What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers? Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a common cause of vocal problems for singers, and occurs, to put it very plainly, when muscles that should not be used are being used for sound production. During normal, healthy singing, only the vocal chords should move, and there should be no tension in surrounding musculature. Instead, we […]
The Vocalise.
What is a Vocalise? The vocalise has been used for warming up, and for training the voice, since the mid eighteenth century. Jean-Antoine Berard’s 1755 compilation L’art du Chant includes a selection of songs without words, pieces chosen for their value as exercises to assist with the establishment of sound vocal technique. The vocalise is always sung […]
Choosing, and singing with, Pianists, Accompanists, or a Repetiteur.
Practising Technique, Rehearsing. Warm up Exercises, Scales, and Vocalises. One of the most effective tools for a singer is a quality (preferably acoustic) piano or keyboard for home rehearsal. It is invaluable for “checking” notes in a piece that is being studied. If it is an acoustic piano, the instrument must be kept tuned to concert pitch at all times. […]
Exercises for Developing Voices and Professional Singers
Daily Practise Exercises. The best way to improve vocal technique to practise daily. There is an old adage “Practise makes perfect.” To some degree, this is untrue. Only proper practise makes for a perfect (or near perfect ) performance. While many singers start with vocal exercises, doing so simply isn’t looking at the voice, and music, as a holistic art form. […]
Learn Singing with a Proven Teacher.
Learn singing…. with a skilled vocal coach. There is no doubt that everyone has some natural ability to sing, and many people, especially adult singers, have developed their own unique style of singing. However, making the choice to learn singing with a skilled teacher will see singers accomplish vocal production using correct technique, optimise the use of their […]
