Blogland
OPEN MICS WITH FRIENDS
A student recently talked to me about what happened at an open mic he attended with a friend. It was a bit of a train wreck. (That’s the term I use when things go wonky.)
When you start playing out with other people, there’s a learning curve!
Here’s what happened:
• He couldn’t hear himself because the sound system had no monitor for him;
• The person singing with him was singing a […]
How Sounds Were Made for Disney Cartoons (1941)
I love the playfulness of this…
“A rare behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s 1941 studio shows how sound effects for Dumbo were crafted—especially the voice of Casey Jr., the talking train. Using glass scrapers, throat tubes, and early talk-box techniques, Foley artists brought life to animation through pure creativity and experimentation.
The footage, taken from The Reluctant Dragon documentary, captures a time when every sound was handmade, proving that imagination was Disney’s greatest special […]
Being Seen and Heard
Scroll down to see a video of me modeling some ideas of things you might sing to yourself in front of the mirror…
Many of us who have felt shy or fearful around singing (me included) have trouble with the idea of being seen and/or heard by others. There may be settings and times when this is easier for you (for example perhaps you’re comfortable in front of a classroom or giving a talk at a trade […]
Knocking On Heaven’s Door
By Bob Dylan. This song is quite simple, very beautiful, and fun to sing.
Click here for lyrics and the chords
Melody Tips…
1. In the verses the 1st and 3rd lines have the same melody, and the 2nd and 4th lines have the same melody
2. In the chorus the last notes on the 1st and 3rd lines go UP to the 2; on the […]
Crane Bar Session in Galway
This is a video I took when we were in Ireland in the Spring of 2024. Isn’t it great?!
Sessions like this happened every night in every town we went to.
I love a culture where playing music is a priority! ❤️
Join the
MOTORCYCLE & MUSIC MUSINGS
Earlier this summer when I was out on my motorcycle (Ha! There’s something you might not have known about me!) a funny thing happened.
On my first ride of the season I was feeling timid. Which affected my driving — I was more hesitant, jumpy, and had a harder time leaning into the curves and turns. Although this tension was happening because I didn’t […]
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Event Schedule
(in-person and online)
Got questions?
Email Nancy or call 603-721-1492
• • • • • •
March 14th, 10am – March 15th, 6pm, 2026
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP/RETREAT
Manhattan, New York City, NY
Register Here!
• • • • • •
April 18th, 12:30 to 5:30pm
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP/RETREAT
San Rafael, California
Register Here!
• • • • • •
For Weekly Sing-Alongs & Mini-Workshops…
JOIN the FEARLESS SINGERS PLAYGROUND!
Learn all about it HERE!
What People Are Saying —
“I just want to let you know how much I am enjoying the singing lessons. I haven’t had this much pure fun since I was in the third grade. It really is liberating for an old codger like me to just cut loose and make joyful noise like I did back then.”
– Brian, Adult Singing Student
“As a private lesson student with Nancy, with a lot of fear of singing, I found after just one session my confidence grow. I attended a birthday party, and when the candles on the cake were lit, I immediately led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday”! You have no idea what a big step this was for me!”
– Melanie, Workshop Participant and Private Student
“My mother, Charmian, called me this morning pretty euphoric. She said that she “finally felt free”. That she’d thought all her life that she was only capable of making a croaking sound but, instead, had heard herself sing one high note and one note in the middle that was really a tone. She’s always had fifth chakra issues, sore throats, laryngitis, power speaking, etc. This week, when she goes to her meditation meeting, she’ll join in the ‘oohming’ part for the first time.
She said that the workshop ‘changed her life’ after 94 years of being shut down/out.
This was an enormous breakthrough for her. Your program was so well structured and led with such enthusiasm and joy. Congratulations to you. What a gift for everyone there.” With gratitude,”
– Cathy (Daughter of 94 year old workshop participant!)
“The lessons made me feel a lot more comfortable with my voice, and singing in front of people. Also, I think that I’m better at staying on pitch, and getting the pitch right the first time. Plus lessons were just a lot of fun! I really enjoyed them! Thank you again. Hope to see you next summer!“
– Ruth, Teenage Singing Student
“It surprised me how easy it was most of the time, to let go and just sing and make sounds. One thing I really like about Nancy’s teaching is that she brings a straight forward can-do energy to the group, allowing for fears and nervousness but not focusing on those.”
– Workshop Participant