Vocal Technique Resources

Vowel modification means making a small adjustment to the shape of a vowel as you sing. Usually, this means making the vowel slightly more open, more closed, more spread or more rounded as the pitch changes. This changes the shape of your vocal tract (your tongue,...

For the dedicated singer, the technical journey often feels like a checklist: Find your breath support. Master the belt. Seamlessly blend your registers (the famous "mix voice"). You worked hard, and you achieved it. You can hit those notes. You can sing with power....

One of the biggest issues I see in singers with voice problems is overworking — pushing too hard just to hear themselves. It happens in bands, on stage, even in rehearsals: the noise builds, you can’t hear your own sound clearly, and so you sing louder.It...

Some singers need permission to take up space.Others need permission to stop pushing. The skill is knowing which is which — and when to change. Introduction One of the most confusing areas in contemporary singing — especially rock, pop, and expressive styles — is the...

f you’re feeling tightness or strain while singing, you’re not alone. One of the most common — and sneakiest — causes of vocal tension is how you handle consonants. Here’s a quick check:Sing your song on a single sustained vowel (like “ah” or “oo”).If your voice...

The Unique Qualities of Your Voice Every artist needs to know their instrument. Whether you’re building a career or reclaiming your voice, understanding your vocal range gives you the clarity and freedom to create. Every voice is different — its own range,...

Every singer has a naturally unique “vocal palette” — an expansion range of vocal colours, tones, and expressive sounds their voice can create. A powerful way to explore this is via primal vocal prompts: instinctive sounds such as sighs, cries, speech-like tones,...

One of the most useful discoveries I made as a singer was learning to stay speech-like throughout my range. It’s also something I notice again and again with the singers I work with — particularly those who’ve had classically based training, or who’ve been taught to...

Clarifying the Confusion Around Vocal Registers and Mechanisms When we're learning to sing, we often encounter labels like chest voice, mixed voice, head voice, and so on, to describe vocal sounds, “registers,” and qualities we use as singers. It helps...

For singers, few topics create as much confusion as the difference between head voice and falsetto. Some teachers say they’re the same thing. Others insist they’re completely separate registers. And many singers are confused! So let’s clear it up — using...

Keeping your voice healthy Taking care of your voice is crucial for any singer, whether you're an experienced performer or just starting your musical journey. Your voice is your instrument, and like any instrument, it requires maintenance, attention, and love. Here’s...

Want to sing with more freedom, less tension, and better resonance? The straw exercise is a simple, science-backed technique that helps you warm up efficiently, recover tired voices, and sing with less strain. Whether you're preparing for a performance...

In a recent interview Rick Rubin (world-renowned music producer of numerous award-winning artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Adele, Eminem, Slayer, and many more) was asked: "So you don't play music, at least not routinely, you don't...

As voice users and singers, we all know that place in our voice where we experience the feeling of a “gear shift.” I prefer terms like “gear shift” over “break”, because nothing is actually breaking. There isn't necessarily just one gear shift. You may experience...

As a singer and teacher, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the delicate dance between contrasts in music and life. For example, the balance between freedom and discipline, risk and caution, doubt and certainty. These dualities exist in all of us, and they shape how we...

Achieving a resonant, clear, and strain-free tone is foundational to healthy singing. At the heart of this lies the balance between airflow and vocal fold closure — and most singers unknowingly lean too far in one direction. In this blog, we’ll explore how breath flow...

Breath is the foundation of singing — and it’s not complicated once you understand the principles. With practice, efficient breath management becomes automatic. HOW WE BREATHE (THE QUICK VERSION) Inhale When you breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and descends. The...

Warming up your voice before singing can be highly beneficial to: Prevent Vocal Strain: Gently prepares your voice for singing, reducing the risk of strain or injury. Improve Vocal Range and Flexibility: Gradually expands your vocal range and helps you navigate...

There aren't many 'shoulds' and 'musts' in the arts but here's one, singing should (and must) feel comfortable. One of the causes for discomfort in singing can be excess tension. Identifying and Resolving Tension If you’re experiencing excess tension in your body or...

Singers are often told: “Don’t sing from your throat.”“Open your throat.”“Don’t constrict.” But these phrases are rarely defined clearly. Let’s clarify what constriction actually is — and how it relates to breath balance and vocal freedom. What Is Constriction? In...

As a vocal coach, I often encounter students eager to amplify their voices. The secret to achieving a powerful sound without push lies in one part down to mastering resonance (and sometimes twang). The Magic of Resonance Resonance in singing refers to the...

The human voice is a marvel of anatomical precision and adaptability. As singers, understanding the mechanics of vocal production can unlock new levels of technique, expression, and vocal health. Let’s delve into the key elements of vocal anatomy and their roles in...

Clear tone is one of the most important building blocks in singing. Before we explore breathy colours, stylistic choices, or artistic effects, we first establish efficiency. Clear tone isn’t about sounding “plain.” It’s about creating a stable coordination pattern...

Belting is one of the most talked about techniques in contemporary singing. Some singers (wrongly) think it just means shouting. Others assume it’s simply “loud chest voice,” or believe only certain people are born with the ability to do it. The truth? Belting is a...

So Who am i? Voice classifications such as soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass are often discussed in singing contexts. While these labels can provide some insight into a singer's vocal qualities, they are old, traditional labels that really don't play much of a...

Singing is not just a vocal act — it is a whole-body experience.The way you stand, breathe, align and engage your body directly influences the freedom, depth, and power of your voice. When the body is supported and balanced, your voice becomes more responsive,...

Embodying Rhythm: The Heartbeat of Contemporary Singing Singers and singing teacher often focus a great deal on the musical element of pitch. However, there’s a deeper, often overlooked element that serves as the foundation of any great performance: rhythm. Some would...

THE TONGUE IS BIG — AND IT LOVES TO “HELP” TOO MUCH The tongue is a huge, powerful muscle group.Whenever the body senses effort — reaching a high note, belting, navigating a tricky phrase — the jaw and tongue often try to help by: gripping retracting pushing down...

Alongside developing your vocal technique through singing lessons (both with a teacher and proactively yourself), it's crucial to pay attention to maintaining the overall health of your vocal folds. With appropriate care, you can significantly enhance your singing...

Understanding vocal technique is essential for unlocking your true singing potential—it's a game-changer! As you embark on a journey into vocal technique, you'll witness a transformation within your voice like never before. Let’s explore what vocal technique is, why...

As a vocal coach specialising in expressive voicework and artist development, I meet many people who feel an instinctive pull toward their voice, towards singing, towards artistry, even towards songwriting — but they just don’t think of themselves as “singers,”. And...

Singing is not just about hitting the right notes; it's an intricate blend of skill, energy, emotion, and intention. To truly connect with a song, you must channel all your energy into the music and the message you’re conveying. This process requires presence—aligning...

One of the questions I'm always asked about in singing lessons is microphone technique. As a modern singer, the microphone is an indispensable part of your performance toolkit. Whether you're belting out high-energy rock tunes or softly ballads, the mic not only helps...

Before you can control your voice, you need to understand what it’s doing. Here’s how the system actually works. 1) How Sound Begins Air pressure builds below the vocal folds (subglottal pressure).That pressure gently pushes the vocal folds apart.Their...

Clap your hands.Clap louder.Clap REALLY loud. What do you feel? Probably a sharp sting, maybe a bit of heat. Your hands can tell you instantly when you’re using too much impact because they’re full of nerve endings designed to give you feedback. Now imagine...