Are you a singer who wants to improve your stamina, range, and control? I've identified 5 common mistakes that vocalists often make and how to avoid them. If you want to learn more, keep reading or you can check out my video below!
MISTAKE #1: IMPROPER TECHNIQUE
Singing with improper technique can strain your vocal cords, hinder your progress, and lead to long-term damage.
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An example of bad technique is consistently pushing up your chest voice above your break or bridge instead of transitioning to a mix placement.
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Poor breath support can also contribute to vocal issues including pitch and stamina. You need to learn good core engagement in order to sustain your resonance and control.
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Find a vocal instructor who has experience teaching vocalists to sing in a mix or watch videos that give examples of using a MIX voice.
MISTAKE #2: NOT WARMING UP YOUR VOICE DAILY
Only 30% of vocalists consistently warm up before singing? WOW!!
Neglecting to warm up your voice can lead to vocal strain, limited range, and decreased vocal flexibility.
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A lot of singers only do exercises Sunday morning on their way to church (and some not at all). This WILL NOT set you up to lead with excellence. You need to change your mindset about vocalizing.
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Vocal warmups help develop MUSCLE MEMORY. This means the more you practice and use your voice correctly, the more the muscles get used to responding in a certain way and then they will learn to function that way automatically.
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Take a few minutes each day and do vocal exercises to loosen up your vocal cords and improve your vocal range.
MISTAKE #3: EATING OR DRINKING THE WRONG THINGS
Believe it or not, what you consume can have a significant impact on your voice.
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Certain foods and drinks, such as fried food, caffeine, and sugary drinks, can cause mucus production, dehydration, and acid reflux – all of which affect our singing.
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I'm not saying you can never have coffee or chicken wings before you sing. YUM! But I am saying to be mindful of how it can affect your vocal cords. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day and more if you consume caffeinated or sugary drinks.
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A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will not only support your overall health, but also benefit your voice!!
MISTAKE #4: NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
Are you a NIGHT OWL? I get it!! I have struggled with this myself, but I can tell you that I notice a huge difference in my vocal ability when I don’t get enough sleep.
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Lack of sleep and fatigue can negatively affect your breath support as well as your focus and energy levels, because it causes the muscles and vocal cords to work harder than needed.
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Set boundaries with your nightly activities when you are singing the next day and aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. This will help your voice to be ready for the demands of leading worship.
MISTAKE #5: MISUSING THE VOICE
Do you have a football game or is your favorite band in town? Are you attending an event where you'll be talking or yelling for long periods of time? Be careful.
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These environments can be especially harmful if you are a singer and you don’t pay attention to how you are using your voice.
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When you yell or scream, your vocal cords are hitting together extra hard with each vibration, which will cause them to be red, sore, and swollen.
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Avoid straining your voice by shouting excessively, singing beyond your comfortable range by pushing up in a chest voice, or trying to talk louder over a crowd of people.
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At the other extreme, you should also avoid whispering excessively because it actually causes more trauma to the larynx than normal speech. When you whisper, you are squeezing your vocal cords together more tightly to produce the whisper.
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So if your voice feels tired or hoarse, instead of whispering, get vocal rest and try this
I hope those tips were helpful for you!! Don't forget to check out the video below.
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As always, The Worship Life is here to equip, empower, and encourage you in your worship ministry. Have a blessed week!
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~ Amber Peairs
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