Hey music lovers! I read some articles online on how I can (or anyone in this case) improve my singing. I found some of the things mentioned helpful but then it hit me, most articles I read only spoke about the things you “should” do and no one really talked about what “not” to do to sing better. So, for my fellow male vocalists and female vocalists, members of the choir, and yes even my beloved Karaoke singers, here is “Kelechi’s Litany of Never Do” when it comes to singing. As you may guess, I found out most of these the “hard way”.
Never mimic no impressions, no impersonations! If it is a well known song you might be setting yourself up for failure. You do a good job, there is a possibility you will lose the beautiful voice God gave you. Sing every song as if it were your own. Yes, even during Karaoke! I know it is so hard not to do especially after working so hard to hit the Journey high notes in “Don’t stop” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
Never do the “Turtle Pose”! Hunching your shoulders make you tighten your neck and that makes you tense and if you are wearing a Turtle neck sweater, well, I think you see what I am getting at. When the muscles in your neck are flexed or tensed, your vocal chords become stressed and restricted. Needless to say, you will be fighting your body to get the sound out. Makes it easy to call your boss in the morning and tell him/her that you are sick because you will sound horrendous. Don’t do this and tell them Kelechi sent you! Rocking slowly to the beat usually is a good cure for this.
Never flail your arms frantically as if you are about to fly! You might hit someone or worse off yourself. It is advised usually to loosely keep your arm(s) to your side with your hands together. You can lock your fingers but not tightly and have your hands raised a few inches or so. You ask why? So you don’t hurt anyone and avoid unnecessary medical bills or possible lawsuits! This posture makes it easy for you to control your breathing.
Never flex/blow-up your chest! For the guys, even if you were at some beach the ladies will not find it funny when you run out of air mid line of their favorite love song. Please, use your diaphragm. I will give you a hint; inflate your stomach, the six-pack and half will return once the air is gone. Besides, you will be able to hit that sweet note for a longer period without turning pale.
Never force yourself to sing out of your range! Your vocal chords are not muscles you try to get “hardcore” with. It is not ok to sing till you see blood flying out of your mouth disgusting, I know. Rule of thumb, if it hurts to think about the song in your head, you might want to go down a key or maybe three keys. Now for the timid at heart, singing way lower than your natural range can also help you to sustain injuries as well. I say look for your “singing in the shower” zone. When you are comfortable and not thinking to impress anyone, you are most likely singing in your natural range.
Never tie your shoelaces from both feet together! You could again, hurt yourself or someone. Seriously, avoid keeping your feet together as if you are standing at attention. You run the risk of locking your knees depending on how long you are singing for, you could pass out or you legs give out from under you. Get the pretty picture I am painting here? Even if you were sitting down during the song, you might want to set your feet flat on the ground and about shoulder width apart and be comfortable. If you keep good posture, you will breathe better.
I hope these help and as time goes I will update the “Litany” and see what I get by Easter this year.
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