for the organisation who helps people in this awful situation. Their objective was to get the names and faces of these missing people out to the world on a large screen behind them as they sang. This just shows how powerful music can be. I was moved to tears as I heard the voices and saw the faces of these people who are so so desperate to see the people they love again. To sing beautifully, in my eyes, is to sing from the heart and these people's hearts are broken in the same places. The unity in their sound is there because they are singing from the deepest part of themselves and they are quite literally calling out for help. I hope with all my heart that something good can come from this incredible display of love and hope and courage.
Music truly is healing. It is magic. It can save you in your darkest hour.

The Fear

4/24/2017

'Feel the fear and do it anyway'. I have been living by this quote for the last couple of years. It has gotten me through many times of self doubt and it has stopped me from running away from what scares me. I have become the kind of person that tries to face my demons head on, even though I would love nothing more than to take the easy way out sometimes!
I think artists have to face a very specific type of fear. This fear can turn a work of art into a meaningless object in the eyes of the creator. This fear is the fear of not being good enough. They say you can never love another until you truly love yourself and I think this is particularly true in the life of a person who creates for a living.
I found that my frame of mind began to change when I gave myself a break from the self criticism. I then began to actually compliment myself for my achievements, whether they be big or small. Sometimes we deserve self praise for even attempting something. It is a hard pill to swallow when we realise that we may not be at out strongest as we take on fear but we can only improve by facing it time and time again.
In the past, fear was my foe and now fear is my biggest motivator. In my line of work I never know for sure where my next paycheck is coming from, or if it will come at all, but I cannot let that type of fear stop me now. I have begun to have the same type of respect for myself that I would for a friend and so I must continue to show myself kindness. Be your own friend. Help yourself on your own journey through fear.

Art Can Build Bridges

4/18/2017

The world we live in today is one with so many divisions. We have been divided by war and hate and we are afraid to travel for fear of attack. This will inevitably result in us, as a people, not sharing our talents and our creations. Without the fusion of people's artistic influences art may cease to grow.
I have always been amazed at how something like music can bridge the gap between different countries and also between people who, if it weren't for music, would have very little in common. I recently worked with a group of young Italian students whose English was quite poor. This made communication very difficult. What truly amazed me, and the other teachers, was how these students were able to sing an Ed Sheeran song, in English, simply because they loved it! Their drive was not to have perfect English. They were driven by the need to express themselves.
While I was studying music in college we were always told just how important it is for us to understand every single word we are singing, no matter what language we sing in. It then does not matter what language our audience speaks, they will understand the sentiment in the song because we as singers know what we are saying. A few years ago I was singing a song in German and afterwards a gentleman approached me and said, 'I do not speak German but I understood every word you sang because of your portrayal of the song'.
In a world where bridges are falling and walls are being erected, please keep singing. Keep creating. Our creativity is our passport to anywhere in the world.

Hidden Stars

4/7/2017

Hidden Stars

Everytime we buy a ticket to an event like a concert we buy them with a certain expectation attached. We expect the performers to have a certain level of talent. Perhaps we are already a big fan of the act so we know we are in for a treat.

I absolutely love when I find what I call 'Hidden Treasures'. These treasures are not always found on a big stage or a packed venue. These hidden stars are often found playing in pubs and hotels across the country. Perhaps they also play to bigger audiences but to see them in action in smaller venues is so exciting. On a recent night out I was treated to a very high level of musical entertainment at the Grand Killarney. Downstairs a group of traditional musicians played tunes with such ease and skill that it looked like they were born playing those instruments! I was lucky enough to sing a few songs with them and I am always blown away at how quickly a talented group like that can accompany you, with no practice, just a 5 second discussion about the key in which the song will be sung.

I then went upstairs to the Liquid Lounge where the incredibly talented Jack Patrick Healy is the resident entertainer. He takes the punters on a musical journey through so many genres and with such ease that I sometimes want to tell everyone to stop talking so we can sit and hear every note! This man really knows how to put on a show and he creates an cabaret-like atmosphere that I have never experienced anywhere before.
When I think about some of my most memorable experiences of hearing extremely talented musicians, they often took place away from the stage. The combination of a high level of talent and an intimate setting can actually make you feel like you were part of a special musical moment that has been frozen in time. To be that close to a powerful talent is a great experience. Perhaps this weekend you should go on a little 'hidden treasure' hunt around your town or village and see what gems you can find.

Why Stop Singing?

4/3/2017

I have been teaching singing for a number of years and now the time has come for my first students to fly the nest. I will never forget these students as I feel I have grown up with them. I began to see singing from a different angle when I sat behind the piano in front of them for the first time. I firmly believe that we learn more about ourselves by teaching others and that is exactly what has happened to me.
While we try to keep certain boundaries between ourselves and our students, we can't help but form a special bond with some of them. I am about to say goodbye to a number of young people who I have grown very fond of and, while I know I will see and speak to them in the future, I am saddened to know that I will never sit on the other side of the piano from them again.
My experience was a little different to most of my students as I wanted to pursue a career in music and therefore the singing lessons and practicing didn't stop for me just because the Leaving Cert came along. I understand that hobbies can fade and college life brings a whole host of new opportunities for these young people, but I do find it hard to know that most people will stop singing and stop playing instruments once the Leaving Cert practical is done. I'm sure they will always love music, but their close relationship with it may end. I always say that I have students from age 8 to 18 and age 40 plus but sadly the vast majority of people don't continue or begin to attend music lessons in their 20's and 30's. Some people even ask me if adults can do singing lessons!
If you are about to sit your leaving cert, please take time, if only now and then, to pick up your musical instrument or take out your song folder. Music doesn't stop at age 18, it is for life.

Keep On Dreaming

3/23/2017

I recenty organised a concert, titled 'An Irish Heart' which took place at 8pm at the Malton Hotel Killarney on St. Patrick's Day. Certain aspects of the planning were stressful; promotion, music organisation, financial planning and, of course, the fear that no one will come! I wanted to create a concert that includes music that is very varied and includes some older, well loved songs as well as some more contemporary Irish music. The most difficult aspect for me was the narrowing down of songs choices as there are so many great Irish songs out there.

One thing that really struck me during all this was the child-like giddiness I was feeling at the thought of singing a concert full of my favourite songs! When I was a child I would visualise myself on a stage singing songs that really meant something to me. My poor friends and family were subjected to being actors and singers in my many 'productions' where I brought my 'visions' to life! In my head there was a huge audience so my scripting had to be just perfect. I would take out a notepad and write down the lyrics to my latest favourite song while plaguing my poor mother with questions on spelling. On one such occasion I asked Mom, 'How do you spell enwhypeedee'? She was totally perplexed and asked me what song this word was from. I couldn't believe she didn't automatically recognise the lyrics from the very popular, 'Fairytale of New York'…'and the boys of the NYPD choir were singing Galway Bay'. I've never quite lived down that particular spelling error!

As an adult I can now bring my dreams to life and actually perform these songs for an audience. Of course it is a bit scary, but anything worthwhile usually is. One promise I have made to myself is to be true to that young girl who had such clear dreams, huge passion and wonderful ideas. I forgot her for a while. Take my advice and tap back into those days when you too imagined greatness for yourself, it just might change your life... 'You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one'...

The Killarney School Of Music

3/10/2017

The Killarney School of Music holds its' annual student concert at the lNEC Killarney and the most recent one was held on Sunday February 19th. This is no ordinary concert. This show takes months of planning as the organisers try to get hundreds of student performers on and off stage while making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Every year I am blown away by the sheer logistics of the event! Everywhere you turn there is a student tuning up, warming up or limbering up. Parents, families and friends pile in to support the performers and the energy is always one of appreciation and support. This year Jayme Linehan and I were delighted to have our choir perform on this big stage. The group were nervous but they were also very enthusiastic which made the experience a very enjoyable one for us. Every year I feel as though us teachers are like a bunch of Mammies and Daddies running around making sure our babies are ok!

I unfortunately didn't get to enjoy the entire show as we were rehearsing with the choir beforehand, but I was very impressed by what I did see. Marina Blyth presented her harpists in the most beautiful way. Everyone on stage was dressed in a fairy-style costume and an Irish dancer danced while they played. It was so mystical and imaginative. Ray O Sullivan's young actors did their teacher proud, as did Ray himself as he was, as always, a wonderful M.C. for the evening. The highlight of the concert for me was Padraig Buckley's performance group. This group clearly works very hard. There were about thirty people on stage and every note moved with such unity and clarity that I was blown away. They also featured a number of beautiful singers so the group really does have something for everybody.

This concert is an absolute credit to Tadhg and Padraig Buckley. In fact, the school is a credit to them. It is always a pleasure to go to work there as they have created a space where we can all be ourselves and feel comfortable. This allows us to pass our knowledge onto students in the most relaxed and yet professional setting possible. I like to think that everyone who goes there feels they are part of The Killarney School of Music family. I am proud to be a family member.

Who Wants To Live Forever?

2/16/2017

'Who wants to live forever?'. In my opinion, every artist can do this. 2016 was a year when the world lost so many great artists, from David Bowie to Leonard Cohen. I was very struck by the fact that fans across the globe grieved the passing of people whom they have probably never even met. An artist can have such a profound and lasting effect on others and perhaps they are not even aware of it.

Recently we mourned the loss of the wonderful artist, Ted Jones. Ted Jones captured the imagination and humour of people worldwide. I have always felt that his work has a very broad appeal and is very relatable. His paintings will hang in homes, bars and hotels for years to come. He, like many others, has been immortalised in his creations.

As someone who recently created an album I have become very aware of the longevity of everything that we send out into the public domain. I was so caught up in my own recording bubble that I think I forgot people would actually listen to it! I was extremely protective of my creation up until the point when I had to 'let go and let God' and just put it out there for people to make up their own minds about it.
To create something like a painting, a song or an album is to put a piece of yourself out into the world. This piece of you will live on, even after you have gone. How many times have we heard that an artist's work is actually far more valuable AFTER they have passed away? This just goes to prove that an artist's creation has the power to reach people forever. This magical power of eternal living is quite amazing. Next time you buy a piece of art, a book or an album, take a moment to think about the fact that you are taking home a little piece of the heart and soul of another person.