Improving Your Vocals
Similar to learning other instruments, improving your vocal abilities also requires commitment and training. Without proper instruction and guidance, the risk of possible injury and permanent damage to the vocal chords increases. Effectively using proper breath control and good posture can help avoid these kinds of injuries and improve your overall singing abilities.
Exercise
Physical conditioning is not typically what comes to mind when you think of improving your singing, but it does play a significant role. Musicians who play wind instruments have long known the importance of being able to breathe with ease while playing. Lacking the ability to maintain air in their lungs would cause notes to fade prematurely and would give the music a very broken sound with the need for constant breaths. This concept also proves equally important to vocalists. By jogging and performing other exercises that heighten respiration, you can be sure to enhance your breathe control exponentially.
Determining Vocal Range
Establishing a vocal range can be challenging for the simple reason that the majority of people often sing in a different range than they speak. Though it can be difficult to figure out your vocal spectrum and may take several years, ultimately, the area with the strongest notes and tones are what determine range. As the maturity of each person's voice develops differently, it also causes the various range types to reach their prime at different ages. For instance, a soprano will reach their prime at a much younger age than a bass. However, these vocal changes can be managed and overcome by sustaining a regimented and dedicated practice schedule.
Healthy Tips
Your voice is fragile and constant abuse may cause long-lasting damage to your vocal chords. You can help maintain healthy vocals by:
- Avoiding yelling or excessive talking
- Keeping away from drugs and alcohol
- Avoiding singing out of your range
- Staying away from large amounts of dust and pollen
- Preventing to sing with a sore throat
- Frequently drinking water
Posture & Breathing
In order to sing proficiently, it is critical to maintain good posture. By keeping your shoulders down and relaxed, in addition to strengthening the muscles in your back and ribcage, you can help give power to your voice. Working on the coordination and effectiveness of the diaphragm, will allow you to better control the quantity, consistency, and speed of the airflow released.
Conclusion
Your voice is an instrument that requires training and guidance in order to use skillfully. Developing it can be long and arduous, but through proper practice techniques and maintaining good health, you can greatly improve your vocal abilities. By using correct posture and breathing methods, you can add strength to your singing which will enhance your overall performance. Avoid becoming frustrated with the rate in which your voice matures, but rather use your existing range and strive to reach what you know to be its full potential.
- R. Wilkins