09/02/2022
Quick tip: Practice in front of a mirror
One way to accelerate vocal development is to practice your singing in front of a mirror.
You can learn a lot about your vocal habits doing so.
Here are a few areas you can watch for.
1. Inhale being low in the body, especially the back ribcage which is where much of the lung/diaphragm tissue is actually contained (avoiding pulling up the chest/shoulders area)
2. Lifted cheek muscles. It helps lift and stretch the soft palate which also helps the larynx find a slightly lower released position. You are essentially aiming for the feeling of the beginning of a yawn.
3. Watch tongue and jaw use. Jaw should be very loose and able to release slightly backwards during vowels. The tongue should stay very relaxed in the mouth without pulling backwards to try and 'assist' with notes.
4. Check to see the lips are slightly rounded most of the time. Spreading them tends to hinder keeping internal acoustic space open and can result in a yelled tone. Every singer is different but most will benefit from slight rounding while singing.
5. Watch the neck/head position- Avoid abrupt movements of the head and neck. Many singers often push their heads abruptly forwards or up when ascending into their higher range as a unconscious way of 'helping' the voice. Watch that the neck is not squeezing inwards at the onset of tone. Good singing is close to laughter and the neck is slightly expanding when you laugh.
Practice often with attention to these and other details and you will find you will find singing becomes easier and more comfortable for longer periods.
