VOCALS
EMBRACING DISCOMFORT IN SINGING | Renée Maranan
When singers learn how to sing in new ways , it can sometimes feel uncomfortable . But don ’ t be too quick to assume that it ’ s because you ’ re doing something wrong or unhealthy . Here are some examples of when it might benefit us to embrace discomfort in singing .
EXPLORING UNFAMILIAR TERRAIN The process of building new habits can demand a considerable amount of time and patience , in singing and in just about anything else . But in singing , the challenge is compounded by the fact that we can ’ t always see or directly control our voice at its source . And when singers learn to coordinate their voices in new ways , it can feel different and sound different than what they may have been used to . This sense of unfamiliarity can make a singer hesitant to embrace the process because they might find it difficult to understand what is happening under the surface , which can make it hard for them to feel confident in their progress .
RECONCILING EXPECTATIONS WITH REALITY Some singers also experience conflict between their expectations and reality when learning new vocal skills . As they aim for a specific type of sound , they might expect their voice to feel or sound a certain way . If that expectation is not met , even if it ’ s because the vocal task felt easier or the outcome sounded better , that dissonance between expectation and reality can also be uncomfortable .
HOW TO EMBRACE DISCOMFORT Before you choose to back off of a new sensation or sound in your singing , remember that change is necessary for growth . Try these practice habits to learn how to lean into the discomfort so that you can make the most out of every season in your vocal development .
• Stay connected to your voice and your body . Get internal feedback by tuning into your physical sensations . Check if there ’ s pain or straining . Notice if there ’ s ease and freedom . Try to make note of your observations and describe them to yourself or articulate them to someone else . Noticing these changes heightens your awareness of these internal processes , which will help you learn to control your voice from within .
• Record yourself and evaluate your recordings constructively . It can be extremely uncomfortable to listen to the sound of our voices , especially when we ’ re experimenting with new sounds and techniques , but this can be a valuable part of the learning process . When listening to your recordings or watching clips of yourself singing , try to stick to the facts and steer clear of “ good versus bad ” type of language . Ask yourself : What did I hear ? What worked well ? What needed to be improved ? How did the recording compare with my experience of that song / performance ? Pro tip : the more you do this , the easier it gets !
• Seek external feedback . There are a number of physiological , neurological , and psychological filters that prevent us from hearing our own voices accurately as we sing . This is why the feedback of your trusted voice teacher is extremely helpful in identifying areas of growth as well as areas of strength . It can also be helpful to seek feedback from others but be careful who you ask – seek feedback from individuals who are trustworthy , kind and constructive , and who have enough knowledge of vocal performance to actually provide you with helpful advice .
WHEN DISCOMFORT IS A RED FLAG There are some situations when discomfort should be taken as a sign to stop and change tactics . Don ’ t keep going down the same vocal path if any of these are true :
• You ’ re experiencing physical pain when you sing or speak
• You ’ re noticing increased vocal fatigue or voice loss
• You ’ re feeling emotionally dysregulated or unsafe in your body
Embracing the discomfort can be a valuable part of learning , but only if it causes no harm to your voice or your psychological and emotional state . When in doubt , honor your voice and your whole self , and seek help when you are unsure of the path you are taking .
Remember : If something about your singing wasn ’ t working well before , don ’ t fight to keep it the same . Lean into the newness and unfamiliarity . Look for internal and external feedback to find out if the change is safe and beneficial for your voice . If it is , lean into the unfamiliarity of it until it becomes the new normal . You ’ ll be rewarded with a new way of using your voice that will better support your singing in the long run .
Got a question for Renee ? Send an email to hello @ reneemaranan . com with “ WM Voice Question ” in the subject line !
Renée Maranan Vocal Instructor | Life Coach Ambassador for the Institute for Vocal Advancement www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
38 June 2024 Subscribe for Free ...