10 Signs Of Bad Vocal Technique

Whether or not you are studying voice, you are still using certain "vocal techniques" which you've learned either consciously or unconsciously from family, friends or music teachers. Here are some signs that your vocal technique is in need of an overhaul. Your technique is bad if:

1. Your throat hurts to talk after you perform.
2. You worry about losing your voice from talking or singing performance.
3. Your voice feels strained after using it
4. You don't command much attention when you speak or sing.
5. You never seem to have enough breath.
6. You can't hit your pitch accurately even though you can hear that it's "off".
7. Your vocal tone is thin, uninteresting or hollow and hooty.
8. You can't do certain vocal licks you're trying to imitate.
9. You can't sing very low or high, your vocal range is limited so your song choices are, too.
10. Your manager, agent, label rep or significant other who you trust tells you confidentially they are hearing  a problem with your voice. (duh).

I'm here if you need me:)

PPP Vocal Technique: When Pulling Back, Don't Lift Your Chin

In my role as your vocal coach today, I'd like to clarify something I teach about head position that people often get wrong when first trying it. My vocal students know that I advise pulling the head back slightly when singing or speaking. Let me be more specific:

• Don't lift your chin! Float your chin levelly when singing or speaking.
• Don't pull your head straight back!
• Do pull your head back slightly to the side, cocking your head at a small tilt as you do.
• Do lift your head by lengthening your spine, which carries your head up.
• Do balance your head over your tailbone. This is farther back than most people carry their heads.
• But...don't bend your head back in such a way that something you were carrying on your head would fall backwards. In fact, practice by putting something on your head as you sing or speak. It should ride along, not falling forwards or backwards.
• Do use your lyric to pull ... not push ... your voice out.

Hope these clarification tips help you!