THE MEDICINe OF MUSIC, THE SCIENCE OF SINGING, and the lessons of life
By Freya Astrella
Are you a truth seeker like me? I’m compelled to go beyond the “what” to dissect the “how” and “why” of every experience. This blog reflects my investigations into vocal technique, personal development, and the healing power of music.
The true artist is a tortured artist (and I’m here to help you)
Ah, the predicament of the tortured artist... You’ve dedicated your whole life to your craft, and not only do you not get rewarded for your talents, you watch from the sidelines as hustlers get all the glory.
The ultimate glossary for vocal technique terms
Do you find vocal technique daunting? Yeah? Probably because it’s full of jargon and specialist buzzwords. Allow me to help you out…
How do I learn how to sing? (8 basic steps)
This may sound like an obvious question. But how exactly does somebody learn how to sing? For a novice starting their singing journey, the challenge can seem overwhelming.
Nothing can prepare you for live performance (except for…)
Whether it’s an open mic night or Wembley Stadium, all performers know the same thing – that performing live is a heightened experience. And this is exactly why you can never truly prepare for it – or can you?
Renditions of the US National Anthem (the good, the bad and the ugly)
Performances of the US national anthem are regular events in the global calendar. Many singers absolutely smash it, to the point where they become defined by it. Others...not so much….
How to breathe correctly for contemporary singing
You do NOT need to pump or tense your abdominal wall when you sing. This is a long-standing myth and misconception, unfortunately still taught by MOST singing teachers.
The Amy Winehouse Bandwagon (who is continuing the trend in 2024?)
In the words of Paul Simon, “every generation throws a hero up the pop charts”. It is indeed true that every generation has one true artist who paves the way for others. And it could be argued that Amy Winehouse was my generation’s hero.
7 Weird and Wonderful Christmas Gifts for Singers
I hauled the internet for gadgets and gizmos that could make the perfect Christmas present for the beloved singer in your life.
The technical perfection of Lisa Fischer (Is she the best singer ever?)
Who is Lisa Fischer, you may ask? Only the most technically elite contemporary singer, possibly of all time.
Why so scared of vocal technique? (Here’s what I think…)
We can’t see the voice, or touch it, or really feel it all. As a result, the voice is shrouded in mystery. And I have often observed that this mystery develops into fear.
How effective are herbal teas for singers?
With an increasing amount of herbal teas on the market, are there any that can genuinely help singers to perform at their best? Let’s take a look at some of the published research and listen to what medical professionals have to say about the herbs in these brews…
Potions and pills won’t make you a better singer (sorry)
At one time or another, most singers have felt the panic of a sore throat on the eve of an important recital, or been struck by fear as our nostrils block up upon the morn of a big gig. How can singers navigate this challenge and get their voice gig-ready?
How deep should you breathe?
At one point or another, a singer in training may be told to ‘sing from the diaphragm’, but what does that really mean?
MEET FREYA ASTRELLA
Freya is a bonafide vocal technique expert and is one of the only teachers in the region to have gained Estill Voice certification (which means she can move all the parts of her vocal instrument independently!)
Freya holds a First Class BA(hons) in Professional Musicianship, VocalTech diploma, and a Master of Music Degree in Popular Music. And she is currently undertaking the Vocal Process teacher training course.
As a teacher, Freya has taught all ages and abilities at BIMM, Access To Music, The Academy of Music And Sound, TheatreTrain, Stagecoach Theatre Arts, and The Rock Project.
As a performer, Freya has accumulated hundreds of stage and studio hours. From top-tier functions in iconic London venues to collaborating with charting producers. Freya’s proudest moment was being inducted into the golden pages of the Cirque du Soleil casting database. She released her debut EP in 2023, with the second coming soon.
Furthermore, as a trained copywriter, Freya was a lead writer for VoiceCouncil.com, which was the biggest online resource for singers. And, she has worked in events and music marketing for seven years.
In her personal life, Freya has walked the healing path for many years. She deeply understands the power of embracing both the light and the dark in bringing about profound change and wisdom. Not only do these insights inform her own artistry and vocal expression, Freya holds space so her students can courageously and confidently ‘take up sonic space’.
