2004 Singing Tips

November 2004 Archive

November 12, 2004 - If you do not have a microphone and speaker when rehearsing, stand in front of a wall so that the sound bounces back to you. This will help you hear yourself better.

November 13, 2004 -Remember, your body is an instrument. The better care you give yourself in regards to food, water and rest - the better your instrument.

November 14, 2004 -"When you feel or hear your pitch begin to go south, or if you are performing a piece that you know you sometimes sing flat in a certain area, RAISE YOUR EYEBROWS as you sing the note. I know it sounds strange, but it's a tried and true solution for me. You can work in into your act like part of your performance. It helps too if you imagine the note coming out of your forhead, spinning out and up toward the ceiling. It's like good pain medicine.. nobody really knows why or how it works, but it does give relief. "Contributed by Cheryl Price
lead singer of Most Wanted, Louisville, Kentucky based variety rock band

November 15, 2004 - Record yourself every opportunity you get, during practice and performance. The best way to record yourself is with video and audio, so you can get a great idea of how the audience sees you.

November 16, 2004 Buy a cheapie journal at the dollar store. Decorate it any way you want, in the style that says you. Then, when you are learning the lyrics to songs, handwrite them in the journal. Make this your personal lyric Bible, where you can put thoughts and ideas and keep for years to come.

November 17, 2004 If you are having trouble singing harmony, put on pretend "blinders" that will keep you from focusing on others voices. When first starting the note, listen only to your voice to make sure it is in tune, then listen to the others to make sure the chord is correct.

November 18, 2004 When learning a song, memorize it a line at a time. Write notes in your journal as to what words need emphasis, where you need to take breaths, and what lines need the most work.

November 19, 2004 Have you ever heard the saying "less is more?" This is important to remember when trying to hit a difficult part in the song. Sometimes when we try too hard, we tense all the facial and neck muscles and then the note has an even harder time coming out. Consciously relax right before you hit the note and don't push.

November 20, 2004 On the day of your performance, start the day with a healthy breakfast, moderate excercise and mental visualization of your performance. It is normal to have butterflies throughout the day, so use that energy creatively by picturing yourself giving a great show.

November 21, 2004 The day after your performance, give your body and voice a chance to recover. Get plenty of rest, good food and water. Try not to talk too much and don't rehearse strenuously.

November 22, 2004 When learning a new song, don't get angry when you make mistakes. Your attitude about learning is the key to learning faster and better.

November 23, 2004 A good excercise to release the jaw before singing, is to pretend like you are eating soft food, chewing very slowly.

November 24, 2004 Remember - you are unique and your vocal style is too. Try not to compare yourself to other singers and accept and enjoy your own unique style.

November 25, 2004 A great way to warm up the facial muscles and wake up the throat area is a yoga move called the lion: open your eyes wide, open your mouth as wide as you can and stick your tongue out - trying to touch your chin. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat.

November 26, 2004 Watch as many live performances of your favorite artists as you can find. Look online and at your local video store. When watching, take note of what you would like to include in your performance.

November 27, 2004 If you don't take private lessons or have a voice teacher, make sure to get an unbiased and objective person to listen to you sing. Ask them to give you honest feedback so you will know what areas are strong and which ones need work.

November 28, 2004 When learning a cover tune, try to mimic the original singer first. Then go back and add your own original touches, making the song your own.

November 29, 2004 On the day of your performance, take a hot bath and practice deep breathing excercises to relax you. Also, try not to obsess too much about the performance - remember singing is supposed to be fun!

November 30, 2004 Hydrate! Winter is an especially drying time for your vocal cords, so drink plenty of fluids: water, herbal tea and juices and eat juicy foods, such as salads and fruits.

December 2004 Archive

December 1, 2004 Listen and learn different vocal styles that you normally don't listen to. Expand your musical horizons - i.e. if your a jazz singer, learn a rock song etc. Do your best not to get stuck in a musical rut..

December 2, 2004 Let your face be expressive of what kind of song you are singing. Practice in front of the mirror and take note of whether or not you are using your facial expressions effectively, i.e. - smiling during happy song, etc.

December 3, 2004 Forever stay positive about your goals and your accomplishments in singing. If you start to feel down about your current situation, remind yourself of all the times you did a great job practicing or performing.

December 4, 2004 Don't underestimate the power of warm ups before your performance. They do make a big difference, so make sure to warm up at least 20 minutes beforehand.

December 5, 2004 If you make a mistake during a performance, don't harp on it or think about it constantly after the event. Learn from the mistake and go on.

December 6, 2004 If you are a smoker and you sing, you will face more challenges maintaining your vocal (and physical) health. Drink lots of water, take vitamins and get fresh air often by taking a walk.

December 7, 2004 A great way to combat colds and irritating dryness in the nasal passages and throat area is to use a humidifier. Especially helpful at night while you sleep. Make sure to use cool and filtered water.

December 8, 2004 When singing a happy song, think of someone that makes you happy while you sing it - the emotion will come through to the audience and you will enjoy singing the song much better!

December 9, 2004 Don't be afraid to hit the wrong note when you are practicing. That's why you practice! The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and enjoy the song.

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