Voice Is Not Just Air: Uncovering Our Vocal Machinery

As an actor or singer, the prospect of an audition can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the key concerns for many performers is the “sound” they are expected to produce in order to secure a role. But what exactly does this “sound” consist of, and why is it causing so much anxiety for actors and singers alike?

To understand the concept of a “sound,” we need to break it down into two main components: voice and style. Your voice is your natural speaking and singing voice, unaltered by belting, mixing or any other vocal techniques. Your tone of voice is unique to you, based on your vocal anatomy, and can be improved through training, but it should never sound like someone else.

The second component is style, which involves the application of various vocal techniques to achieve a specific sound. For example, raising the larynx and increasing compression creates a “rock sound,” whereas a lower larynx and vibrato creates a “legit” or classical sound. These stylistic choices should be made using your natural voice, rather than attempting to imitate someone else’s.

The issue that often arises is when singers try to imitate the sound of another performer, rather than using their own natural voice and making stylistic choices that suit the material. This is often a problem among more experienced and trained singers, who may have fallen into the trap of imitating popular sounds. However, this can often have a negative effect on their performance, as they are no longer focusing on doing justice to the material, but on sounding like someone else.

In contrast, singers who focus on using their natural voice in a stylistically appropriate way, tend to have a much stronger impact in auditions. This is because they are able to fully engage with their character, the material, and their own vocal technique, rather than trying to imitate a pre-conceived “sound.”

While versatility is certainly a valuable skill for actors and singers, it’s important not to get caught up in the pressure to “sound” like a particular performer. Instead, focus on incorporating the desired style into your audition, while prioritizing presentation, acting, and vocal technique. A true “voice” is unique and undeniable, and far braver than a “sound.”

In conclusion, when preparing for an audition, it’s important to remember that your “sound” consists of both your natural voice and stylistic choices. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to imitate someone else’s sound, as this will only detract from your performance. Instead, focus on doing justice to the material, and incorporating your own natural voice and stylistic choices to create a winning combination. By doing so, you’ll be able to showcase your unique talent and stand out in the audition room.

Don't like your voice? Let’s Improve it!

Singing is pretty amazing. Who doesn’t want to learn to sing better, right? I’m assuming most of you reading this article are looking for advice on how to sing better. Today I want to take some time to talk about the importance of the approach you take in learning to sing.

We live in a fast-paced world. With ever evolving technology at our fingertips, instant gratification is the norm. Mastering any instrument, especially the voice, is not something that happens overnight. However, unfortunately I see many young students exhibit frustration when they can’t belt like Beyoncé after their first voice lesson.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with the term “muscle memory”. Contrary to what the name suggests, our muscles aren’t remembering whatever tasks we are working on, but our brain is. Through repetition, our brain remembers certain tasks and sends signals to our muscles. As I am typing this article, my fingers are clicking away at the keyboard, and I am not thinking about where the different keys are. Because I have typed so much, I can now execute that task on a completely subconscious level. That is an example of muscle memory. I’m sure you can think of many examples of times when you practiced something over and over until it became easier. That is how you learned to walk and talk as a baby!

As our vocal cords are comprised of muscle, obviously muscle memory comes into play when learning how to sing. This is why you should be practicing your vocal exercises 5-6 times a week. The exercises that your teacher gives you are most likely repetitive exercises up and down a scale that are designed to be practiced frequently for the best results. After you practice these vocal coordinations over and over, they will become easier. I will go back to the example of walking. When you were a baby, you really had to concentrate on walking, but now the muscle memory has taken over, and you walk without thought.

One of the hardest things to change is bad muscle memory. A lot of singers have been practicing bad habits, whether from singing a lot without instruction, or from poor instruction. Perhaps the wrong muscles are firing when they are singing. Oftentimes, singers are engaging their jaw and neck muscles unnecessarily. To correct this, the bad muscle memory must be undone before the new can be taught. This can be a frustrating process, but consistent practice can most definitely change these habits.

This is where patience comes into play. Learning how to sing is not something you can expect to master in a few lessons. I have been singing my whole life, and am still learning and improving all the time. Besides the fact that muscle memory takes time, your voice is fragile. You can’t practice for hours on end like you can with other musical instruments. The voice can only do so much.

To study singing is an enormously gratifying experience, and one that can change you in more ways than you can imagine. However, you must be serious about your studies if you expect to see results. Consistent practice is key, and you must be gentle with yourself. As in any journey, there will be great moments, and moments of frustration. You must know that it is all part of the process. You should approach each lesson and practice session with focus, enthusiasm, and patience. You should be willing to take risks and fall flat on your face. Most importantly, you should continuously remind yourself that it is a process. Enjoy the journey!