Jazzsari

SINGERS MUST KNOW! It should not come as a surprise to you that most successful “professional” singers (especially in Africa), who are gifted and famous, have no idea of their instrument (their voice); its parts, names, intricacies and uses are all foreign to them. This makes it very difficult for them to really explain the art of singing to their mentees and/or protégés, and this is how half-baked singers are born. I decided that before I start dishing out tips, lectures and exercises this year, that I would list a few parts of the singing apparatus and their uses. I would not go all “BIO 101” on you but the most used parts will be listed and simply explained in this post. BASIC PARTS OF YOUR INSTRUMENT Source of energy: The compressed breath from the lungs and sent through the trachea and larynx. Source of tonal vibration: As the breath passes through the larynx, it sets up a vibration in the vocal folds. Source of resonance: The tone then resounds within the cavities of the h

VOCAL FATIGUE I think it is crucial that I list the causes of vocal fatigue. Because singing is such a coordinated function, the list of causes might seem repetitive. However, I feel it is important to review the causes of vocal fatigue. Allow me to say emphatically, a singer should NEVER experience vocal fatigue. If he/she is singing correctly, the voice should not tire. Never should a singer feel fatigue after a lesson, recording session or performance. I have heard so many singers tell me that their last teacher told them that the 'muscles had to get used to the new technique'. This is irresponsible for any instructor not to take vocal fatigue as a red light for future vocal damage. Hoarseness should NEVER occur after any voice lesson unless the singer is executing the instruction incorrectly. SOME CAUSES OF VOCAL FATIGUE 1) Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages. (2) Hyper-belting: Using too much chest voice pushed up to high in the scale. (3) Constantly singing i

PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAY YOU SPEAK. Over the course of a day, most of us speak far more than we sing, and as singers, we need to be aware of how we use our voices in speech. Beyond being a means of your voice is a vital part of your personality and psyche, and you should treat it with care. Singers can be gregarious, outgoing, and emotional people. Because your instrument produces both your speaking and singing voice, it follows that your singing can be negatively affected by poor speaking habits. To prevent this, employ touch-distance talking. Only speak to those who are within an arm’s length, or touching distance, away. This will help you control the urge to shout and prevent unnecessary strain on your voice. In American culture, people tend to speak in lower pitched, less resonant voices, perhaps because they are associated with strength, seriousness, and intelligence. While this characterization of a low or husky voice especially affects the way women speak, many men also s