Description:
There are a handful of external factors that could be causing you to strain. On the whole, we’re aiming to prevent strain by making some modifications. Follow along as I ask some questions about the source of your strain.
Are you straining to sing in a key that’s too high or too low over all? If so, consider transposing the song to a more comfortable key! In what setting are you singing? Is it a noisy bar or restaurant, where you’re having to push to be heard? Are you singing with a band, or without proper monitoring? Don’t strain and sacrifice your voice! Speak with the manager or the sound engineer so that you can hear yourself without pushing. Are you straining to maintain high volume or intensity for a long time? The voice is powerful, but it has its limits! Look for ways to reduce the stress on your voice. This could include using more mix or head voice, marking (or not singing full out) in rehearsals, and going on vocal rest between performances. Are you straining to compensate for a lack of lower body support? If you’re not sure how well you’re supporting with the lower body, it could probably use some attention! Support doesn’t typically happen automatically.
The two areas we want activated are the legs and the lower abdomen. Engaging the legs happens when we stand with good posture - so if you’re often seated when you sing, stand up! Engaging the lower abdomen is a little more nuanced. Essentially, what we want is a slight “down and out” feeling that is established when we inhale and continues as we sing. We’ll return to the WOAH exercise from part 1 to give this a try. I like to imagine that I’m pressing with my hands inside my abdomen, to keep my ribs expanded. It’s a weird thought! But try it with me! Let’s press our hands down on the inhale, and keep them there when we sing. And sing!
[Exercise: WOAH 1-5-1 with Lower body support]
When the low body is strong and energized, it takes the pressure off of our voice and other extrinsic muscles. Just be mindful to not lock the abdomen or squeeze it inward. Again, we want to feel like we’re pressing down and out.
Are you straining to sing in a key that’s too high or too low over all? If so, consider transposing the song to a more comfortable key! In what setting are you singing? Is it a noisy bar or restaurant, where you’re having to push to be heard? Are you singing with a band, or without proper monitoring? Don’t strain and sacrifice your voice! Speak with the manager or the sound engineer so that you can hear yourself without pushing. Are you straining to maintain high volume or intensity for a long time? The voice is powerful, but it has its limits! Look for ways to reduce the stress on your voice. This could include using more mix or head voice, marking (or not singing full out) in rehearsals, and going on vocal rest between performances. Are you straining to compensate for a lack of lower body support? If you’re not sure how well you’re supporting with the lower body, it could probably use some attention! Support doesn’t typically happen automatically.
The two areas we want activated are the legs and the lower abdomen. Engaging the legs happens when we stand with good posture - so if you’re often seated when you sing, stand up! Engaging the lower abdomen is a little more nuanced. Essentially, what we want is a slight “down and out” feeling that is established when we inhale and continues as we sing. We’ll return to the WOAH exercise from part 1 to give this a try. I like to imagine that I’m pressing with my hands inside my abdomen, to keep my ribs expanded. It’s a weird thought! But try it with me! Let’s press our hands down on the inhale, and keep them there when we sing. And sing!
[Exercise: WOAH 1-5-1 with Lower body support]
When the low body is strong and energized, it takes the pressure off of our voice and other extrinsic muscles. Just be mindful to not lock the abdomen or squeeze it inward. Again, we want to feel like we’re pressing down and out.
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.