VOCALS
RESOLUTION? BEST VOICE EVER! | Sheri Gould
With the new year often comes new resolutions: 3. GET A PLAY LIST THAT WILL WARM YOU UP AND 6. PRACTICE MENTALLY.
Finally clean out that garage, go on that special WORK OUT YOUR VOICE. There are plenty of times when you are in a
vacation, get up an hour earlier each day and Create a playlist with songs that you can sing place that you can’t sing out loud but wish
pray/read the Bible and let’s not forget… lose a along to. These songs should work out various you could utilize your time to practice. A good
few pounds! Most resolutions are started with parts of your range and style. These songs example might be while waiting in the doctor’s
great intent and frequently ended without much should help you to access different areas office. But you can make that time productive
ado. Such is life. However, this year, how about of resonance by choosing artists that have by practicing mentally. This type of practice
a resolution to achieve your best voice ever… varied styles and sounds. For example; Folk, is actually a lot more useful then you might
and hang onto it? Here are a few steps you can Broadway, Country, Gospel, Rock, Opera etc think. Don’t be afraid to imagine that it sounds
take toward that end and hopefully you’ll find can help you to grow as a vocalist. You can amazing! Reinforce mentally how you want it to
them fun and easy to maintain. also use these as part of your warm up if they feel and sound. You’ll be pleased at how close
are chosen carefully. the real results actually are!
Drink plenty of water of course but be mindful 4. AVOID HARMFUL VOCAL PRACTICES. 7. FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS.
of how and when you drink it. If you find yourself Don’t do things you know aren’t good for your You may not feel that you have a world class
eliminating a great deal, then perhaps you are voice. Often aging is a key deterrent to doing tone, or an amazing range but you can make
not hydrating at all. Make sure you drink a small foolish things with your voice, but how much the most of what you do have. Above all, use
amount, multiple times throughout the day so better if you make the decision, while you still your ability to communicate. After all, what
your body has time to absorb it. Food can help can, to be protective of your voice. It’s the only separates us from the other instruments is our
with this too. Guzzling a quart of water simply to one you’ll ever have! Some important things to ability to get across a very specific message
find yourself in the bathroom soon afterward is avoid are (although there are many others): through language. Make sure to take the time
1. STAY HYDRATED! INSIDE AND OUT.
not doing you any good. Also remember that it a. Coughing to really internalize the message of your song(s).
takes about an hour for water to actually get to b. Clearing your throat Speak through the lyrics until you feel that have
your vocal cords (since it had to be metabolized c. Yelling (screaming) a great handle on the meaning and power of
first) so stay ahead of thirst, not reactive to it. d. Using your voice outside in cold dry air them. When you feel confident that you know
Also make sure that the humidity level in the e. Overusing your voice in your heart the message you want to share,
air you’re breathing at home and at work is at f. Belting then add the singing to it, but never forget your
50% (RH). This will have a huge impact on not g. Singing with air in your tone main purpose as a singer is to communicate
only your vocal cords but the rest of you as well! h. Vocal fry a message to your audience that will invoke
Proper humidity levels are necessary for staving i. Singing when you’re sick or otherwise a meaningful (perhaps even life changing!)
off illness. And stay away from throat drops that vocally impaired response in them.
have menthol in them. Look for drops that use
Pectin instead, they won’t dry you out.
5. RECORD YOUR VOICE REGULARLY AND ASSESS
HOW YOU’RE DOING.
2. WARM-UP YOUR VOICE REGULARLY (DAILY IF Learn to be objective (and kind!) about how
POSSIBLE). well you sing. Note the positives about your
This can be done while you do something else voice as well as the things you’d like to improve
if necessary (like taking a shower). on. Take time to work a bit, as you can, on the
things you’d like to do better and then do a self-
check to note your progress.
34
January 2020
Sheri Gould
Sheri is an internationally acclaimed vocal coach.
She’s been helping artists and worshipers find their
voice for over 40 years. For help and resources visit
her site.
www.SheriGould.com
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