# Singers: Ignite Your Passion and Prepare for the Road Like a Pro!
So, you’ve been rocking the stage a couple of times a month, and your voice is bouncing back like a superstar! You’re gaining momentum, your record is out, and your fan base is growing by the day. People can’t get enough of your incredible performances, and they want to see you live as often as possible. But here’s the reality: if you’ve been pushing your voice—especially with those high notes—it can be a challenge to keep delivering the magic night after night. Remember, while recording sessions allow for retakes, live performances demand consistency, and your fans are counting on you!
# Care and Feeding of Your Voice
1. Replace Yelling with Smart Technique
- Your voice is your instrument—treat it with the care it deserves! Yelling may seem tempting to hit those high notes, but it often lacks the emotional depth that your lyrics deserve. Instead, focus on mastering techniques that let you shine without straining.
2. Discover the Belted Head Voice™
- Imagine delivering emotionally charged high notes effortlessly! By learning the Belted Head Voice™ from a vocal pre-producer, you can give your audience what they crave while preserving your vocal health. This technique allows you to soar through performances, ensuring that each show is as powerful as the last!
3. Invest in In-Ear Monitors
- Hear yourself clearly and avoid unnecessary strain! In-ear monitors are a game changer. They help you hear your vocals without the need to yell over the band. When you can hear yourself, you’ll sound more in tune, and your audience will feel the difference. Remember, clarity leads to confidence!
4. Become an Independent Vocalist
- Just like your bandmates know their instruments, you should know your voice! Treat your vocal cords with respect. Rest your voice during the day, do your warm-ups every single day, and practice cooling down after performances. Your voice deserves as much care as a musician’s prized guitar or drum kit!
5. Optimize Monitor Speaker Placement
- If in-ear monitors aren’t an option, ensure your monitor speakers are strategically placed to match your stage movements. Great placement will help you hear yourself no matter where you are on stage. Remember, feedback can be a killer, so take control of your sound!
6. Commit to Daily Cardio and Steam
- A healthy body equals a healthy voice! Incorporate cardiovascular exercise into your routine and, when you can, take advantage of steam rooms. These practices reduce swelling and keep your vocal cords agile. Plus, a little tongue-roll exercise during instrumental breaks can work wonders for your vocal flexibility!
# Straight Talk: Protect Your Voice
Your voice is your lifeline, and it deserves your full attention. When you yell, you’re forcing air through your vocal cords, which can lead to strain and long-term damage. Remember, stamina isn’t built from muscle; it’s nurtured through proper care of your vocal cords, which are delicate mucous membranes.
My mantra is simple: “If you fight with your voice, you'll always lose.” With the right preparation and techniques, you can keep your voice strong and vibrant, ready to impress your fans night after night.
So, as you hit the road, remember to enjoy every moment. Build relationships with your audience, but also save some of your precious energy for the next show and the one after that. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a doctor’s office during a tour, canceling shows. It’s not just frustrating for you; it affects everyone working hard to support your dream.
Be proactive and take these tips to heart. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll thrive on the road, relish each performance, and watch your fan base grow exponentially. Here’s to your incredible journey ahead!
Stay strong, stay vocal, and enjoy every note!
Brad Chapman, Vocal Coach www.bradchapmanvocalcoach.com