When you understand what is going on in the larynx and at the vocal cords, then it’s much easier to make changes and get the results you are looking for.
Knowing what your vocal cords are doing when you speak is a great place to start. I have a somewhat breathy, but resonant speaking voice, and I know it’s breathier now than when I was younger….probably due to over-blowing and stretching my cords too much while singing in bar bands night after night without adequate breath support.
What does this mean to me as a singer? Well, for one thing I have to give extra focus now to my breath support, including my inhale and exhale process. If I don’t have this coordination in good check, then I over-sing to get loudness, and I can easily run out of breath before finishing long phrases. This can negatively affect my pitch, my vibrato, and overall control. It definitely makes it challenging to stay in a good “mix” of head and chest resonance.
It’s not easy to explain to singers exactly how to achieve maximum breath control. Everyone’s body and experiences are different. However, if you are still having trouble finding your mix, or maintaining your mix, then putting your focus on your breath is a great next step.
I will elaborate more on many pieces of the puzzle in the next few posts. But for today, get in touch with your breathing……feel it, know it, and control it.