Singers have one instrument, and it can’t be replaced. The good news is that the voice is also the instrument that responds fastest to proper work: students in our vocal lessons at Rockstar hear a change after just a few lessons. Here are the habits we ask every student to adopt.
1. Warm up, always
Don’t sing “cold”, not even at home. Five minutes of humming, sirens (gliding from a low note to a high one) and lip trills prepare the vocal cords and prevent damage. It’s like stretching before a run.
2. Breathe from the diaphragm
Most people breathe “into the shoulders”. Put a hand on your belly: when you breathe correctly, the belly expands and the shoulders don’t move. Deep breathing and good support are the foundation for long notes, effortless power and accuracy.
3. Water, lots of it, and not just beforehand
The vocal cords need hydration from within. Drink throughout the day, not just a moment before singing. Avoid too much coffee and very cold drinks before you sing.
4. Don’t shout to be heard
Volume comes from support and resonance (the vibration in the face and head), not from pressure on the throat. If your throat “burns” after singing, something in the technique needs fixing, and that’s exactly what a vocal coach spots in the first lesson.
5. Record yourself
Your phone is the most honest teacher there is. Record your practice and listen the next day. You’ll hear what the teacher hears: intonation, breaths in the middle of a word, the ends of lines.
6. Sing songs that fit your voice right now
Not every song fits every range, and not every range is ready for every song. Working on songs that are “too big” is frustrating and can cause harm. A good teacher builds a repertoire that challenges you just the right amount.
7. Rest is part of the training
After a show or an intense practice, the vocal cords need quiet. A “quiet voice” day after a big effort is a habit of professionals.
What about kids and teens?
A developing voice changes, especially during adolescence. Our work with young singers is gentler, with an emphasis on healthy technique, confidence on stage and enjoyment. Proper vocal training at a young age is a gift for life.
Read also: How to Write Your First Song
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