Friday, October 15, 2010

Making An Unspoilt Singing Voice Today

By Irene Rios

Although many people do not think of it in this way, the singing voice is a musical instrument. It is actually the first musical instrument ever as it came into being long before other instruments which were invented to accompany singing. The singing voice is trainable and when well nurtured it will remain a well-tuned instrument for any singer who wants to stay in practice.

As with all musical instruments, the singing voice must stay "well-tuned". It is possible to do this by keeping the vocal chords very relaxed while singing. In doing so, their vibration will produce optimal vocal sound. Not forcing sound through the vocal folds is one way of keeping them relaxed.

A singer will need to perform long sustained notes, shorter staccato notes and project their voice, on occasion, when microphones are unavailable and the diaphragm is the muscle that can be trained to accomplish these requirements. The diaphragm provides a division between the abdomen and the lungs and its main use is to regulate air coming in and out of the lungs.

When a performer wants to get the most out of their vocal instrument, they will appreciate that singing lessons are equally as important for them as they for any other instrument. Everyone's singing voice is just as unique as is their speaking voice. When a singer is true to their own sound, they will achieve the best results form their voice; however, that is not to say that they cannot be influenced by a particular style or aspire to achieve a sound similar to another accomplished singer.

Singing lessons are, therefore, just as important to train the singing voice as are lessons for any other instrument if the performer wishes to make the best of their vocal instrument. Just as a person's speaking voice is unique, so will be their singing voice. A singer might be influenced by a certain style, or aspire to sound like another singer, but the best results will occur if the singer is true to the sound produced by their own voice.

Training will help a singer invest in their own voice. A singing coach will best be able to guide a singer in how to use their instrument by introducing exercises to condition the areas and muscles of the body which support sound, such as the diaphragm, the lungs, the abdomen, the lips, the tongue and the facial sinuses. A coach will also advise that the vocal chords will require warm up and cool down periods.

Good vocal coaches will insist that the vocal folds stay well hydrated. Singers are encouraged to drink water before and after singing lessons and engagements. Singers are encouraged to take sips of water between songs during a performance so that the vocal folds and the muscle systems supporting them stay well-hydrated.

A good vocal coach will also insist that the vocal chords stay well hydrated. The singer will be encouraged to drink plenty of water before and after a singing lesson or engagement. A singer will also be encouraged to sip water between tunes when performing in order to keep the vocal chords well hydrated as well as all the muscle systems which support them.

It is good practice for a singer to record themselves during lessons and performances in order to recognize and appreciate where they are doing well and where they might need more work. As with all instruments, developing the singing voice takes dedication, practice, commitment, study and time. - 40727

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