VOCALS
ARE YOU READY ? | Sheri Gould
Recently my husband and I had the opportunity to teach at an “ in person ” conference . We enjoyed a meal afterward with one of the artists who was leading worship at the conference . We discussed some of the various ways in which the pandemic has affected us . I found it enlightening that he had experienced some of the same things , vocally , that I had . This has been a unique time for all of us . As singers , there are likely some things you have noticed about your voice this year …
LIVE LEADING As a singer and vocal coach , I have done my best in the past 15 months to keep my voice healthy . I have done my warm-up routines , followed my vocal health regime and done as much singing as I could . When speaking to my worship artist friend , I found that he had done the same . And yet … we both had experienced the same thing … a type of atrophy . We both found that despite all of our efforts , there is one element of muscle memory that we did not use . Apparently , there is a type of energy that we use when singing live , in front of others , that is very difficult to imitate at home ! This level of energy and style of singing was in good shape for us prior to the pandemic , in fact , we didn ’ t even realize that we were using it . It was just always there and in place for us . But with the lack of a live audience or congregation , we never employed these important “ muscles ”. I suppose this is something I might not ever have discovered if it had not been for this unique exceptional period in time .
MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME I began to realize that I needed to step up my game . It ’ s hard to say whether or not there are truly different aspects to the way I sing in public or whether I have just simply sung much less . Regardless of the answer , I found that I had some work to do . I have added some things to my regular routine in an effort to duplicate the way I sing in front of others . I have also taken more time and care during my warm-ups and my vocal work out . I have seen a difference .
I am a singer because I love singing . Singing is an important part of my life and always has been . At various times in my life it has taken on different roles . I have sung professionally . I have been the music director in multiple churches . I have been a worship leader in various scenarios . I have taught voice to people all over the world . But I have always , always loved singing and done the vast majority of my singing at home . I have sung to my children and grandchildren , to my husband and just by myself . These aspects of singing are all a part of the gift that God has given to me and to you - the gift of singing . As someone who is in the position of singing in front of others , I need to make sure that I take care of the gift He has given me and keep my voice as healthy as I can for as long as I can .
HOW ABOUT YOU ? You may not be in a place yet where you have
had the opportunity to start leading or singing in front of others yet . Lord willing you will soon . The federal mask mandate was lifted and I ’ m hopeful that things will eventually get back to normal . While traveling across the country this week I was able to experience various stages of reopening . It was actually “ strange ” to see some places where no one wore masks . Let ’ s hope that this means our gathering together as believers to worship and sing will soon be as commonplace as it once was . Are you ready ?
You can make sure you are ready vocally by stepping up your vocal workout . Sing in the shower like the world is listening ! Sing in the car . Sing on your walks . Don ’ t forget to stretch your range when you work out vocally . Make sure you prepare your voice to sing for the right length of time . If you typically lead worship for 30 min , make sure that you regularly work out your voice for at least 30 minutes at a time . Your vocal endurance needs to match the demands you plan to place on your voice . And don ’ t forget your regular vocal health routine - stay hydrated !
God bless you as we ease back into serving our congregations through song .
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