Easy exercise for high notes (twang)
The Mindful Vocal Coach
vocal coach, singing, piano, music theory teacher I usually teach ONLINE or in in person in Milan. What Can I Do For You?
I am a music teacher based in Milan, in addition to being an active singer/songwriter and international performer. I have a holistic approach to singing and the voice, keeping in mind that our voice is deeply connected with the rest of our body and with our mind and feeling. The voice is a very delicate instrument and every minimum change in our physiology can affect it. That’s why we need to lear
15/04/2025
If your voice feels hoarse or fatigued after singing, it might not be about how much you’re singing — but how you’re producing the sound.
And the most common technical reason for this? Excess tension in the vocal mechanism.
🎯 Let’s break it down:
When we sing with:
Laryngeal tension (tightness around the voice box)
Tongue tension (the root of the tongue pulling back)
Jaw clenching
Or breath pressure that’s too high (pushing too much air through the cords)...
..the vocal folds are forced to work harder to resist all that pressure. Over time — even a short time — that leads to vocal fatigue, reduced range, and potential long-term strain.
✨ Here’s what to try instead: ✅ Check your body alignment – A misaligned posture adds unnecessary effort.
✅ Practice semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVT) – like straw phonation or lip trills — these help rebalance the pressure above and below the vocal folds.
✅ Use gentle, connected breath support – low abdominal activation instead of upper chest tension.
✅ Notice your onsets – if you’re “attacking” notes, try a smoother, coordinated start.
🎶 Healthy singing feels sustainable and resonant — not like you’re working against your voice.
If you’re unsure where your tension is hiding or how to release it without losing power or control, that’s exactly what we can work on in lessons.
💌 DM me or check the link in bio to book a session — your voice deserves support that’s both technical and empowering.
15/03/2025
💧 SINGERS, ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH WATER? 💧
Hydration is key for vocal health, but did you know your water needs change if you’re a singer? More vocal use = more moisture loss, meaning you need to hydrate consistently to keep your voice in top shape.
Swipe through to learn:
✔️ How much water you actually need
✔️ Why hydration affects your vocal performance
✔️ Practical tips to keep your voice healthy
🎤 Want to improve your technique and sing with ease? DM me to start lessons!
14/02/2025
🎤 LE VOCI DI SANREMO 2025 ASCOLTATE DA UN VOCAL COACH 🎶
Sanremo 2025 ci ha regalato voci incredibili e interpretazioni uniche. Da vocal coach, ho analizzato 8 artisti che si sono distinti per tecnica, timbro e stile.
🔍 Vuoi sapere chi ha il miglior mix voice, chi usa il belting con più controllo e chi punta sull’emozione pura? Scorri il post e scopri la mia analisi!
Quale voce ti ha colpito di più? Sei d’accordo con la mia analisi? Scrivimelo nei commenti! 👇
07/02/2025
Hey, I’m Valerio! I’m a singer, songwriter, and vocal coach with more than 15 years of experience. My journey with music has been a long one, filled with a lot of learning and personal growth. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to record three albums, perform on big stages across Europe, and teach singers from all over the world. But what I’ve learned most is that the voice isn’t just about technique—it’s an expression of who we are.
As a coach, I focus on connecting the voice with the body and the mind. I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and free when you sing, no matter where you’re starting from.
I’ve studied Estill Voice Training, Modern Vocal Training, and Complete Vocal Technique, and I’ve worked with singers of all levels and styles, teaching pop, musical theatre, jazz, folk and other genres.
I’m based in Milan, but I teach both ONLINE and in person, so no matter where you are, I’m here to help you explore your voice in a way that feels natural and true to you.
If you’re ready to start your vocal journey or push past a creative block, I’d love to help. Let’s make something beautiful together! 🎶
📍 Lessons in Milan & Online
📩 DM me to book a session!
04/12/2024
🎁 A Gift That Sings! 🎶
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? 🎄✨ This year, give the joy of music with a Singingonlinesinginglessons ’re a total beginner, a karaoke enthusiast, or dreaming of the stage, a singing lesson is the gift of confidence, creativity, and fun.
🎤 What’s Included?
• A personalized 1-on-1 session tailored to their skill level 🎶
• Vocal techniques to improve range, tone, and confidence 💫
• A chance to explore their unique voice in a supportive environment
🎁 Why it’s the perfect gift:
It’s thoughtful, unique, ecological and personal
Perfect for loved ones who love music or want to try something new
No wrapping required!
👉 DM or email to purchase your voucher today and make someone’s holiday extra harmonious! 🎵
07/11/2024
Most of my students (and people in general) think that to sing high notes you have to “push” them out. That may work sometimes, but is really not efficient and not sustainable. We engage muscles that have nothing to do with our voice and that contribute to tension in our larynx (the part of the neck where the voice is produced).
“Pushing” creates tension and constriction, and it may cause fatigue, hoarseness and in some cases serious damage to your vocal folds. We often do it because we have unnecessary tension in our larynx, and our body reacts by trying whatever it can to support the sound, but it does it in a “flight of fly” mode.
There are plenty of exercises you can do to learn to sing without pushing! They may deal with incorrect breathing, tension in your larynx, too much resistance in your vocal folds, or help using muscles that you may not be aware you can use to produce high notes effectively (e.g. the crycothyroid muscle, AES, tongue).
Here are some things you can try to sing high notes effectively:
- exercises for diaphragmatic breathing
- be mindful about your tension in your belly / shoulders
- sing while in a plank
- use SOVTE exercises (lip trills, straw, etc...)
- learn to use twang
- learn to sing in mix voice
These are just some example! If you want to try some of these with me (or some more), send me a message to book your first lesson!
10/10/2024
My new single is out!
Sunsets is a song I wrote a few years ago, and it's been incubating for a while now.
It's a song about distance, solitude, misunderstanding and love. How can we feel like we're together even though we're apart? I haven't found an answer, but maybe you can find one in these notes and words.
If you like it and you like me, share it, add it to your playlists, and let me know what you think. I make music because I enjoy it, but also as a mean to connect to people, you'd make me happy if you told me one thing you thought or felt with this song 💚
Link: https://share.amuse.io/track/valerio-lysander-sunsets
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Il mio nuovo singolo è fuori ora!
Sunsets è una canzone che ho scritto qualche anno fa, ed è stata in incubazione per un po' di tempo.
È una canzone che parla di distanza, solitudine, incapacità di comprendersi e di amore.
Come possiamo sentirci insieme anche quando siamo lontani? Non ho trovato una risposta, ma forse la puoi trovare tu in queste note e parole.
Se ti piace e ti piaccio anche io, condividila, aggiungila alle tue playlist, e fammi sapere che ne pensi. Faccio musica perché mi piace, ma anche come un mezzo per connettermi con le persone. Mi faresti felice se mi dicessi una cosa che hai pensato o pravo con questa canzone 💚
Link: https://share.amuse.io/track/valerio-lysander-sunsets
07/10/2024
MONTEROTONDO!
Venerdì 11 Ottobre suonerò alla Festa de L'Unità al Parco Arcobaleno, con Marco Faveto che mi accompagnerà al violino.
Ci vediamo lì? 💚🧚
******
In più giovedì 10 esce il mio nuovo singolo, Sunsets, presalvatelo qui e aiutatemi a diffonderlo! https://share.amuse.io/track/valerio-lysander-sunsets
17/09/2024
Here's little old me singing my heart out for the finals of Pride's Got Talent at Her Majesty's Theatre in London in 2022. What an honour to sing on a West End Stage, it was a dream come true!
Keep an eye on this space because there will be some new stuff coming soon! :-D
Valerio Lysander - Cotton [Live at Her Majesty's Theatre for Pride's Got Talent Finals 2022] Here's little old me singing my heart out for the finals of Pride's Got Talent at Her Majesty's Theatre in London in 2022. What an honour to sing on a West E...
25/08/2024
The first step in order to learn is making mistakes! Most of us are scared to be judged and consequently to try, fearing the possibility of doing it "wrong". The problem with this is that it stops us from doing it "right" too!
Trying, making mistakes and correcting them is the only way to explore our possibilities and finally getting to the result we are hoping for. This is valid for your voice, but also for anything in life!
How are you going to try to make mistakes from now on? 🧚🏼
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