The Power of Your Voice

The same way the we get a first impression from someone by the way they look, we also get an even greater impression by how they speak. Someone who may not look so presentable at first, can, with just a few words command the attention of an entire room. The voice has the ability connect in a way that translates passion, grit, joy, anger and any other emotion we feel as humans. Our individual voices express how we show up in the world. In this post I plan to share some important of vocal training insight and techniques that can help you not only develop your voice as a singer but also on your day-to-day interactions.

David singing at our Summer Recital in 2024.

Understanding Vocal Training

When training your voice you must understand that just like any muscle group you train for at the gym, in order for you to gain control of your voice you need to develop a routine that is strengthening it. A combination of breathing exercises, vocal techniques and even physical conditioning will be key to help you achieve the sound you desire. Just as an athlete conditions their body, singers and speakers must train their voices to ensure consistency and endurance.

Though some are born with the natural talent, it means nothing if the talent isn't honed and appreciated. Hard work beats talent. Simple daily exercises can alter your voice in just a few weeks. It takes patience and an understanding that its not only your voice you will be working on here but also your thinking behind that voice.

You must be willing to be a fool and let go of how you feel you need to sound. Through experimentation is how you will develop a playfulness in this exploration phase. In this phase, you must be willing to have fun with it. Rather than being rigid, we want our voice to reveal what we are feeling on the inside and that requires vulnerability. Understanding the anatomy that allows our voices to produce sound can also be helpful for some, though not all.

A vocal lesson with Daihana at our studio in Dumont, NJ.

Techniques to Free Your Voice

There are many exercises you can practice to help you free your voice. Here are a few to get you started:

The Breath

The breath is the gasoline and the engine will not turn on without it. How we use our breath is crucial. We each have a tank that holds a limited amount of air supply and we must learn to be efficient with the air what we have. Between our lungs and our stomach we have the diaphragm, a muscle that helps us control that flow of air. The way that we engage our diaphragm is by doing the following:

1. Stand up straight and place one hand on your belly and one on your chest

2. Inhale deeply allowing your only the hand on your belly to move upwards

3. Exhale slowly, feeling your belly contract

   
   

Doing this for a few minutes daily can significantly enhance your lung capacity and breath control.

Vocal Warm-Ups

Warming up your voice is similar to how basketball players warm up before a game. The goal is to prepare your voice and engage the parts of your body that help produce sound. Simple exercises like humming and lip trills, starting in your speaking voice and sliding up and down, can help stretch your range. No guide or instrument is needed—just your voice and a space to make some weird sounds.

Posture

When singing, your body is the instrument. Just like a saxophone stands upright with its chest out and shoulders back, you should maintain good posture too. However, unlike a saxophone’s fixed position, your posture can shift depending on the emotion you want to convey—imagine the difference between loud, angry singing and soft, shy singing.

Comedian/Actor Sharief Johnson hosting our Winter Recital 2024.

Psychological Benefits of Vocal Training

As you train your voice you will also be training your mind. You will develop more confidence when expressing yourself whether its through speaking or performing in front of others.

Singing also releases endorphins, which help elevate your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. When you free your voice, you not only improve your communication skills but also build a more profound connection with yourself. This empowerment can ripple into various areas of your life, fostering genuine interactions and expression.

Taking the Next Step

With the information presented, you may be curious about how to take the next step in your vocal journey. Here are some actionable recommendations:

1. Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your vocal training. Whether it’s hitting higher notes, improving diction, or becoming more comfortable singing in public, having a clear aim will keep you focused.

   
   

2. Practice Regularly: Consistency is vital. Set aside dedicated time each week for practice, whether that’s 20 minutes daily or longer sessions several times a week.

   
   

3. Experiment: Try different styles of music and vocal techniques. This will help you discover your unique voice and improve overall versatility.

   
   

4. Document Your Progress: Record yourself periodically to track improvements. Listening to past recordings can motivate you and clarify areas needing more focus.

   
   

5. Consider In-person or Online Lessons: Having a guide can help you get to your goals quick and help you make less mistakes on that journey. Consider professional guidance through voice lessons for targeted feedback and growth.

   
   

6. Be Patient: Vocal training is a journey. Progress may not be immediately visible, but consistent practice yields long-term benefits.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Unlocking the power of your voice is a rewarding experience. Vocal training opens doors to enhanced communication, creativity, and self-expression. With a strategic approach, including breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and possible professional guidance, you can fully realize your vocal potential.

No matter your starting point, remember that everyone has a unique voice worth expressing. So take the time to explore this powerful tool, allowing it to lead you toward new opportunities and exciting experiences.