The human voice is a powerful and varied instrument, capable of communicating more emotion than any man made instrument. Vocal training is not just necessary to learn how to sing but is vital in maintaining a healthy voice and preventing harm to the vocal cords throughout a singer's life. If you are interested in learning to sing we have compiled some fairly straightforward tips to help you on the way, this is by no means a comprehensive guide to vocal technique but rather a short list of proven techniques for improving your singing voice.
Singing Tips
Good posture leads to good breathing. Your body should be relaxed but not limp, feet firm and squarely on the floor supporting your body. Hold your upper body straight without tensing, avoid slumping as this restricts movement of you diaphragm.
Breathing correctly has a big impact on your ability to control your pitch. Knowing the song you are singing well allows you to know where and when to breathe in. When singing a phrase try to let out as little air as possible, only as much as is necessary to hit hold the note you are singing. It is especially tempting to use too much air when singing notes in your lower registers, keep the airflow across your vocal cords consistent by controlling your breathing.
Although not directly related to your singing ability is the condition of the rest of your body, a healthy body will lead to a healthy voice. Exercising may not improve your technique but will give you more energy overall and make you feel better and this will definitely have a noticeable effect on your voice.
Other Ways to Improve Your Singing Voice
Avoid singing when your voice is tired or strained as this will only lead to damage, try to avoid shouting or raising your voice in general but especially just before a performance. Also give your voice a chance to rest afterwards as well.
Drink lukewarm or body temperature water, this will better loosen you vocal cords whereas cold water will make them tight and rigid. Avoid dairy products at all cost before performing as they increase the amount of phlegm your body produces.
If you do smoke, try to quit, beside the obvious benefits of not smoking and the more obvious side effects of disease and ill health, smoking affects your voice. Smoke damages the cilia in your lungs reducing their ability to get rid of catarrh from the lungs, leaving a build up of viscous liquid reducing your lung capacity. This is further aggravated by the damage done to the alveolar, which are the tiny sacs across which transfer of gases takes place. Smoke from cigarettes also burns the vocal cords leaving them dry, tight and damaged.