The Art of Vocal Training: Essential Practices for Professional Singers
As a professional singer, regular voice training is not just beneficial—it is essential. The vocal cords, like any other muscle in the body, require consistent exercise to maintain peak performance. Therefore, many professional singers and vocalists dedicate a significant amount of time to training their voices, often daily or at least several times a week. This commitment is crucial for keeping their vocal instruments in top condition and enhancing their performance capabilities.
Research has indicated that professional performers may need to practice for much longer periods than the general population. It is believed that one must accumulate approximately 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in any skill. Thus, the answer to the question, 'How often do you train your voice as a singer?' is often 'a lot.'
Daily Voice Training for Optimal Vocal Performance
The process typically begins with extensive training exercises, often lasting for hours at a time. These exercises are designed to warm up the vocal cords, stretch the muscles, and stabilize the breath. Just as professional musicians spend countless hours refining their craft, professional singers must commit to hours of practice each day to maintain their vocal proficiency.
The inclusion of a vocal coach can be highly beneficial for singers, much like a coach is essential for professional athletes. A vocal coach provides personalized guidance, helps identify areas for improvement, and can make the training process more efficient and effective. This professional support helps singers understand their limitations and work towards their full potential.
The Spectrum of Voice Usage
For many professional singers, vocal training is not just about hitting the right notes or achieving a beautiful tone. It is a comprehensive process that encompasses various aspects of voice usage. The act of singing and speaking are fundamental to the identity and expression of a person. They are just two ways in which humans utilize their inborn vocal gift, the Sounding voice. This innate ability, which babies use to express their needs and moods, lays the foundation for both the Speaking and Singing voices that are developed later in life.
The Sounding voice is often overlooked, but it is a crucial aspect of vocal training. It serves as a starting point, from which more complex vocal techniques and styles are developed. The Speaking and Singing voices are often a blend of imitation of the sounds heard from parents, relatives, school friends, and teachers. This is particularly evident in the formation of regional accents, which reflect the sound of one's voice and play a significant role in personal identity. The way we speak and sing is a manifestation of our cultural and social environment.
Vocal Training and Personal Growth
My own journey in vocal training has been closely aligned with the development of speaking and singing abilities. In my early twenties, I discovered a school of voice development that was grounded in these vocal origins. Under the tutelage of this school, my understanding of the potential of the voice was significantly enhanced. Over time, my range of pitch, timbre, and vocal texture expanded, allowing for greater expression and versatility.
One notable achievement was my involvement in the premiered performance of 8 Songs for a Mad King, a work that required a unique four-octave vocal range characteristic of Roy Hart Theatre. This experience highlighted the importance of rigorous vocal training and the potential it can unlock. The key to this discussion lies in recognizing the person as a whole—through sound.
Throughout history, the ability to use our voices to convey emotion, tell stories, and communicate with others has been one of our most valuable and meaningful attributes. It is through this gift that we can make a significant impact on the world. In essence, our most distinctive and potent trait is our ability to be heard and, at times, understood.