Have you explored every nook and cranny of your voice? While it’s never wise to push your voice, it’s actually a great idea to occasionally explore your voice’s EXTREMES. Have you found the highest possible note in your Head Voice? What about your lowest possible note near your Vocal Fry? You also might consider volume. Experiment with your loudest and softest volumes. How about Larynx height? Have you felt the sensation of your highest and squeakiest Larynx? How about your lowest and hollowest Larynx? Knowing the extremes of your voice is one of the best ways to improve your technique and artistry. Almost all of our singing is done in the middle of all these extremes. However, understanding extremes will help you to make the more nuanced adjustments that your technique needs!
It’s time to put your Riffing skills into your SONGS! Start by taking a simple song that you know quite well. Sing it through once on the melody without changing anything. Next, sing it again - but this time see if you can add a Riff or two to some phrases. Start with two or three-note Riffs that are easy for you and go from there. Don’t feel pressured to add too many. Only add them where they feel natural. Not sure where to place them? Just think of what the LYRICS mean to you. Riffs should be an extension of words that need emphasis or emotion. The best Riffs are not “showboaty”, but are instead inspired by the lyrical content. If you practice this way, you’ll be thrilled with what a difference there is in adding a tasteful Riff or two to your songs!
How does the DISCIPLINE of practicing become the ART of performing? When preparing and rehearsing, it's all about "taking in." You must read, study, memorize, and shape every nuance of your material. You create the through-line and the journey of your character from start to finish. But, when it's time to perform, a fundamental CHANGE must take place. "Taking in" must turn into "letting go!". Before you walk on stage to perform, don’t think about all the beats you want to hit and moments you want to create. Don’t set your mind on what's going to happen (much of that is out of your control). Instead, tell yourself, "I've done the work. I have everything I need." Set your mind on trusting yourself and letting go. The moment you do this is the moment when your craft becomes your ART!
You’ve probably noticed that the ACOUSTICS of a room can change the way your voice sounds. Don’t we all sound lovely in the shower? Reverberations of sound against different materials and across varying spaces affect the way our voices resonate. If we practice in a small carpeted room every day and then go audition on a large wooden stage, we might end up confused and thrown off. We often sing differently when we perceive that our voice sounds different. The best way to combat this problem is to practice in a wide variety of settings. Monitor the vocal adjustments you make in each environment. Then, when you do find yourself in a space with poor acoustics, you’ll trust your training and you won’t overcompensate! Don’t just sing in one place. Sing EVERYWHERE!
“What nice Velar-Pharyngeal Control you have!” Wait. WHAT?! That’s the technical term for Nasal Resonance. It can give you greater flexibility, volume, and clarity while also making singing more effortless. Try pinching your nose and singing in three different ways. 1. With a LOT of buzz in your nose. 2. With NO buzz. 3. With a moderate amount of buzz. With each of these variations, try taking the pinch away and producing the same sound you achieved with the pinch. Remember, a sound that passes through the nose won’t necessarily be perceived as "nasal"! Instead, having control over the amount of Nasal Resonance you use will help boost various harmonics in your voice. Now THAT’s nice Velar-Pharyngeal Control!
Are ALLERGIES affecting your voice? Common symptoms of allergies are coughing, a runny nose, and congestion. This congestion can change or limit the way we use our vocal resonators - particularly Nasal Resonance. One solution to this problem is the use of a Neti Pot to keep the nasal cavity clean and clear. Another solution can be allergy medications. However, many allergy medications are antihistamines that have a drying effect on the mouth, throat, and vocal folds. So, the best solution possible is to learn what triggers your allergies and to avoid those circumstances whenever possible. Consult a doctor to learn what those triggers are for you. And, work with your Voice Teacher to make sure that your technique can carry you through any allergy issues you may have!