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Your voice is your instrument.
Plain and simple.
And, like most instruments, you have to keep it in good shape. Take good care of it and it will take good care of you.
The big difference between instruments you play and your voice is if it stops sounding right, you can't take it to a pawn
shop and get money for it.
"How much for my vocal chords?"
"Fifty cents...and that's IF you throw in your Adam's apple too."
"How much for an eyeball?"
So how what are the steps to ensure you songbox is warbling tunes that would make a nightingale swoon? I'm glad you asked...and
in such a poet way too.
Well let's take this one rule at a time.
POSTURE - You have to stand straight and tall to get the best possible breathing action for your notes. Slouching prohibits
this free flow. Try it yourself. You don't get as much behind your sound if you slouch. Plus, it sure doesn't look very
confident...and presentation is a big part of singing. Although, I think the Hunchback of Notre Dame sang quite well.
SING FROM YOUR GUT - Diaphragm to be precise. This is below your stomach and just above your waist. Standing straight
helps this a lot. Don't sing from your throat. This will strain your vocal chords and you'll lose your voice quickly. You
know, we can learn a lot from babies here. Babies scream and cry till the cows come home (where are those bovines anyways?).
They don't lose their voice at all. Why? They use their diaphragm to do this.
DON'T YELL - Again, you'll strain your voice. If you're in a loud establishment, this will be hard not to do. Try writing
your answers down. If this sounds dumb to you, try playing charades with those who want to talk to you. If this sounds even
more dumb, just shake your head yes or no. If it wasn't a yes or no question, tell them you were having a spasm.
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