How to Sing Properly Without Straining Your Voice
For those singers who share a love of music, few things are more fulfilling than performing on a regular basis. That said, the voice is like any other instrument, and requires a degree of care and maintenance to perform at peak level. To get the most out of each performance, singers must learn to use their voice in a way that is both effective and safe. Placing excess strain on one's vocal apparatus will lead to damage over time and decreased performance. The following tips are offered by the team at Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music, in the hopes of giving singers the tools they need to maintain their voice and enjoy their gift.
Breathing is Everything
All singers know the importance of breath. Breathing is the force that propels our voices out into the world. It is what holds those notes aloft, and what powers the sound long before it emerges from our bodies. Even so, many singers fail to train themselves in deep breathing, and simply get by using what they have to create their sound. There are numerous breathing exercises that singers can use to sharpen this skill.
Maintain Proper Fitness
Several different components of the human body promote singing. The chest cavity, lungs and diaphragm are the primary sources of sound, and in order for singing to reach a level of peak performance, these areas must be in good shape. One way to think about this part of the body is by visualizing a drum. The rib cage forms the walls of the drum, and the muscles that surround the rib cage allow you to expand or contract the drum during singing. That leads to a deeper level of resonance, which is critical to solid vocal performance. Any exercise that improves tone in this area of the body can have a positive impact on your ability to produce great sound.
Don't Forget About Hydration
We all know that staying hydrated is good for our bodies and our health. Taking in adequate volumes of water allows the cells of the body to remain properly hydrated, which makes a singer feel better and perform at a higher level. Remember that hydration is an ongoing effort; make sure to always have water on hand and incorporate it into your daily routine. It is not enough to simply drink more as you prepare for a performance or recover from a lengthy session. Hydration must become a daily habit.
At Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music, we offer a variety of short sessions that help vocalists improve their skill set and learn new techniques. Make sure to join us July 7-14, 2018 to be a part of the nation's finest Southern Gospel music school! Contact us today for more information.
