Unlocking Your Vocal Potential

Your Voice is an Instrument

Think of your voice as a combination of a wind and string instrument. It involves coordinated breathing, vocal folds (your “strings”), and resonating chambers like your mouth and sinuses. Unlike traditional instruments, your voice is directly affected by your health, emotions, and environment. The way your brain controls your vocal muscles also plays a big role in how well you sing.

Hydration is Key

Keeping your vocal cords well-hydrated is key to good vocal health and to vocal improvement. Your vocal folds need moisture to vibrate freely and avoid strain. For grownups, and if you're singing a lot, aim to drink roughly 3.7 Litres of water daily. Staying hydrated keeps your vocal cords flexible and reduces the risk of strain, helping you sing longer and with better control.

It's important to note that the amount of water required for hydration varies from person to person, age being the dominant factor, so when you're aiming for optimal hydration, always try to strike a balance and explore a routine that suits you, your vocal tutor can help you with this. In addition, aim to drink small amounts of water during the day until you reach your target rather than drinking large amounts of water during short periods of time.

External factors like humidity also affect your voice. Air conditioning can dry out the air and, in turn, your vocal cords, leading to irritation and vocal fatigue. A good way to manage this is by making use of humidifiers and nebulisers:

• Humidifiers - Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help keep your vocal cords from drying out, especially in air-conditioned environments. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% in your space to protect your voice.
• Nebulisers - Nebulisers deliver a fine mist directly to your vocal cords, providing targeted hydration. This is particularly helpful in dry conditions or after heavy voice use, offering quick relief and supporting recovery.

Mastering Breathing Techniques

Breathing properly is essential for singing, with the diaphragm playing a major role. The diaphragm is a muscle located below your lungs, and when you breathe deeply using your diaphragm, you take in more air and support your voice better. Here are some tips to improve your breathing:

• Deep Inhalation - Breathe deeply from your diaphragm rather than your chest, feeling your abdomen expand as you inhale.
• Controlled Exhalation - Release air slowly and steadily as you sing, using your abdominal muscles to control airflow.
• Avoid Shallow Breathing - Shallow, chest-based breathing provides less support and can strain your voice.

Good breathing techniques will enhance your vocal power and control, and will also help you sing with less tension.

SOVT Exercises

Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercises involve partially closing the vocal tract to create back pressure, making your vocal folds vibrate more efficiently and reducing strain. Some popular SOVT exercises are:

• Lip Trills - Buzzing your lips together while producing sound.
• Humming - Keeping your lips closed and feeling the vibration in your nose.
• The Vocal Tube - Phonating through a tube submerged in water using a vocal tube, strengthens your vocal muscles and improves breath control. This method also helps reinforce muscle memory and proper vocal placement. The water resistance adds sensory feedback, helping your brain lock in the correct techniques for optimal sound production.
• The Singing Straw - The singing straw is a tool for SOVT exercises that helps engage your vocal cords more effectively, leading to clearer tones and less strain. Singing through a small straw increases resistance, helping you train the muscles involved in making sound and giving you immediate feedback to correct any vocal issues.

Traits of a Good Vocal Coach

No matter how dedicated you are to improving your voice, having the right guidance can make a huge difference. A great vocal coach not only helps you develop proper technique but also steers you clear of bad habits and tailors your practice to fit your unique voice and goals. Here's how to find the right vocal coach to make sure you're on the right track:

• Experience and Credentials - Seek out a tutor with a strong background in both performing and teaching. Experience in vocal performance or a degree in music education is a good indicator. It's also important to check if they've been trained in the vocal techniques that interest you, whether that's classical, contemporary, or a specific genre.
• Teaching Style - Everyone learns differently, so it's essential to find a vocal coach whose style matches how you like to learn. Some tutors are more hands-on and directive, while others encourage you to explore and discover on your own. Look for someone who is patient, communicates clearly, and offers constructive feedback.
• Specialisation - If you're passionate about a particular style of singing—like opera, pop, or jazz—find a tutor who specialises in that area. They'll have the specific knowledge and techniques to help you excel in that genre.
• Reputation and Recommendations - Don't hesitate to ask other singers or musicians for recommendations, or check out online reviews. A vocal coach with a solid reputation in the community is often a safe bet.

A good vocal coach will focus on helping you build a strong foundation in vocal technique, which includes:

• Proper Posture - They'll ensure you maintain a relaxed and upright posture, crucial for good breath support and sound production.
• Healthy Vocal Techniques - They'll teach you how to avoid strain, manage your breath effectively, and use your resonance properly to prevent vocal fatigue and injury.
• Customized Training - Your tutor should tailor exercises and practices to your specific voice type and goals, ensuring that your training is effective and relevant.
• Feedback and Progress Tracking - Regular feedback is key. A good vocal coach will help you set realistic goals, track your progress, and make sure you're consistently improving.

Here in Malta, there are various vocal tutors and academies which can help you achieve your goals. Personally, I recommend La Voix Studios lead by Gillian Attard. Not only does this vocal academy tick all the boxes, but it has a true sense of community, and it's built from the ground up with your best interests in mind. The academy is composed of a dedicated team of vocal coaches and other members of staff which can help you achieve very fast results.

Patience and Consistency

Remember, vocal improvement is a journey that requires time and dedication. Working with a vocal coach is a long-term commitment, so be patient with yourself and trust the process. With consistent practice and by following your tutor's guidance, you'll see steady progress and move closer to achieving your vocal goals.

Formulate a Routine

Making these tools and techniques a part of your regular vocal practice can make a big difference in your singing. Start your practice with SOVT exercises to warm up your voice gently, stay hydrated throughout the day, and use tools like the vocal tube before and after intense singing sessions to maintain vocal health. Also, keep your environment humidified to protect your vocal cords, especially if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces.

Contrary to popular belief, it is important that you practice on your own regularly. Singing lessons alone do yield results, but for optimal results, you should take your teachings with you. This will greatly speed up the learning process, but it's always important to strike a balance, get plenty of sleep, take breaks and listen to your body.

Conclusion

Improving your voice is a journey that involves understanding your instrument, practicing regularly, and using the right tools. By incorporating SOVT exercises, staying hydrated, mastering breathing techniques, using tools like the singing straw and vocal tube, and controlling your environment's moisture levels, all backed by a good vocal coach you can unlock your voice's full potential, ensuring it stays healthy and versatile. With consistent practice and the right support, your voice can reach new heights, allowing you to express yourself with greater power and precision.