Whether you want to sing in classical style, belt style or anything in between, there’s an old saying that the voice is the only instrument that you have to build before you can use it. It is.
While singers need to learn musical skills like any other musician, there are some considerations that are unique to the singing instrument.
Singers need to train their bodies in a more efficient method of breathing. This technique gives us the best sound for the least amount of effort and protects our vocal folds (vocal cords) from damage. It also allows us to achieve our best and strongest sounds. To accomplish this more efficient style of breath management, singers need to strengthen the appropriate body muscles. This is done through the guidance of a voice professional and daily practice.
Vocalists also need to find and develop the body’s natural resonance, which allows us to produce a stronger, fuller sound with less effort than we would need to sing louder. It also allows singers greater control over intonation (pitch) and dynamics (loud and soft). A singer also begins to realize that, just as their speaking voice sounds different to them than it does to others, so does the singing voice. A voice teacher aids the singer in developing a baseline tone quality, and then developing different styles of singing appropriate to the style of music the singer is presenting.
Unlike other instruments, singers have to deal with words as well as notes. A voice teacher works with singers to develop intelligible diction, so that the words are clear and the pronunciation appropriate to the style of the song.
By developing the resources available to us within our bodies, we can achieve a better, stronger and more attractive voice with more stylistic flexibility. This ease of production gives each singer the tools to liberate their inner artist and focus on creating a musically and dramatically moving performance. Most importantly, these are the same tools which protect the voice from injury and allow us many years of singing enjoyment.
All of this takes time, guidance, patience, commitment and regular practice. How long it takes depends on the singer; every person has a unique voice. And while it’s not a quick process, the benefits far outweigh the investment of time for a dedicated singer.
And, of course, there are songs!
While singers need to learn musical skills like any other musician, there are some considerations that are unique to the singing instrument.
Singers need to train their bodies in a more efficient method of breathing. This technique gives us the best sound for the least amount of effort and protects our vocal folds (vocal cords) from damage. It also allows us to achieve our best and strongest sounds. To accomplish this more efficient style of breath management, singers need to strengthen the appropriate body muscles. This is done through the guidance of a voice professional and daily practice.
Vocalists also need to find and develop the body’s natural resonance, which allows us to produce a stronger, fuller sound with less effort than we would need to sing louder. It also allows singers greater control over intonation (pitch) and dynamics (loud and soft). A singer also begins to realize that, just as their speaking voice sounds different to them than it does to others, so does the singing voice. A voice teacher aids the singer in developing a baseline tone quality, and then developing different styles of singing appropriate to the style of music the singer is presenting.
Unlike other instruments, singers have to deal with words as well as notes. A voice teacher works with singers to develop intelligible diction, so that the words are clear and the pronunciation appropriate to the style of the song.
By developing the resources available to us within our bodies, we can achieve a better, stronger and more attractive voice with more stylistic flexibility. This ease of production gives each singer the tools to liberate their inner artist and focus on creating a musically and dramatically moving performance. Most importantly, these are the same tools which protect the voice from injury and allow us many years of singing enjoyment.
All of this takes time, guidance, patience, commitment and regular practice. How long it takes depends on the singer; every person has a unique voice. And while it’s not a quick process, the benefits far outweigh the investment of time for a dedicated singer.
And, of course, there are songs!