What makes a voice sound great? What makes someone enraptured by a singing voice, hypnotized by the spoken word, or alarmed by a scream? And most importantly, is it possible to harness all of those characteristics consistently, so you can always sound your best? Many of the necessary qualities of a compelling voice involve muscle coordination without direct “steering wheels”.  Melissa speaks a language that your body and creativity can manifest intuitively, without the over-thinking often caused by ineffective or inaccurate training.  Her 30 years of teaching and unanimous industry respect, she is praised by over 250 major label artists.  This is the class to continue your journey in a brand new way. Included are the warm-ups and skillsets required to always sound your best, when you’re speaking, singing, and yes, screaming. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned professional, here is the essential class to take things to the next level. Learn like the best, from the best!”

Melissa Cross remains the undisputed choice of headliners in the hardcore, metal genre from its incubation and rise from the underground into the worldwide phenomena that defines the modern rock we hear today. After observing for years two distinct vocal mechanics utilized by her students now known as the community’s OGs , Melissa  introduced the terms “fry screaming” and “false cord” screaming in 2005. Never meant as an invitation to choose, but rather intended to inspire the coordinating of multiple strategies wherein precision and control replace emotional efforting without any loss of authenticity. This 3 hour, one time course is an intensive survey of the essential skillsets that involve the aerodynamics (breathing), source (true vocal folds) function, resonance (space in the vocal tract) and articulation (jaw, tongue, lips) involved in four different screams: Fry screaming, Hybrid, False Cord and Death.  The exercises will enable the control, stamina and integrity required to nail a headlining tour. Mimicry and imitation are the worst strategies for retaining the skill over time.   Access to the class recording is included, because continued practice over time will be in order! Learn like the best, from the best.

The Zen of Screaming is now available as a Digital Download video immediately after purchase.  This new edition is streamlined for practice, annotated, and also includes MP3 vocal exercise warmups for all vocal ranges! 

An iconic conversation with SPECIAL GUESTS!

Veteran heavyweight metal vocalists Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage, Eddie Hermida of Suicide Silence, and Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy talk with vocal sensei Melissa Cross. Don't miss this historic gift of vocal wisdom garnered by decades in the trenches with legendary vocalists in the metal genre!