5 Essentials for a Vocalist
Singing Tips from Chris Beatty
If you’re a singer who is entering a busy new year, it’s time to plan ahead. Otherwise, you are likely to be surprised at how quickly the voice will fatigue—just when you need it most!
Here are 5 things to keep in mind as you put your plan into action:
- Your voice needs nourishment in the form of good vocal exercise. And, since it’s part of your physical body it needs good diet and rest. Stress, fatigue, singing without first warming up etc. will cost you. If this sounds threatening, it should. There’s a reason that good, consistent singers pay attention to every aspect of their lives.
- Your mind is your primary preparation tool for mastering songs and scripts. Mindlessly singing songs over and over may help you eventually learn the material, but it will likely wear out your voice in the process. Do as much mental preparation as possible so you don’t have to sing or speak every time you’re working on your material. Clap rhythms, speak or lip-sync words in rhythm. Actors and singers should lip-sync through all lines to feel how much work the lips, tongue and teeth are involved. Then, keep this precision as you add sound.
- Posture and breathing are foundational. During all of the above pay attention to these physical aspects of singing. Check your posture and begin some breathing exercises right now. Posture and good breathing are a 24 hour a day practice that will affect you when you start singing.
- Feel your voice. Begin humming off and on throughout the day to let the mind, ear and physical voice know there’s work to be done, and it has to do with sound. Focus on feeling easy, buzzing, tickling vibrations in the face, sinuses and nasal passages. Allow the voice to work. You don’t need to push, or force it.
- Prepare for any rehearsal times whether scheduled or just your own preparation with warm-ups.
Planning ahead takes time and effort, but you cannot be your best without it. Do you love singing? Junior and Senior Glee Clubs will be starting the week of Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Sign up today for the 10 week course for only $130 including your entry fee into Bandfest. Contact us today, or register online here.