Description:
Welcome to your tutorial on removing vocal strain!
First off, what is vocal strain? Vocal strain refers to the overuse or misuse of the muscles involved in singing. Repeatedly straining the voice often leads to long-term damage that can be difficult to treat. Plus, straining negatively impacts our tone. But the vocal folds are hidden within the throat, so how do you know if you’re straining your voice?
Our first indicator is pain. If you feel pain when you’re singing, that’s a sign that you’ve got some strain going on.
Our second indicator is extrinsic muscle tension. If you see or feel your neck, jaw, shoulders, or abdomen tensing up when you sing, that’s another sign that your voice is under stress and those extrinsic muscles are trying to help out.
And our last indicator is auditory. A skilled voice teacher will be able to point out vocal strain if they hear signs of tightness or excess pressure in your sound.
Part 1 will cover strain and high notes, since many singers tend to strain for notes that feel out of reach. Part 2 will cover removing tension from the body when you sing, including the neck, jaw, tongue, and abdomen. Part 3 will cover other factors that lead to strain, including singing environment, lack of lower body support, and more.
First off, what is vocal strain? Vocal strain refers to the overuse or misuse of the muscles involved in singing. Repeatedly straining the voice often leads to long-term damage that can be difficult to treat. Plus, straining negatively impacts our tone. But the vocal folds are hidden within the throat, so how do you know if you’re straining your voice?
Our first indicator is pain. If you feel pain when you’re singing, that’s a sign that you’ve got some strain going on.
Our second indicator is extrinsic muscle tension. If you see or feel your neck, jaw, shoulders, or abdomen tensing up when you sing, that’s another sign that your voice is under stress and those extrinsic muscles are trying to help out.
And our last indicator is auditory. A skilled voice teacher will be able to point out vocal strain if they hear signs of tightness or excess pressure in your sound.
Part 1 will cover strain and high notes, since many singers tend to strain for notes that feel out of reach. Part 2 will cover removing tension from the body when you sing, including the neck, jaw, tongue, and abdomen. Part 3 will cover other factors that lead to strain, including singing environment, lack of lower body support, and more.
Lessons:
- 1: Welcome
- 2: Strain and High Notes
- 3: Tension & The Body
- 4: Other Factors
- 5: Conclusion
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.