VOCALS
[ SELF CHECK: AM I SINGING CORRECTLY? | Sheri Gould ]
is up to you.
Recently, hundreds of thousands of fans were content with a powerfully executed high note, saddened to hear that Adele had once again we have to BELT (aka scream) the note to feel 2. Get some real vocal training. Learn how to
suffered vocal damage so severe that she as though we have accomplished something use breath support properly and relax the
had to cancel her tour. This was of particular as a singer. We are urged on by what we hear muscles in the throat and neck area. Master
shock because it was only 6 years ago that being recorded by our “professional” singers. the ability to relax your larynx so that your
she had undergone a very highly specialized, Even the artists themselves can’t perform these cords aren’t pushed to strain. You really can’t
incredibly delicate type of microsurgery on her tricks outside of the studio because they have skip this step if you want to be confident that
damaged vocal cords. Adele is just 29 years often been digitally ‘enhanced’. And when they old, and she is not alone. It is estimated that DO attempt to tour and sing live, they often end vocal cord surgery has been performed on up in vocal trouble.
you are singing correctly.
3. Get feedback. Watch yourself sing in a
mirror. Get video footage of yourself when
you are singing live and carefully review your
thousands of pop, rock, and classical singers,
as well as on theatre and stage musical stars. So, what can YOU do to make sure you’re technique, being careful to look for strain
Christian singers are not immune. Many of our singing correctly? and listening for air in your tone. If you are
adding the air to your tone: stop doing that
most beloved CCM artists and worship leaders
have undergone surgery as well. I personally FIRST THINGS FIRST immediately. If you hear air in your tone and
spoke with Phil Wickham just days before he Here is a good rule of thumb to remember: you are NOT adding it on purpose, it could
underwent vocal surgery and prayed for him if you think you have vocal damage - you be the result of vocal damage. Be honest
throughout his ordeal, as did thousands of his probably do. We, as singers, need to start with yourself about what you are hearing and
fans as we followed his progress on Facebook. paying more attention to the signals our body seeing and address the issues. Sweeping
(and vocal cords specifically) are giving us. So the problems under the carpet will not make
For years, vocal cord microsurgery had been many singers want to believe that the damage them go away.
considered risky. (Remember how in 1997 that they feel or hear in their voice is simply a an unsuccessful vocal surgery procedure left passing phase due to some temporary stimuli. One of the problems I have with a damaged
Julie Andrews’ voice beyond repair?) And yet, In some cases, it’s true. Believe it or not, the singer getting surgery is that is does not
more and more, singers dealing with damaged body—and our vocal cords specifically—are address the root cause of the surgery in the
vocal cords, looking for a quick (and hopefully incredibly resilient if given the opportunity to heal first place. Adele was told she was healed and
permanent) fix are turning to surgery to solve and regroup. But any time you are experiencing her voice was even better. Sadly, she believed
their vocal problems. But what is the REAL long term, consistent hoarseness, pain, loss this and likely did not take the necessary steps
problem? What is the REAL long term fix for of range or specific notes, or change in vocal to solve the problems that initially put her voice
such issues, and what can we, who are serving quality, you need to get to and ENT (Ear, Nose in peril. I much prefer a more natural approach
in our local churches, do to ensure that we and Throat doctor) and get checked out. Don’t to vocal cord healing: one that will solve the
don’t fall prey to vocal damage that could cut delay. You have nothing to gain by waiting and problem permanently. Too many singers are
short our ability to continue to serve Him for a EVERYTHING to gain by early detection. You approaching vocal cord surgery like a fad diet.
lifetime? can’t (or won’t) fix a problem that you don’t They achieve their goal quickly but end up with
know exists. a worse problem in the end. If you have gotten
to a place where you have damaged vocal
What’s been especially hard for me to watch
over the last couple of generations is how vocals CHECK LIST FOR PROPER SINGING cords, you likely didn’t not get there overnight.
have evolved. It’s no longer acceptable to only 1. Be willing to lay aside certain notions you True healing will take time.
have a pretty tone, ability to deliver a song, have as a singer and readjust your long term good intonation, and great support. Now you goals. Do I want to imitate today’s styles, or If you feel you may be struggling with vocal
have to be the MOST powerful singer with the can I be content to sing in a more natural and damage, feel free to email me through my
BEST style and WIDEST range with the most time honored healthy way? One will get you website at sherigould.com. I will be happy to
POWERFUL voice. There is a striving, vocally, some temporary accolades, the other will help walk you through some potential solutions.
that seems to have consumed us. We aren’t allow you to sing for a lifetime. The choice God Bless you as you sing for Him!
28
October 2017
WorshipMusician.com