Val Bastien
Stage Fright
Show time is a strange journey when you have a singing performance ahead and fear is creeping in. Your pulse is racing and you're...
Val Bastien
- Oct 16
- 4 min
Gear Up for the Flu Season
If you are sick and tired of catching viral infections, you're not alone. Unfortunately, the common cold and flu viruses never went away...
Val Bastien
- Oct 8
- 4 min
Is Your Throat Killing You?
Do you feel like you haven't been yourself lately, vocally speaking? Does your voice feel tired after practicing, band rehearsals or a...
Val Bastien
- Sep 18
- 3 min
Are You A Doer or Don'ter?
I see many talented singers out there who long to find their true voice and share their gift with their family and friends but who lack...
Val Bastien
- Sep 10
- 4 min
What About Posture?
Are you happy with your singing? Are you interested in immediate improvement? If so, one of the very first things you should look at when...
Val Bastien
- Sep 3
- 4 min
Which Is Easier: Singing Or Writing?
Many families have been preparing for Back-To-School. Some of you who start school in August are already fully back into «school mode». I...
Val Bastien
- Aug 13
- 5 min
6 Ways To Vitaminize Your Water
It's summer and it's hot! Many of you wonderful singers are performing outdoors, sometimes under the blaring sun and in the crushing heat...
Val Bastien
- Jul 16
- 4 min
Got Rhythm?
During singing lessons, singers are the most concerned about the quality of their voice and seek to improve their vocal technique. Of...
Val Bastien
- Jul 3
- 1 min
How To Sing Harmonies
Are you interested in learning how to sing harmonies? Would you like to find out what is the easiest way to come up with cool harmonies?...
Val Bastien
- Jun 26
- 2 min
Let's Go Sing
The summer solstice officially started this week on June 21st. At every change of season, I feel a renewed sense of inspiration to meet...
Val Bastien
- Jun 18
- 1 min
How To Sing From The Diaphragm
"Sing from the diaphragm" they say! What exactly does that mean? Aren't we always using the diaphragm to breath and sing? Is using the...
Val Bastien
- Jun 18
- 1 min
How To Sing On Pitch
There are a few reasons why singers sing out of tune. First, identify what causes you to go off pitch. Next, apply winning strategies to...
Val Bastien
- Jun 18
- 1 min
How To Sing High
This is what most singers seek my help with. Many look for vocal exercises that will help them add a fe notes to their register while...
Val Bastien
- Apr 25
- 3 min
What Does Your Voice Really Sound Like?
Here's something I hear all the time from my clients: “Is THAT what I really sound like?” “It doesn't sound like me!” “I hate hearing...
Val Bastien
- Apr 14
- 3 min
Are Singers Narcissists?
People can be quick to interpret your pride and singing passion for narcissism. Have you ever been called a "diva"? Do people make you...
Val Bastien
- Apr 3
- 4 min
How To Sing On Pitch
It is normal for any singer to occasionally sing out of pitch. This is a problem that is quickly noticed by even the most uneducated...
Val Bastien
- Mar 19
- 3 min
All About That Bass
When extending range, most singers rave about singing higher and dedicate a lot of time working on developing their head voice....
Val Bastien
- Feb 28
- 4 min
One More For Black History Month
February is Black History Month. It is always highlighted at the beginning of the month in social media and on the news and then the...
Val Bastien
- Feb 21
- 4 min
Singing: A Family Affair!
Happy Family Day to my fellow Ontarians! I know that several countries have a dedicated national holiday to celebrate families but we...
Val Bastien
- Feb 13
- 3 min
Valentine's Day Love Songs
Awww.... LOVE! Isn't it a beautiful thing?! Valentine's Day is a reminder of the blessings and longing that come with love but also the...