Q.  My daughter is a talented singer in the Houston area. She really hasn't taken it very far, because she is young and still inexperienced. I thought if she was interested in associating herself with the music world here in Houston, She would be able to ask people that have walked the walk.. talked the talk.

Are there places where bands look to find a female vocalist? She needs to know what is best for her and what it actually takes to succeed .

A. Wow. Big question!

I can start by saying that everyone needs mentors. I had a vocal mentor, a recording mentor, a songwriting mentor. I found them by hanging out where they do: shows, music stores, recording studios, songwriters associations, etc...

If she wants to search for a band to sing with, she'll need to let them know who she is and what she likes to sing. If you go to GuitarCenter on Westheimer, you will see a bulletin board in the back that is filled with flyers about musicians looking for musicians. She needs a demo recording of her voice to submit to parties that might actually pick up her flyer and call. Her flyer needs to have a picture of her, a phone number and a list of songs she likes or other female vocalists who she might sound like. See the other postings in the store before you make your flyer. See the section on "demos" to get a recommendation for where she might make her audition recording.

For less money, she could go to the mall and just make a karaoke recording. Take it to Church Cassette here in town to get copies made. She'll need about 50. Keep these copies in every car you own just in case!

She will also need a press kit. Section to be added today!!

She can also attend the local songwriter association's meetings to network with songwriters who need vocalists for their recordings. It won't make her famous (necessarily) but it might earn her some money. Most songwriters are willing to pay 50-100 bucks for a good vocalist to sing a song, especially if they think it could be a hit. She will have to learn the song *before* she goes to the studio to sing it.

She can also sing songs at local open mics. If she has a friend who plays guitar or piano, bring em along! She'll feel pretty naked if she's singin tunes a capella! She needs three songs she can sing all the way through. She can bring lyrics with her - remember - its just an open mic - not Nashville Star!! Here is a database of local events. They are held every night of the week all over Houston.

 The SoundChick Recommends:

Debbie Beinhorn is a succesful and talented vocal coach. You can find her at beinhornvocals.com

When you have vocal trouble that stems from laryngitis, take an anti-inflammatory such as Motrin or Aspirin. Tylenol won't work.

Hydrate every single cell in your body with water and breathe steam in the shower, a hot tub or a Salton face steamer (which you can get at Eckerds).

Rest and try not to whisper. Talking is second worst, but light humming is OK after about 6 hours after you begin your therapy.

In extreme cases, when you just CAN'T miss a gig, you can visit your doctor and ask for a corticosteriod shot. Some won't do it, as it is a radical procedure and can create scar tissue too close to your vocal cords.

I've done it, but only for those shows that were potentially 'career-making'.