“Your Vocal Folds Are Completely Healthy”

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Lots of Experience, but Poor Technique

I recently had a new student who has been performing on stage and in the studio for many years.  Recently, she has experienced several occurrences of her voice just leaving, and not returning full strength for weeks.  The Ear, Nose and Throat doctor scoped her and announced, “You’re vocal folds are completely healthy.”

Good News; Bad News

It was encouraging to know that there was no visible, physical damage.  At the same time it was discouraging not to know what caused the vocal loss.  Her next step was coming to me, a voice teacher (technique and mechanics) and vocal coach (interpretation and expression).

A Little of the Right Kind of Training Can Go A Long Way

This gifted and experienced singer had never had regular vocal training of any kind.  As we went step-by-step through her vocal technique, making adjustments along the way, she was shocked at all the big and little things that could be adjusted.  She was also pleased to know the “why” of everything we did.  With this full understanding, she will be able to reproduce the right technique until it becomes habit.  That muscle memory will take a few months.  But, meaningful changes were already starting to take place.

Start Where You Are and Don’t Stop Learning

Even if you haven’t experienced the kind of trouble this student did, there is a good chance you have more to learn.  Most of us get complacent until there’s trouble.  The smarter approach is to keep learning, and learning and learning.  Set yourself up for success by doing regular warm-ups and singing songs.  All along the way, track what’s working and what isn’t in a journal. That way you have a measure of what’s going on and can share it with a teacher or coach.  Even if you don’t work with a teacher you can choose what training materials you need.

For example, if you have terrible posture during the day, and run out of breathing when singing you might consider our Compete Breathing and Complete Tone CD’s.  They get right to the heart of the matter with very specific principles and exercises.  If you need to be more expressive consider enrolling in a voice class or acting class at a local community college.  If you have the desire, there’s probably a way to make it happen.

Let Me Know Your Thoughts in the Comments section below.

Tags: chris beatty, healthy singing, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal health, vocal training
Posted in Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »