When I first began voice with Jay Lemon at South Plains College, I had real difficulty releasing into head voice, and endured a lot of strain as I neared the top of my chest. My larynx would jump a lot...but as we progressed, it became much easier to produce tone without outside muscles interfering. My range increased somewhat, and this not only effected my singing, but changed the way I wrote songs, too! Having real access to my voice gave me the freedom to write more interesting and elaborate melodies. Thanks Jay, and thanks SLS!
Jedd Hughes
singer / songwriter, album Transcontinental released on Sony/MCI
True Stories
I have personally been involved with the advancement of SLS at South Plains College, and the certification and training of Jay, Lesa and Mickie. They have demonstrated excellence and competency in their teaching and their dedication to students of SLS. I can recommend the Southwest Vocal associates to anyone seeking to improve their ability to sing.
Dave Stroud
Level 5 Master Teacher in SLS
Before adapting to the SLS techinque, my biggest obsticle was vocal endurance. Most of my performances are 3 to 4 hours long, I was belting the entire time to hear over the band and my voice was exhausted afterwards. Mickie, Jay and Lesa all helped by showing me that I could get the same power, a much better tone, a bigger vocal range and sing for hours without feeling like I had been screaming all night by using the balance of muscle and air. Now I can go on Stage every night, not having to worry about what my voice will sound like at the end of the night, thanks to the expertise of Mickie, Jay and Lesa!
Megan Laurie
country artist
In December of 2003 I recorded my first demo with Studio 84 and although it sounded good, I wasn't using my "tools", meaning my vocal chords, properly and to the best of my ability. Wally Moyers recommended I call Jay Lemon of Southwest Vocal Associates. Jay has been my Speech Level Singing instructor ever since and words can only express the difference in my voice when sung; and ultimately that affected my stage presence and overall confidence. Thanks Wally for sending me to Jay, and thanks Jay for being such a wonderful and inspiring Teacher!!!
Tiffany Hurd
local singer and owner of the Lubbock Gun Slingers arena footfall team
As Chairman of the Creative Arts Department at South Plains College it is my privilege and honor to work with Jay Lemon, Mickie Vasquez and Lesa Wood. These three talented vocalists/musicians are among the finest teachers I've had the privilege to know. They are professional, creative and skilled at achieving technical, artistic and performance results from their students. I highly recommend each one!
Cary C Banks
For radio play, the vocal is everything, especially in today's competitive market. It is my job as producer, to get the best possible performance from the musicians and singers involved in the recording project. While technology can improve some aspects of a vocal performance, there is nothing like knowing the right vocal techniques with an added dose of confidence to take a vocal over the top. For this added edge, I often call on the services of Southwest Vocal Associates. Without exception, the client and I are always very happy with the results.
Wally Moyers
Studio 84, Wala Productions
Lesa and Jay gave me the best vocal tools that I still use today. I might have gotten lost in my voice struggles if it weren't for them. They helped me add notes to the top and bottom of my range, and if I could be in college again (Lord help us all). I'd be back at South Plains College doing the SLS thing!
Wes Nickson
Singer / Songwriter