Having trouble FEELING what your Larynx is doing? Try WATCHING it instead! The Thyroid Cartilage, at the front of the Larynx, is visible as a lump in the center of your throat. For men this is known as the Adam’s Apple. While women don’t have as prominent of a Thyroid Cartilage, it’s still there if you know to look for it. Try watching your throat in the mirror as you swallow. You’ll notice the Thyroid Cartilage goes up. Then, try yawning and you will see it go down. When you sing, try watching in the mirror for this same kind of movement. You can use this visual reference to better understand what your larynx is up (or down) to!
What makes a style a STYLE? This can be confusing when there are countless styles, sub-styles, and fusions of styles. A great listening exercise is to find a classic song that has been covered over many decades by many artists in many styles. Listen to at least 7 recordings of the song you choose. Compare the way various singers use their voices. Does each singer stick to the original melody? Are changes made to the phrasing, rhythm, or lyrics? What key is the song performed in? Which vocal registers are used? Does each singer use a wide range of dynamics? What about legato, staccato, or other musical devices? These questions can get you started on a path to really understanding the nuances of vocal style. Once you become aware of these nuances, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to add new tricks that help make your style YOUR style!
Have you ever felt like you can’t inhale DEEPLY? Try a Resistance Breath! First, create a tiny opening at your lips like drinking through a straw. Second, place your finger in front of your lips. Third, inhale the air. Be sure to make it somewhat difficult to take in the air. The sound should be a bit noisy (like slurping a milkshake through a straw) and should take a while (10 to 20 seconds). For added awareness, place a hand on your abdomen or on your ribcage. Notice what happens as you draw in the breath. See how far you can expand the ribcage and how much you can allow the abdomen to relax. This tool is used by athletes, people with breathing disorders, and…. you guessed it… SINGERS!
Looking to increase your Nasal Resonance? First, identify what it feels like to use Nasal Resonance. For many, vibrations are felt in the front of the face, around the nose, and under the eyes. This can be most easily felt while singing “MM”. Sing “MM” on ascending and descending pitches and experience these vibrations. Then, see if you can feel these same sensations while producing your vowels! Try singing “MM-AH”, slowly changing from the “MM” to the “AH” while continuing to keep the sensation towards the front of your face. You should be able to achieve this quite quickly and enjoy its benefits immediately. Increasing Nasal Resonance will greatly improve the quality and FLEXIBILITY of your voice!
“Don’t SLOUCH!”. “Stand up straight!”. "Sing with good posture!". These phrases echo in our ears if we've ever had training as singers. And for good reason! SLOUCHING thrusts the jaw and head forward which adds tension to the neck, larynx, and surrounding muscles. Slouching also limits your breathing by preventing the ribcage from expanding fully. Plus, Slouching makes us look sad, unconfident, and defeated. Thankfully, out of the many vocal habits that exist, Slouching is probably the easiest one to fix. You just have to be willing to stand up for yourself! Or, in other words, you must become SLOUCHLESS!
One of the most important aspects of being an Artist is LISTENING. First, you must listen to your OWN voice - not just your singing voice, but your INNER voice. The voice that guides your taste, choices, decisions, and, ultimately, your path. Second, you must listen to the voices of your TEACHERS and mentors. It’s unwise to try to tackle singing completely alone. It’s a communal art, and you should find a set of ears that you can trust to help you grow. Lastly, you must listen to the voices that DISAGREE with you - those that give thoughtful (not mean, negative, or hurtful) critique. Have the toughness to listen objectively. True critique can be difficult to hear, but it’s crucial to growth. Be willing to listen to yourself, your mentors, and your critics - you’ll have no choice but to become a True Artist!
Did you know that when you sing a note, you’re actually singing MANY notes all at once? It’s true! The note you sing is called the "Fundamental Frequency". It’s the lowest note present in the sound. But, there are many other higher notes present that are called “Overtones”. Depending on how we shape our vocal tract (jaw, tongue, soft palate, lips, and larynx), certain Overtones become boosted and others become dampened. Vocal tone and timbre is largely affected by which Overtones are brought forth. Modifying vowels and making thoughtful adjustments to your vocal tract is how to achieve a clearer, louder, or more aesthetically pleasing sound. Imagine the infinite notes you can sing without ever changing pitch!
“I only sing in the shower. I would join a choir, but I don’t think my bathtub can hold that many people.” HA! Ever hear that one? Most showers are made with materials that amplify sound waves. Your voice sounds better because of the resonant acoustic properties. But, you don’t actually have to be in the shower to sound good. Your HEAD is its own resonance chamber! Making adjustments to your larynx position, jaw, tongue, mouth, and soft palate will all change how your own personal resonance chamber functions. So, instead of relying on ceramic tiles - amaze yourself at what resonances you can create without the help of those resounding walls. Vocal technique is the art of making your shower portable!
Have you had an absolutely fantastic performance where you just NAILED it? It's exhilarating, full of nuance, and seems to happen effortlessly! Have you ever then tried to repeat that performance? Chances are, the second time around it was far less satisfying and felt a bit forced. Remember - even when we sing the same songs or say the same words- there are no two performances that are exactly alike. This is actually the Joy of performing. But to stay consistent, try to repeat the actions that led to the successful performance. Pay attention to your impulses. Stay emotionally available. Dare to thrive in the present moment. There will never be two that are the same, but you'll soon find your best performances happening more often than ever!
"Networking" or "Schmoozing" are key parts of building connections and contacts within the entertainment industry. These things often have a negative connotation because they seem to imply that you have ulterior motives. That is, that you are falsely cozying up to someone for your own benefit. But, it actually should never be that way! Instead, successful Networking can best be thought of as a sincere desire to connect with and help others. If you consider your relationships from that perspective, it can be a VERY fulfilling and effective experience. As Zig Ziglar often said, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want".
In today’s entertainment industry, VIDEO auditions are often taking the place of LIVE auditions. Thankfully, video recording on your smartphone is considered to be an acceptable practice. This said, it’s still nice to make your audition videos look as professional as possible, even with a small budget. You might want to invest in a tripod for your camera or phone, so that the picture is steady and at the right height. Either purchase a basic lighting kit or find some good lamps that show you at your best. Record your audition videos in a space that is free from too many visual distractions. The space should also be free from any background noises. Keep your audition videos as simple and as professional as possible. This way the casting team will focus all of their attention on YOU!
Did anyone tell you? That your voice is absolutely beautiful? If they failed to say it, then they clearly weren’t paying close enough attention. Didn’t anyone tell you? That your voice is one-of-a-kind. If they did, then they heard your SOUL loudly and clearly. Did anyone tell you? That you should stop singing and give up on the love inside you. If so, then it's good that you ignored them. Didn’t anyone tell you? That your voice is a MIRACLE. If they did, then you should believe them. Because it’s true. And even if they didn’t, you should sing anyway. With all that you are. And you should tell the whole world. About your passionate love for singing. About how much it has meant to you. And how it has helped make you the miraculous person that you are today. Did anyone tell you? Did you tell them?
Do you have the STAMINA for Sustains? Try singing one pitch for as long as you can, nice and steady. Ok… GO! Keep going! You can make it! Alright, how many seconds did you last? If you lasted 30 seconds or more - WOW! Congrats! A vocal triumph! If you had trouble lasting 10 seconds or even less - you have a little work to do. Sustaining long phrases requires not only Breath Stamina, but Breath Management as well. Breath Stamina is how long you can last between breaths. Breath Management is expelling the proper amount of air at any given time during your exhale. Think of it this way: at the beginning of your exhale you have more air you need to hold back. At the end of your exhale, though, you need to let more air out. Practicing this will help you keep an even flow throughout your singing - and will give your Stamina a boost!
DIET can play a crucial role in the longevity of our vocal folds. Our eating habits may contribute to LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux (LPR), which is one of the worst problems for vocal health. LPR is often referred to as “silent reflux” because its symptoms are less conspicuous than traditional heartburn. LPR can have very damaging effects on the voice as it often goes undiagnosed. Tips to avoid LPR include staying well-hydrated and avoiding excess consumption of spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and extremely fatty foods. While this may sound daunting, the key is MODERATION! Maintaining an intentional diet, workout plan, and positive lifestyle will not only promote physical and psychological well-being, but will foster freedom from LPR and a healthy voice as well!
Many singers have trouble finding songs and learning songs. TECHNOLOGY to the rescue! Thanks to technology, there are some helpful resources for musicians these days. For obtaining sheet music, some great websites include sheetmusic.com, musicnotes.com, and Scribd. You can purchase sheet music separately or subscribe for a monthly fee. The first two sites have software that allows you to play the accompaniment or melody in multiple keys and tempos. This makes learning melodies and rhythms easier and is useful for rehearsal. Well-known websites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube are also great for karaoke tracks and backing tracks. Creating playlists on these sites is a convenient way of organizing all the repertoire you’re working on. Recruit technology for better learning, searching, and practicing! Welcome to the vocal FUTURE!
What do singers and toddlers have in common? They both like to blow BUBBLES! Not only is it great fun, but it can also help eliminate vocal tension. You just need two things: a regular drinking straw and a glass of water halfway full. Round your lips, put the straw into your mouth, and blow some bubbles into the water! It’s okay if your cheeks puff out! Experiment with how big and small you can make the bubbles. The size, motion, and consistency of the bubbles will give you an indication of how much breath you are releasing. Then, vocalise through the straw! You can use scales, musical patterns, or even the melody of your songs. Continue to be mindful of the bubbles’ size and consistency. Discover which combination of these two things minimizes your vocal tension the most. Ah! Singers are forever YOUNG!
"If you don't like what's being said, CHANGE the conversation." Similarly, if you don't like what your BODY is saying, change the conversation! The next time you feel tension: MOVE! If it's your neck or upper body - turn your head, roll your shoulders, or shake your arms. If it’s your jaw - help it move in a gentle chew or give it a massage. If it’s your breathing system, place a hand on your abdominals and ribcage to feel the expansion. Sometimes it can be difficult to consciously choose to relax. Luckily, MOVEMENT is always a great way to combat tension. We’re much better at making active choices than telling ourselves NOT to do something. So, change the conversation by saying: “Let’s MOVE!”.
Do you feel that your Head Voice is WEAK and lacks the strength and support of your Chest Voice and Mix? The Head Voice can, in fact, be powerful like your other vocal registers! There are three things to focus on in your technique when trying to strengthen your Head Voice - larynx position, jaw freedom, and breath support. A great exercise to help promote all three of these skills is singing “HWAW” on 1-5-1 in your Head Voice. Be mindful that your larynx doesn’t rise too high. Keep your jaw relaxed, narrow, and downward. Make sure that your breath is small, flowing, and energetic. Above all, though, don’t be TIMID! Never fear making a bold and big sound with your Head Voice!
Have you ever considered that you may be Riffing TOO MUCH? Riffs should be thought of as a means of heightening the sentiment of a word or phrase. Instead, many singers become addicted to Riffs and start adding them willy nilly! Try reading the lyrics without any music or melody. What phrases stand out to you as crucial to the MEANING of the song? Which moments give you something to SAY? Which words elicit a visceral response from your artistic soul? THOSE are the prime places to experiment with Riffs and other stylistic embellishments. Too many Riffs can actually diffuse your artistic impact, even if your vocal acrobatics are impressive. Practice mindfully choosing the most meaningful places for your Riffs and your singing will be both impactful AND impressive!
Appreciate not only good singers, but also MEDIOCRE ones! Did you know that studies have shown people are able to lift more weight when they are next to someone lifting just a little less? We would think it would be the opposite! As it turns out, though, we get a confidence boost when we aren’t always comparing ourselves to others with a superior skill-set. Listening to out-of-tune singers won't do the trick - the disparity is too great. However, by staying aware that there are singers who aren't quite as proficient as you actually results in BETTER singing! Remember, it’s not about judging others negatively. It’s about recognizing how far you've come on your vocal journey, rather than constantly focussing on how far you have to go. Celebrate ALL singers! Yourself included!
What the heck does the LARYNX have to do with Musical Style? Isn't Style determined by tone, rhythm, musical choices, articulation, resonance, and performance values?” Yes! But you also must master your Larynx! Try singing a song phrase with a High Larynx, then a Neutral Larynx, and finally a Low Larynx. You’ll probably notice how dramatically and quickly the sound changes! Different genres of music call for different Larynx positions. A slightly raised Larynx is common in pop or rock music. A Neutral Larynx is often used for folk or musical theatre singing. A slightly lowered Larynx is native to classical and traditional sounds. To be a versatile singer, you should get comfortable with the full spectrum of what your Larynx can do. Once you've figured this out, you're already on your way towards creating diverse and stylistically-appropriate sounds!
Style vs. Technique. What’s the difference? STYLE is the distinctive musical, dramatic, and emotional choices used to express a song or phrase. TECHNIQUE is the practiced muscular coordinations, physical control, and vocal skill-sets that free singers to express themselves in one or many Styles. So why do we separate them? Focusing on Style without awareness of Technique is like an athlete focusing on game strategy without working on the fitness and athleticism needed to compete. Ignoring Style, though, is like an athlete who never leaves the gym to actually play the sport. When practicing, consciously link the Technique you are working on to the stylistic effects you want to produce. This winning strategy is what makes the most difficult singing look and feel easy!
Want to give your Vocal Folds a TREAT? Then sing on a small, steady stream of air! Your ideal Breathing Technique should feature a gentle, smooth, constant, and energized exhale. Vocal problems and limitations typically result from breathing systems that involve forceful breaths, jerky breaths, or irregular breath flows. Take an inhalation by expanding your low abs, your low back, and your side ribcage. Then, exhale to sing on an energetic, yet TINY breath stream. Your vocal technique will instantly improve. Plus, your Vocal Folds will thank you for giving them what they have always wanted!
Practicing your Mix Voice? Well then - PUCKER UP! Not for kissing, but for Vocal MASTERY! There are two main exits for air when we exhale to sing: the mouth and the nose. Breath will exit where there is the least resistance. That’s why the “Beltiest” and often "pushiest" sounds happen when the mouth is WIDE open. Rounding your lips during some vocal exercises causes less breath to be forced out. This creates a pathway of air upwards and inwards, which assists Head Resonance and Nasal Resonance. Utilizing more Resonance provides freedom for high notes, allows for greater volume control, and creates a more professional tone quality. So… practice puckering up! And blow a KISS to your Mix voice!
As singers, we stand as BEACONS of terrific Posture! And yet, you may find yourself slumping at your day job or hunching during your daily commutes. It’s actually quite easy for poor Posture to turn into a habit. Not only does this affect long-term health, but it also has negative effects on singing. So, it’s imperative to PRACTICE good Posture! Practice becomes easier if we think of Posture as BALANCE. We should balance our weight from front to back and from side to side. Typically, imbalanced Posture takes the form of leaning too far forward with the head jutting ahead of the body. To easily attain balance, practice lifting your sternum as though it was being pulled from above. It’s less likely that you will jut the head forward with a slightly lifted sternum. Simple mindfulness like this will cause your posture to remain tall (and balanced) everyday!
Do you ever feel like it’s TOO LATE to learn something new? Put that thought away! Certainly some things are easier to learn at certain times, like when we’re very young or in particular life circumstances. But, it’s ALWAYS the right time to keep learning! As an artist, your craft continues to evolve as long as you use it. And, you can forever make progress on developing your voice (both your physical voice and your artistic voice) and discovering new things about it. The same way that our relationships with other people develop and grow over time, so does your relationship with your art. So, cherish, protect, and honor the lifelong relationship with the voice you've been given. It’s NEVER too late to become a better and happier artist!
Mastering the nuances of each Vowel can revolutionize your vocal technique! Each Vowel has a distinct shape when sung. The long EE sound, as in “geese,” is known as a Closed Front Vowel. It feels as though it buzzes forward in the face, and the tongue is arched high in the back. This diminishes the space in the back of the mouth. Conversely, the “AH” vowel sound, as in “hot,” is categorized as an Open Back vowel. You can feel why - the tongue drops and creates more mouth space. Plus, the resonance seems to retreat more into the back of the mouth. Practice FEELING the difference between these two very different vowels. Pay close attention to how the internal shape of your mouth changes the sounds you create as you work through all your vowels!
Mastering the nuances of each Vowel can revolutionize your vocal technique! Each Vowel has a distinct shape when sung. The long EE sound, as in “geese,” is known as a Closed Front Vowel. It feels as though it buzzes forward in the face, and the tongue is arched high in the back. This diminishes the space in the back of the mouth. Conversely, the “AH” vowel sound, as in “hot,” is categorized as an Open Back vowel. You can feel why - the tongue drops and creates more mouth space. Plus, the resonance seems to retreat more into the back of the mouth. Practice FEELING the difference between these two very different vowels. Pay close attention to how the internal shape of your mouth changes the sounds you create as you work through all your vowels!
Where is the line between ACTING and LIVING? There’s a well-known story about Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier. In preparation for a difficult scene, Hoffman hadn't slept for a few days. Olivier asked him why he was putting himself through such an ordeal. Hoffman said that he wanted to be convincing in the role. Olivier replied, "Try ACTING dear boy”. Many actors feel the need to live every experience that their character is going through. But, Acting is really more about being able to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. Do your homework of course. Investigate the life of your character. Research who they are, where they’ve lived, and what they want. Ultimately, though, using your imagination and preparing your character will do the job. And, it will save you from unnecessary pain and sleepless nights!
Do you feel like your vocal practice is stuck in a RUT? Then, it’s time to get specific! Make sure that you are aware of WHY you're doing every exercise. You can always ask your Voice Teacher this question. Or, if you are studying by yourself, you can try to discern the purpose by how each exercise feels physically. The same thing goes for practicing songs. Try not to just run your pieces over and over. Instead, you might try breaking down your song practice into different categories. For example: Song Learning, Technical Application, Stylistic Details, and then Performance Elements. Don’t get stuck practicing for hours mindlessly when you can practice for a much shorter amount of time - with more results to show for it!