Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/13/2008 -- Renowned voice coach Renee Grant-Williams, whose teachings have contributed to the success of such superstars as Miley Cyrus (a.k.a. Hannah Montana), Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Bo Bice, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, Keith Urban and countless others, has announced the date for her 10th Annual Vocal Master Class. This year's intensive all-day workshop will be held on Saturday, April 19th. The event will be held at SIR (Studio Instrument Rentals) in Nashville, Tennessee.

The daytime portion of the event will take place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and will feature training techniques and hands-on instruction with Grant-Williams. The afternoon will include a panel discussion with soon-to-be-announced high-profile music business executives entitled 10 Career-Busting Mistakes Every Singer Should Avoid.

The panel discussion will focus on identifying and helping attendees avoid the most common mistakes entertainers make. Past panelists include Paul Worley (producer – Big & Rich, Dixie Chicks, Warner Bros. label head), Mark Bright (producer – Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, etc.), Harold Shedd (producer – Alabama, Toby Keith, etc.) David Malloy (producer – Reba McEntire, etc.), Rod Essig (Booking Agent – Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, etc.), Bo Bice (American Idol finalist/recording artist), Pat Higdon (Universal Music Publishing executive), and many more.

The evening will feature a performance showcase, during which each attendee will have the opportunity to perform a song and have their performance evaluated by a panel of music industry professionals. Performances will be held on the sound stages of SIR, the rehearsal facility that is commonly inhabited by superstar artists like Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Garth Brooks, ZZ Top, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and countless others. The performance showcase takes place from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

"It's very exciting to be celebrating our tenth year anniversary. Having spent the last nine years telling singers what to do, this year it seems appropriate to emphasize what NOT to do," says Grant-Williams. "Judging from the early career mistakes made by some of our brightest stars, a singer doesn't have to own a loaded gun to shoot themselves in the foot."

Voice Coach Renee Grant-Williams has worked with well-known entertainers like the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Christina Aguilera, Randy Travis, Pam Tillis, Huey Lewis, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Chesney, Charlie Daniels, Martina McBride, Bryan White, Lyle Lovett, Jessica Andrews, Larry Gatlin and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, and has been a consultant to nearly every major record label.

Renee is the author of Voice Power, and has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, BRAVO, BLOOMBERG, MTV, the BBC, and National Public Radio, as well as syndicated and cable television programs, hundreds of radio stations, and has written for and appeared in numerous national publications.

Registration for this year's Master Class with Renee Grant-Williams: 10 Career-Busting Mistakes Every Singer Should Avoid is $299 and tickets can be purchased by calling (615) 244-3280 or by visiting http://www.MyVoiceCoach.com. For more information about this year's incredible new venue, SIR, visit http://www.SIRTN.com.

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Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/03/2007 -- As cheerleading squads across the country gear up for a rousing fall football season, coaches should strive to convince their squads that safeguarding their voices from damage is as important as guarding against shin splints or ankle sprains.

"No other sport requires as much from the throat and body at the same time," says Renee Grant-Williams, a leading voice coach and communication-skills expert. "As exciting as it is to root for the home team, leading yells can seriously damage the vocal chords. At the very least, cheerleaders risk becoming hoarse or losing their voices. At worst, nodes which are callus growths that can alter the voice may develop and possibly require surgery."

"One thing coaches can't do is to tell these yell leaders to tone down the volume on their cheers. It's simply not going to happen," says Grant-Williams. "So, if you want to help them, you have to recognize that 'cheer softly' is not an option."

What coaches can do is to urge cheerleaders to take other precautions to guarantee that their voices last as long as the season does. For instance, they can learn to use their bodies – not their throats – to protect their fragile voice mechanisms.

"Cheering routines draw heavily upon gymnastics and dance techniques," says Grant-Williams. "Why not use similar lower body strength and physical control to support their voices? If cheerleaders would breathe low and support their yells by standing with a solid grip that presses into the ground, it would help take the pressure off their throats."

Cheerleaders are routinely exposed to conditions, such as rapid body temperature changes due to intense spurts of activity and unpredictable weather conditions that practically invite the common cold. They should take steps to prevent upper respiratory ailments.

"Just as in football, the best defense for your voice is a good offense," says Grant-Williams. "Don't wait until you wake up one morning without a voice to start wondering how to take care of it."

Grant-Williams offers tips for keeping cheerleading voices in top form:

· Drink plenty of fluids. Physical exertion leaves the body dehydrated.
· If the weather is cold, sipping warm liquids will soothe your throat.
· Eat a good balance of protein and carbohydrates for consistent energy.
· Stay away from alcohol and caffeine products, which dehydrate the body.
· Layer clothing that can be added or removed as the weather dictates.
· Having a scarf handy during cold weather is a great way to keep the throat warm.
· Get enough rest and sleep to keep the body's immune system functioning.
· Chew gum, a piece of hard candy, or throat lozenge to keep the juices flowing.
· Gargling with warm salt water can reduce painful swelling in the throat.

"If you're sick, stay home in bed until you feel better," says Grant-Williams. "You and the rest of your cheering squad will be better off in the long run because you will have dodged a bullet, preserved your voice, and not put others at risk."

Grant-Williams offers advice in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" (AMACOM Books, New York). She coaches business executives, sales professionals and celebrities including Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Linda Ronstadt, Tim McGraw, and Christina Aguilera. She presents speaking programs to organizations throughout the United States and has been quoted by Business Week, AP, UPI, Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, Southern Living, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, BBC, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Renee Grant-Williams, call 615-244-3280 or visit http://www.DynamicVoicePower.com

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Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/25/2007 -- Four guest soloists have been selected for the Music City Community Chorus's OPERAPALOOZA! concert at First Baptist Church, Seventh and Broadway on Tuesday evening, June 5 at 7:30. Accompanied by world-renowned concert organist Wilma Jensen and directed by Renee Grant-Williams, the MCCC will perform Chorus Music by the Great Opera Composers.

Guest soloists for the event will include Margy Bredemann, soprano, who has performed with the Memphis Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Indianapolis Symphony orchestras. Her recordings may be heard on Sparrow, Word, Lifeway, and Atlantic Records.

Olivia Ward, mezzo soprano, who has appeared with the Nevada Opera, Nashville Opera, Mobile Opera, the Music City Community Chorus and has sung with the Nashville, Virginia, and Chattanooga symphony orchestras;

H. Stephen Smith, tenor, has appeared extensively in major European opera houses including those in Switzerland, Sweden, Britain, and Portugal as well as with a wide range of opera companies in the U.S. that include Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Boston and Nashville.

Milton Williams, bass-baritone, has performed in orchestral and opera performances in Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, Canada and throughout the United States. His combined repertoire includes thirty-five operas, operettas, and musicals. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"I feel so honored to have soloists of this caliber," says Grant-Williams. "I'm especially moved that bass–baritone Milton Williams is able to join us for this performance. This is a totally unplanned coincidence, but exactly twenty-five years ago on June 5th I conducted the San Francisco Community Chorus performing this very same program while he sang the bass solos."

Organist Wilma Jensen has an extensive concert career that has taken her throughout the U.S. and around the world, including tours of Scandinavia, Germany, France, Poland, and England. She will be assisted by Sam Bacco, timpani.

The Music City Community Chorus's concert is offered free to the public. The concert begins promptly at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, June 5. Parking is available in the lots at the back and sides of First Baptist Church, 7th and Broadway. Call 615/259-4900 for an interview or additional information. Audition information for the next season may be found at www.MusicCityCommunityChorus.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/10/2007 -- Celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams has announced the critique panelists for the evening Performance Showcase portion of her 9th annual Vocal Master Class, to be held on Saturday, April 14th at the W274 multi-media facility in Franklin, Tennessee.

Attendees of Grant-Williams' Master Class will have the opportunity to perform a song "live-to-tracks" on one of three stages at W274, where their performances will be critiqued by music industry veterans. Participants will receive a copy of their written evaluations, giving them an opportunity to build on their talents based on the professional opinions of actual music industry professionals.

This year's critique panelists include Producer Eric Gallimore (Song Garden), Manager Bernard Porter (Porter Consulting Group), Songwriter/Bluebird Open Mic Host Barbara Cloyd, Manager Joe Meador (Grand Entertainment) and Producer/Music Director Roger Ryan (Anointed, CeCe Winans). Additional panelists will be announced very soon.

"Once again I'm extremely excited that the students at this year's Master Class will have an opportunity to gather the comments and suggestions of a host of seasoned music business professionals," says Grant-Williams.

In addition to the evening Performance Showcase, attendees of Grant-Williams' Master Class will take part in a day-long teaching session, complete with a panel discussion focusing on how to create live performance opportunities that will get the attention of record executives with Country Rocker and American Idol Favorite Bo Bice, Booking Agent Bill Puryear, (President/Crescent Moon Talent), Entertainment Director John Taylor (World Famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge).

Grant-Williams, who is in constant demand by major record labels and entertainers including Miley Cyrus (Disney's Hannah Montana), Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Randy Travis, Huey Lewis, and many more, has created a unique, activity-packed day. Past attendees of the Master Class include Tommy Shane Steiner, Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, Epic recording artist Mandy Barnett, Jive Records artist Nikki Cleary, 2002 Colgate Country Showdown winner Ashley Thompson and America's Got Talent runner-up and Yahoo Yodeling Champion Taylor Ware.

Register for this year's Master Class with Renee Grant-Williams: by calling (615) 244-3280 or by visiting www.MyVoiceCoach.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/09/2007 -- Voice coach to the stars Renee Grant-Williams announces the panelists for her 9th Annual Vocal Master Class. This year's intensive all-day workshop titled "Live Performance: Launching Pad for a Lasting Career" will be held on Saturday, April 14th in nearby Brentwood, Tennessee.

Grant-Williams, who is in constant demand by major record labels and entertainers, has created a unique, activity-packed seminar that has proven to be invaluable not only to singers, but has also benefited public speakers, record producers, audio engineers, and others interested in honing their vocal abilities. From 9am to 5pm, students will participate in technical training and hands-on instruction with Grant-Williams. The host for the daytime portion of the Master Class is Country Weekly journalist David Scarlett. The afternoon will feature a blue-ribbon panel discussion.

The panel of highly respected music executives and artists will focus their discussion on the importance of live performance in preparing for a lasting career.

The panel will help participants learn how to gain experience as a performer: how to find people and events that allow them to perform early in their career, how to use live performance to build a following, how to put together and manage a band, how to get free exposure, how to get paid for performing, how live performance can help gain the attention of major record labels, and much more.

"You have to take charge of your own artist development by learning the craft and business of performing," says Grant-Williams, "A true performer is obsessed with making music whether anyone else hears them or not. If they were stranded on a desert island they'd be singing to the coconuts."

Featured on this year's panel are: Bo Bice, southern rocker and American Idol favorite; Bill Puryear, president of talent and booking agency Crescent Moon Talent and John Taylor, entertainment director of World Famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.

Past panels have included Paul Worley (producer – Big & Rich, Dixie Chicks, Warner Bros. label head), Mark Bright (producer – Rascal Flatts), Harold Shedd (producer – Alabama, Toby Keith) David Malloy (producer – Reba McEntire), Rod Essig (Booking Agent – Tim McGraw, Faith Hill), Ted Greene (Manager – Diamond Rio), Bob Regan (hit songwriter and NSAI past president), Larry Pareigis (Sony Records executive), David Ross (Publisher – Music Row Magazine), Pat Higdon (Universal Music Publishing executive) and music business attorney, Jim Harris.

During the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to perform and will receive a written evaluation from a distinguished panel of music industry professionals. The performance showcase takes place from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Grant-Williams' client list reads like a "who's who" in contemporary music, and includes the Dixie Chicks, Miley Cyrus (Disney's Hannah Montana), Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, Ben Folds, and Kenny Chesney. She is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and was later on the faculty there, as well as at the University of California, Berkeley, where she served as the Director of the Division of Vocal Music.

Grant-Williams has appeared on numerous broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, Bloomberg, MTV, BBC, PBS, GAC, CMT, NPR, and has been quoted by and written for numerous print publications including Cosmopolitan, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, TV Guide, US Weekly, and Country Weekly. Grant-Williams was featured on NBC's "Three Wishes".

Registration for this year's Vocal Master Class with Renee Grant-Williams, "Live Performance: Launching Pad for a Lasting Career" is $299 and tickets can be purchased by calling (615) 244-3280 or at www.MyVoiceCoach.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/12/2007 -- Renee Grant-Williams announces the 9th Annual Vocal Master Class is scheduled to be held Saturday, April 14th at the W274, a state of the art music production facility in Brentwood, TN. The focus topic for this year's intensive all-day workshop is Live Performance: Launching Pad for a Lasting Career. Grant-Williams is one of the most sought after vocal coaches in music today and her clients include such well known artists as the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Christina Aquilera, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and the Disney Channel's Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana).

Grant-Williams has spent years honing this action-packed seminar so that singers of all styles, skills and experience levels will walk away with information they can put to use immediately. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. attendees will receive technical training and hands-on instruction from Grant-Williams. The afternoon includes a panel discussion by music industry experts on the importance and realities of live performance.

Each year the Master Class focuses on a specific element crucial to the development of an artist's career. This year's topic Live Performance: Launching Pad for a Lasting Career provides rich subject matter for discussion on an often-overlooked aspect of a performer's training. "Touring drives record sales. Record executives need to see that you have honed your craft through extensive experience onstage and that you can command the attention of a crowd, run a band and build a following," says Grant-Williams. "Without that experience, you have no proven track record. How can you expect to convince a record label to make a high-dollar gamble on your career?"

Daytime events will be hosted by music critic and Country Music Weekly journalist David Scarlett.

During the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to perform a song to tracks or guitar and will receive an evaluation from a distinguished panel of industry professionals. The Performance Showcase takes place from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Grant-Williams points out, "You cannot be life-sized on stage," she says. "You must be larger than life!"

Renee Grant-Williams is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and was later on the faculty there, as well as at the University of California, Berkeley, where she served as the Director of the Division of Vocal Music. Currently, she directs Nashville's Music City Community Chorus.

She has appeared on numerous broadcast outlets including MTV, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, GAC, CMT, and USA. She has been quoted by and written for numerous print publications including Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, US Weekly, the New York Times, Associated Press and Country Weekly. Grant-Williams was featured on NBC's Three Wishes and appeared as voice coach on CMT's Ultimate Coyote Ugly Contest.

Grant-Williams provides voice training at her studio in Nashville. She is the author of Voice Power (AMACOM Books, NY) available wherever books are sold, and has released a three-part instructional DVD and warm-up CD that are both available on her website.

Registration for the 2007 Vocal Master Class with Renee Grant-Williams, Live Performance: Launching Pad for a Lasting Career, is $299 and tickets can be purchased by called (615) 244-3280 or at www.MyVoiceCoach.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/13/2006 -- With Elvis Presley's seventy-second birthday just around the corner on the eighth of January, it would seem there would be little new to learn about him, but it turns out there is. Although he may not have realized it, Elvis Presley's sexy moves actually modeled the ideal physical techniques for supporting a rich, warm singing voice – techniques still studied today by some of the recording industry's biggest stars.

"Elvis was the perfect singing machine," says celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams. "He had all the right moves."

"I constantly reference Elvis in my teaching," claims Grant-Williams. "He had very strong legs, which he used as the basis for his support. He literally pushed into the floor using that karate-type crouch. He kept his entire upper body very loose so that it could resonate. And the way he cocked his head over the microphone really allowed the sound to vibrate freely."

"Did he know what he was doing?" Grant-Williams asks. "Probably not, but he had extraordinary instincts and in his own way, I think he truly studied singing. He used to sit out on the back porch for hours on late summer nights with the guitar his mother gave him, trying to imitate the singers he heard at gospel churches and nightclubs."

Grant-Williams teaches the wisdom of using Elvis' techniques to stars such as Hannah Montana, Faith Hill, The Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, Larry Gatlin, Bo Bice, and Huey Lewis.

"My students are surprised and grateful to have someone familiar they can relate to," Grant-Williams says. "In fact, the first time I worked with Tim McGraw on using his body to support his voice, he looked up with mischief in his eyes and mumbled in true Elvis-style, "Thank you. Thankyouverymuch."

Grant-Williams feels that even Elvis' famous lip curl gave his voice an edge. "As sound leaves the body it needs to resonate against something specific," she says. "There are options – you can direct that flow of sound to the nose, the throat, the jaw or to the sinus cavities in the face. But, I think what Elvis did – as evidenced by his lip curl – was to aim the vibration stream right at his teeth."

"This was ingenious," Grant-Williams says. "There's a kind of sweet spot at the front of the teeth where vibrations can focus and still pick up resonance from all the other areas."

"Because his moves and techniques live on, Elvis will never completely leave the building," adds Grant-Williams.

Grant-Williams offers more advice in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" published by AMACOM Books, New York. This book is endorsed by Paul Harvey and was selected by "Soundview Executive Book Summaries."

Grant-Williams coaches aspiring performers as well as celebrities including Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, Christina Aguilera, Linda Ronstadt, Randy Travis, and Huey Lewis. She has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, the Associated Press, Business Week, UPI, Southern Living, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Renee Grant-Williams, call 615-244-3280 or visit www.MyVoiceCoach.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/22/2006 -- Football games sometimes result in terrible injuries – and they're not always on the field. Injuries can take place inside the throats of screaming fans at the stadium, in sports bars, or even at home watching TV with friends. According to leading voice expert Renee Grant-Williams, sustained yelling can brutally tear up a fan's vocal cords resulting in damage that may persist long after football season is over.

"Whenever anyone yells repeatedly, it puts severe friction and pressure on their vocal cords. An enthusiastic fan risks becoming hoarse, losing their voice or even developing nodes," says Grant-Williams. "Nodes are like calluses, they form on the vocal cords to protect them from strain. However, nodes get in the way and keep the vocal cords from fitting together cleanly, causing the voice to become hoarse and unpredictable. Over time, these nodes may require surgery."

Grant-Williams offers suggestions for voice protection during football games:

1) Dress appropriately. Layer clothing so the layers can be removed or added as needed. Fans attending the game should take a warm scarf to protect the throat.
2) Drink plenty of fluids. Limit beverages that dehydrate, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
3) Eat smart. Eat a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Limit the intake of salty foods like salted nuts and chips.
4) When expressing support for your team, breathe low and support the yelling by contracting your lower abdominal muscles. Do not scream from the throat.

"Just as in football, the best defense for the voice is a good offense," says Grant-Williams. "Don't wait until the damage is done to take precautions. Even though it is normal to be enthusiastic during a sports event, think twice before yelling too much."

Grant-Williams offers more tips in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" published by AMACOM Books, New York. This book is endorsed by Paul Harvey and was selected by "Soundview Executive Book Summaries."

She coaches business executives, sales professionals and celebrities including Faith Hill, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Kenny Chesney, Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Tim McGraw, and Christina Aguilera. She presents speaking programs to organizations throughout the United States and has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, TV Guide, Business Week, Southern Living, the Associated Press, UPI, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, CMT, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Renee Grant-Williams, call 615-259-4900 or visit www.MyVoiceCoach.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The difference between a mediocre performance and one that knocks an audience off its feet can be something as simple as a good vocal warm-up. “Vocal Warm-Up,” a new CD offering by renowned celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams, helps a performer prepare their voice before singing.

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/17/2006 -- Released just in time for Christmas, "Vocal Warm-Up" guides singers through easy-to-follow techniques that get immediate results.

"Top recording artists and beginners alike use the star-tested techniques found on 'Vocal Warm-Up' to prepare and protect their voices," says Grant-Williams, who was featured in last fall's two-hour special episode of the NBC series "Three Wishes," hosted by Amy Grant. "This CD will enable performers to sing with more power, increase vocal range, build vocal stamina, sing great high notes, and protect their voices."

Grant-Williams' one-hour CD is packed with a combination of instruction and warm-up exercises. Exercises include breathing and support warm-ups, as well as scales for both high voice and low voice. Each technique is carefully explained and then followed by exercises.

"My goal was to make this the most thorough vocal warm-up CD available," says Grant-Williams. "It is unique because of the amount of instruction I've included along with the warm-up exercises. This CD can be used alone or as a companion to my Vocal Master Class on DVD."

Although designed for singers, the breathing and support techniques are perfectly suited for speakers as well.

"Whether you are a professional public speaker or an occasional presenter at office, community or church functions, you will be more effective if you breathe and support your voice properly," says Grant-Williams. "Speakers stand to benefit from much of the instruction and warm-up techniques shared in 'Vocal Warm-Up.'"

"Vocal Warm-Up" may be ordered exclusively at www.MyVoiceCoach.com for the affordable price of $20. Grant-Williams' DVD "Vocal Master Class" is also available for people interested in more in-depth instruction on voice training. Together these two products provide an excellent way for singers to learn and utilize the very same teaching methods that have brought so much success to Grant-Williams' celebrity students.

Grant-Williams' client list includes Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Tim McGraw, Christina Aguilera, Ben Folds, Martina McBride, Randy Travis, and Huey Lewis. Record labels, producers and managers rely on her to help fine-tune their artists. She has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, Business Week, Southern Living, US Weekly, the Associated Press, UPI, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Renee Grant-Williams, call 615-259-4900 or visit www.MyVoiceCoach.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/16/2006 -- Some teachers may feel like they've tried every trick in the book to maintain control in the classroom – too often to no avail. Unfortunately, teachers may be overlooking one of their most powerful – and available – resources for taking charge.

"The secret to maintaining control in the classroom is right under the teacher's nose," says Renee Grant-Williams, author of "Voice Power." "It's the teacher's voice."

"Speaking skills combined with an intellect and passion for teaching can firmly establish a teacher's authority in the classroom," says Grant-Williams, also an acclaimed coach to professional speakers, business leaders and some of the recording industry's biggest names. "This combination will get the students' attention, maintain control and keep things interesting."

Grant-Williams has developed voice guidelines for educators designed to make their lives a little easier and their teaching more effective. She says establishing authority begins the first day of class. "You're in charge," says Grant-Williams. "Students need to hear that in your voice. When you need obedience you must make what you say a command, not a request."

Giving a convincing command requires using a voice that is full, clear, confident and in control. This means breathing and speaking from deep within the diaphragm. By contrast, a voice that comes from the throat is whispery, thin, pinched and whiny. This kind of voice practically begs to be ignored.

"A teacher who speaks primarily from the throat sounds out-of-control and won't be taken seriously by the class," says Grant-Williams. "A rich, full voice projects the image that represents a teacher best and must come from deep inside. Make it a practice to record and listen to your voice to be sure you're making the most of this resource."

In addition to establishing control, an educator can use their voice to maintain students' interest in the subject being discussed. One effective way to grab attention is to go early to the beginning consonants of important words and stretch them out. It's a heads up to the students that an important point is about to be made and they need to pay attention.

"Like waiting for the other shoe to drop, stretching out the beginning consonant and delaying the rest of the word totally arrests the listener and mmm-akes them listen," says Grant-Williams.

Another way to keep students interested is to pause before and after a crucial thought. A pause before the thought gets the class's attention and prepares them for an unexpected idea. A pause after the thought gives the idea time to sink in. For instance, droll actress Mae West made brilliant use of a pause: "I used to be Snow White (long pause) but I drifted."

Grant-Williams says effective teachers know that silence can be just as, if not more powerful than words. "Streams of run-on words become monotonous and practically lull a student to sleep," says Grant-Williams. "But a sprinkling of well-placed power pauses produce the opposite effect, keeping the class on the edge of their seats and eager for more."

Grant-Williams suggests practicing reading the class material aloud, inserting written pauses before and after key thoughts and words – wherever a good pause will emphasize or clarify what is being said. The next step is to record and listen back to see whether the pauses appear to be effective and the message clear. Grant-Williams offers more advice in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" (AMACOM, New York). This book is endorsed by Paul Harvey and was selected for inclusion in the "Soundview Executive Book Summaries" program.

She coaches business executives, sales professionals and celebrities including Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Linda Ronstadt, Tim McGraw, and Christina Aguilera. She presents speaking programs to organizations throughout the United States and has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, TV Guide, Business Week, Southern Living, the Associated Press, UPI, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, CMT, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Renee Grant-Williams, call 615-259-4900 or visit www.MyVoiceCoach.com. 10/11/2006

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/06/2006 -- Any pet owner knows that animals have rich emotional lives and that they love to be talked to. And, just as with humans, there is a right way and a wrong way to initiate communication. It is important to keep two critical factors in mind when attempting to establish a good relationship with an animal: 1) how to enter the animal's personal space, and 2) what tone of voice to use.

"Don't just charge right into an animal's space without signaling that your intentions are harmless," says expert voice coach Renee Grant-Williams. "Think how large and unpredictable we must appear to the average household pet. If you were swimming next to a blue whale, you would probably be more comfortable if you had a few clues about what it had in mind."

Grant-Williams says to always speak in low, reassuring tones when approaching an animal so it has a sense of the situation and can feel comfortable. Like humans, animals detect friendliness, anxiety, or anger in the tone of a person's voice.

"After approaching an animal, make vocal adjustments depending on the desired response," Grant-Williams says. "For instance, use soft soothing tones when playing and cuddling, but use deep, firm tones when commanding a pet."

"Do not make commands sound like questions or pleas by lifting your voice at the end," Grant-Williams advises. "A command should be obeyed, do not politely ask your pet to do something, command it. As with children, pets take their cues from the tone of your voice."

Grant-Williams says dogs, in particular, are pack animals and each pack must have a leader.

"The owner is that leader and must earn the respect of the dog," she says. "Urgent commands must be given in a way that the dog knows it is expected to take heed; the command must sound like a growl. Think about a dog's growl, the sound comes from way down inside, which is why it sounds so intimidating."

Grant-Williams says a pet owner must sound similar in order to be convincing. "The voice you use must be deep, firm and sharp," she says. "Be sure to breathe low and use good support so the dog will hear the commitment behind the command."

Finally, Grant-Williams advises following training commands with a lighter, higher tone "good boy!" as a reward.

Grant-Williams offers more advice in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" (AMACOM, New York). This book is endorsed by Paul Harvey and was selected by "Soundview Executive Book Summaries" as one of the best business books of 2002.

She coaches business executives, sales professionals and celebrities including Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Linda Ronstadt, Tim McGraw, and Christina Aguilera. She presents speaking programs to organizations throughout the United States and has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, TV Guide, Business Week, Southern Living, the Associated Press, UPI, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, CMT, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/06/2006 -- Any pet owner knows that animals have rich emotional lives and that they love to be talked to. And, just as with humans, there is a right way and a wrong way to initiate communication. It is important to keep two critical factors in mind when attempting to establish a good relationship with an animal: 1) how to enter the animal's personal space, and 2) what tone of voice to use.

"Don't just charge right into an animal's space without signaling that your intentions are harmless," says expert voice coach Renee Grant-Williams. "Think how large and unpredictable we must appear to the average household pet. If you were swimming next to a blue whale, you would probably be more comfortable if you had a few clues about what it had in mind."

Grant-Williams says to always speak in low, reassuring tones when approaching an animal so it has a sense of the situation and can feel comfortable. Like humans, animals detect friendliness, anxiety, or anger in the tone of a person's voice.

"After approaching an animal, make vocal adjustments depending on the desired response," Grant-Williams says. "For instance, use soft soothing tones when playing and cuddling, but use deep, firm tones when commanding a pet."

"Do not make commands sound like questions or pleas by lifting your voice at the end," Grant-Williams advises. "A command should be obeyed, do not politely ask your pet to do something, command it. As with children, pets take their cues from the tone of your voice."

Grant-Williams says dogs, in particular, are pack animals and each pack must have a leader.

"The owner is that leader and must earn the respect of the dog," she says. "Urgent commands must be given in a way that the dog knows it is expected to take heed; the command must sound like a growl. Think about a dog's growl, the sound comes from way down inside, which is why it sounds so intimidating."

Grant-Williams says a pet owner must sound similar in order to be convincing. "The voice you use must be deep, firm and sharp," she says. "Be sure to breathe low and use good support so the dog will hear the commitment behind the command."

Finally, Grant-Williams advises following training commands with a lighter, higher tone "good boy!" as a reward.

Grant-Williams offers more advice in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" (AMACOM, New York). This book is endorsed by Paul Harvey and was selected by "Soundview Executive Book Summaries" as one of the best business books of 2002.

She coaches business executives, sales professionals and celebrities including Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Linda Ronstadt, Tim McGraw, and Christina Aguilera. She presents speaking programs to organizations throughout the United States and has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, TV Guide, Business Week, Southern Living, the Associated Press, UPI, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, CMT, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/06/2006 -- Any pet owner knows that animals have rich emotional lives and that they love to be talked to. And, just as with humans, there is a right way and a wrong way to initiate communication. It is important to keep two critical factors in mind when attempting to establish a good relationship with an animal: 1) how to enter the animal's personal space, and 2) what tone of voice to use.

"Don't just charge right into an animal's space without signaling that your intentions are harmless," says expert voice coach Renee Grant-Williams. "Think how large and unpredictable we must appear to the average household pet. If you were swimming next to a blue whale, you would probably be more comfortable if you had a few clues about what it had in mind."

Grant-Williams says to always speak in low, reassuring tones when approaching an animal so it has a sense of the situation and can feel comfortable. Like humans, animals detect friendliness, anxiety, or anger in the tone of a person's voice.

"After approaching an animal, make vocal adjustments depending on the desired response," Grant-Williams says. "For instance, use soft soothing tones when playing and cuddling, but use deep, firm tones when commanding a pet."

"Do not make commands sound like questions or pleas by lifting your voice at the end," Grant-Williams advises. "A command should be obeyed, do not politely ask your pet to do something, command it. As with children, pets take their cues from the tone of your voice."

Grant-Williams says dogs, in particular, are pack animals and each pack must have a leader.

"The owner is that leader and must earn the respect of the dog," she says. "Urgent commands must be given in a way that the dog knows it is expected to take heed; the command must sound like a growl. Think about a dog's growl, the sound comes from way down inside, which is why it sounds so intimidating."

Grant-Williams says a pet owner must sound similar in order to be convincing. "The voice you use must be deep, firm and sharp," she says. "Be sure to breathe low and use good support so the dog will hear the commitment behind the command."

Finally, Grant-Williams advises following training commands with a lighter, higher tone "good boy!" as a reward.

Grant-Williams offers more advice in her book, "Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention" (AMACOM, New York). This book is endorsed by Paul Harvey and was selected by "Soundview Executive Book Summaries" as one of the best business books of 2002.

She coaches business executives, sales professionals and celebrities including Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Linda Ronstadt, Tim McGraw, and Christina Aguilera. She presents speaking programs to organizations throughout the United States and has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, TV Guide, Business Week, Southern Living, the Associated Press, UPI, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, CMT, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Most importantly, parents need to be absolutely certain that the driving force behind the dream of superstardom is their child and not them," says Grant-Williams, vocal coach to some of the recording industry's biggest stars. "Fortunately, in my experience, it's more often the kids. When I asked eleven-year-old Yahoo national yodeling champion Taylor Ware what she wanted for Christmas, she solemnly told me that she asked Santa to bring her a tour bus. This girl is clearly in the driver's seat."

As a place to start, parents can answer the following ten questions to gain valuable insight into their child's potential for stardom. The questions address motivation and talent – both of which are essential to a successful career in music. Does your child:

1. Appear to be motivated by making music or by the promise of fame and fortune?

2. Willingly pass up other activities in order to practice their music lessons?

3. Study other singers and learn from shows like American Idol and Nashville Star?

4. Seem passionate about singing, always looking for opportunities to perform?

5. Handle constructive criticism and rejection by learning from it?

6. Sing as well a cappella as when they sing along with the radio?

7. Naturally personalize a popular song by adding their own special touches?

8. Sound as good to legitimate music professionals as the singers on the radio?

9. Feel at ease in the spotlight and comfortable relating to an audience?

10. Get frequent requests to perform in public?

"If the answer was 'no' to several of these questions, don't rush off to the bank for that second mortgage," says Grant-Williams. "Your child may be talented, but most likely may not have everything it takes to have a successful career. Encourage them and give them some time explore their talent. Revisit these ten questions in a year or two and assess your child's progress. If there has not been substantial improvement, consider that your child may be destined to use their talent in the church choir or in a local band for fun, rather than for profit as a professional."

On the other hand, parents who answer "yes" to most of these questions should seriously consider their child's future as a musician. "Encourage your young musician and support them as best you can," says Grant-Williams. "Seek professional guidance for responsible ways to help them grow musically. Remember that the drive for a music career must always be theirs, not yours."

Grant-Williams coaches aspiring performers as well as celebrity entertainers like Bo Bice, the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Christina Aquilera, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, and Martina McBride. She is the author of Voice Power (AMACOM Books, NY), available wherever books are sold, and has recently released a three-part instructional DVD and warm-up CD that are available on her website.

Grant-Williams has appeared numerous broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, CMT, GAC, MTV, BBC, and NPR, and has been quoted by and written for numerous print publications including Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, US Weekly, and Country Weekly. She is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and was later on the faculty there, as well as at the University of California, Berkeley, where she served as the Director of the Division of Vocal Music.

For more information, photos, or to schedule an interview with Renee Grant-Williams, call 615-259-4900 or visit http://www.MyVoiceCoach.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm