VOICE TRAINING LESSONS

[shyamwestwind]

I haven't had the good fortune to enrol in a voice training school and have learnt the importance of breath control, etc etc, from sheer experience. I made a fool of myself tons of times, laughed at my mistakes,soaked the criticism , took the flak and survived. To get complimented and applauded are the highs of every singer and it is nice to feel the magic of those moments when you know you have sung well.
I was just thinking how nice it would be for any professional voice trainer amongst us to teach us the "tricks of the trade" (if I may say so).
Many of the younger members could learn all about breath control, postures, mic technique etc .,etc.,etc., from these professionals.
Please dont look my way because I wouldn't know how to explain and teach these techniques.
Any voice trainers out there ?

[allegro]

Hi there shyam, I am a pro musician not a singer but i can impart a few tips for those who need them.My partner has had singing lessons and has played principal parts in musicals such as The king and i, Oliver Oklahoma and Hello dolly. As you said shyam singing is all about breath control and there are a few simple tips to help achieve that. No1, Never have cold drinks before a performance as this contracts the vocal chords No 2, don't eat chocolate before singing as this clogs the vocal chords and makes them sticky,No 3,Always try to stand as sitting tends to squash the diaphragm and No 4, don't sing from the back of the throat as this makes your voice hard and tends to flatten the notes.Exercise your voice daily by singing a few scales,to help strengthen the diaphragm fill the lungs with air and exhale slowly on your chosen note quietly and for as long as possible, keeping the note steady and on pitch.Your diaphragm should support your breath so that it flows smoothly through the phrases of the song enabling you to give the notes their full value and maintain the tone and pitch. Hope this is of some help.

all the best allegro

[rosybud1956]

Thanks for those few tips allegro. I have found them very helpful. Regards Lyn

[pdiroma]

You forgot one thing, don't drink beer as it has yeast in it and will make you hourse....

[shyamwestwind]

Thanks for imparting that knowledge, allegro. These are very valid points and every singer needs to practise and warm up (if time permits) before a performance.
I was just wondering how to explain details like "singing from the back of the throat" to someone not in the know of such feelings. I guess thats where practical training lessons are needed.
Are there any lessons on such techniques where the trainee is asked to touch the throat or the chest or stomach to experience the vibrations.
I know I can probably physically demonstrate these vibrations, but I'm sure I cannot explain how its done. In fact, very truthfully, I dont know how it happens - it just happens !!!!
There must be professional opinions and lessons on these aspects .
Allegro that really was a very useful contribution to the subject and I'm sure many will find the tips, useful.

[dingadong04]

here is a link to a few good vocal exercises www.myspace.com/ericarcenaux.. hope they can be of some help ..also i have a complete vocal coaching CD can anytell me how to upload this or how i could make it accessable to any member who would like it

[dingadong04]

sorry.. just tried that link seems to be some problems ..just go to youtube and search for eric arceneaux..sorries again

cubb

[shyamwestwind]

Hi cubb
The vocal coaching CD would be an ideal gift to the upcoming singers in the Forum, but as you would have purchased it , the seller or whoever markets it obviously will not permit its free distribution, so I wonder if it'll be legal. I wish it could be distributed free..
Uploading the volume of a CD, will make it bounce on the e-mail, I'm sure.
Generous of you Cubb, very sweet indeed !!

[gibbo]

Yes, Cubb is spot on.
Eric has a bunch of tutorials on You tube which are very good.
A full explanation of his vocal technique can be found at www.aapproach.com if you want to learn more but I recommend checking out his YouTube videos, just search Eric Arceneaux as Cubb suggested. There are many great vocal technique forums already up and running.
Cheers, Dave
PS: Cubb, the only reason your link didn't work is that you left an 'e' out of his name.

[dingadong04]

yer rite my friend & Cheers gibbo for the link

cubb

[pdiroma]

Guys and Gals, I have been a singer/ performer since I was 13 and took voice lessons some
years ago. The most important thing you can learn, is how to breathe. When you take a breath, fill your diaphram from the bottom up. It feels as if you are putting air in your stomach. This gives you enough air to hold long notes when you need to do so. Try it, you'll find it works quite well.

[allegro]

Hi there pdiroma,coudn't agree more

allegro

[lelandwilliams]

I want to add my thanks to Gibbo for the links to Eric's site and videos. It has stimulated my thinking about what to do for my own lackluster voice!