It is often the case that after a long performance or intensive singing lesson we feel tired, we can hardly speak and it is clear that vocal rest is needed.
Of course, it’s the right thing to do. But what if you will optimise the singing process ? Putting in less effort, reducing air pressure which makes our vocal chords moving and not forcing the voice will give you opportunity to sing much longer without being tired.
All that we need to do is to have a clear idea what words we need to sing, sending a clear message from the brain to vocal chords and using air wisely.
I would compare it with the opening the door:
Whether you press handle vigorously or gently- The final result will be an opened door. The same happens with your voice.
We need to use a specific pressure of air for different notes in singing, but as soon as you have created a right note, what’s the point to give even more weight towards your vocal folds?
It’s important to admit that as soon as your pressure of air becomes higher than it is needed for a specific note, we start, as they say, to “force” the voice and as a result, you feel that your voice is tired.
• Video of vocal folds involved in a singing process
Please watch how our vocal folds work (photo/video). Please note that vocal folds are staying on the same level (typically, we think that they move up and down)
The vital question is how you control the pressure of air and how you manage your cords?
All that we need is well-organised air which is going through these cords and clear command/message of your mind which is sent to your vocal folds.
‘Befriend” your diaphragm – before we do this, diaphragm acts itself without us asking it to do the job, all is done by the subconscious mind itself. The moment we start to involve core muscles and diaphragm we start to feel general control over the muscle activity during the singing
Have a look at Seth Riggs & Michael Jackson singing lessons
Listen to a singing lesson of Michael Jackson who is working on his vocal technique with vocal coach Seth Riggs. You can hear clearly how much importance his singing teacher gives to vocal breathing. I think Michael Jackson had a great vocal technique and singers could learn a lot from him.
In the end, I need to summarise:
-do not push the voice
–be clear with consonants and vowels ( vocal folds need a clear message in order to deliver the best result)
– use “belting”, activate your core muscles, mainly, when you sing in a high range of your voice
It will help you to save your voice and not to feel tired.
