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Writer's pictureNikk May

Vocal: The Power of Vocal Warm-Ups

Updated: Sep 26

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Learn about The Power of Vocal Warm-Ups

Vocal Coaching | Private Lessons for Vocal, Piano, Guitar | Songwriting Recording


"NIKK MAY: PRIVATE STUDIO FOR VOICE | PIANO | GUITAR is a fusion of vocal coaching, voice (singing) lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, songwriting/composition, and music collaboration, combined with a deep inspiration to help students and artists in the most effective and meaningful ways possible."


When Things Don't Sound Right

It can be a frustrating experience for any singer or musician when the music just isn't clicking. In certain instances, we might continue to rehearse the same thing over and over only to become stuck in the hamster wheel of getting more discouraged and less inspired. Quite often this is a good indication that we need to change up practice habits and try a different approach.


Hyperfocus

Despite how the word sounds, this can actually be a huge detriment to making progress and a trap that students fall into all too often, especially those overly calculative by nature. It's important to have a strong work ethic, be diligent with practice and tune in to the detailed artistry within music, however if we're not careful that same focus can begin to exceed the threshold that allows for positive improvement and can actually start to sabotage an artist's performance. Maintaining a sense of balance is vital, something to always keep in mind is that any coordination, mechanic, or even good technique can become overdriven to a point where it hurts a performance more than it helps. Of course, a singer/musician should strive to push their limits, if everything feels nice and comfy to sing and play then there probably isn't much challenge happening or growth taking place. Many times I'll tell students that just like physical exercise if there's no sweat (figuratively speaking) then we're not working hard enough. The important thing however is to work in balance, on the right material, identifying root issues that will in turn lead to the appropriate solution.


Back To Basics

The good news is that usually the best solution is the simplest! Sometimes we become so fixated on the troublesome piece we're singing, or the excerpt being played that we forget fundamentals. Exercises and pedagogy drills are what ultimately build and condition our abilities, both on an anatomic level through developed coordination as well as musically by ear training. The power of a good warm-up session should never be underestimated! Just like a runner stretches before a race, both singers and musicians alike will benefit greatly from taking the time to step outside the active piece being rehearsed and just stretch. A singer's voice is made up of organic muscle and tissue, and a musician's hands all the same. You'd be surprised at just how many performance issues can be resolved simply by taking the time to warm-up and stretch out.


Patience

Lastly, remember that patience is also a part of clean progress. Racing through exercises will do no good if they aren't appropriately paced and done properly. It's a lot less of a workout to do 10 fast and shallow push-ups than it is 10 slow with the nose to the floor! Take the time to be methodical, practice with the right form, and look forward to the improvements that follow. The power of routinely doing strong, effective vocal warm-ups can't be underestimated.


Feel free to leave a comment below, share your thoughts or even something you're working on. Happy music-making!


Nikk May

Private Studio for Voice | Piano | Guitar


Singer/Musician/Songwriter/Producer

Studio: Vocal | Piano | Guitar

Performance | Songwriting | Recording | Composition


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