Warming up the voice is a MUST for every singer.
During my years as a professional singer, I was always amazed when another performer would come off the stage at the end of their show and say to me…
“What a shame my show is finished, my voice was just getting warmed up!”
Imagine if you were in the Olympics, or training for any sports event and you used those words. What would your coach have to say.?
Rule number one…The shorter your on stage performance, the longer your warm ups should be!
Secondly…The longer your on stage performance, the shorter your warm up.
Always remember the old adage…”You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression!”
Imagine telling your audience how they should have heard you yesterday or last week?
No, they would not be too happy about that!
Most importantly, NEVER sing at performance level when you are in a rehearsal.
Your rehearsal should be treated as exactly that…A rehearsal!
Keep the volume to a minimum level and only sing to the practise level required.
Over using your voice at a rehearsal will not serve you well when it comes to performance night and you are expected to show your voice at its best.
When you are performing live, remember to save a little, and learn to pace yourself. On a scale of 10 it is good to perform around 8.
That way you will be able to take good care of your voice and treat it with the respect it deserves.
The only person who suffers when your emotional and technical singing is out of balance is “you”
Too much emotion can cause you many vocal problems. Try to work on keeping a good balance while you are still staying in touch with expressing your songs.
Last but not least, WARM DOWN the voice.
Just as you would stretch at the gym after a workout, to relax the muscles, the same goes for the vocal chords.
Put everything back in place, so to speak.
You only need to vocalise for 5 or 10 minutes after each performance, singing from high to low notes, using the ‘ee’ vowel is a good way to start.
Exercise 6 on my CD “10 Essential Lessons For Easy Singing” is great for a warm up or warm down.
Using the ‘ee’ vowel or the “hood’.
Visit my website www.voiceology.com.au
Till next week.
Happy singing,
Marion
