The Voice

 

Operatic Voices

There are many singers who are, what is termed 'natural singers', that is, they have the ability to sing without really understanding how they do it. That is an absolutely wonderful gift if they can sustain that throughout their whole career.
 

What happens though, if they lose this ability? 

Often, in their panic to find a solution, they tend to jump from teacher to teacher and become more and more confused in the process. Some singing teachers can tend to impose by sheer force of personality, and if the student/singer is a little vulnerable, then there is a danger of crushing the talent. Singers, may, in their distress, will consult a laryngologist, only to be told later that there is nothing physiologically wrong with their vocal mechanism. Often, the singer is told that nothing can be done.
 

Emotional trauma, bereavement, stress, divorce, financial pressures, giving birth, and poor posture are all major contributors to the loss of voice. So whether you are a natural singer, a singer with poor technique or a singer whose voice is not developed, it is important to be aware of three aspects of the voice:

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1  -   The Physical Aspect

The student needs to understand and master the mechanics of the larynx and the breath.  Emotional blocks will cause physical tension anywhere in the body, but especially in the diaphragm and this will result in a tight throat, since they are both sphincter muscles and work together.

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2   -  The Emotional Aspect

Everything we have ever experienced, is stored in the subconscious. We are conditioned from the womb and if we have experienced emotional trauma, these imprints affect the vocal mechanism and the mind, and are a major contributor to vocal defects. It is therefore beneficial for the singer to come to terms with their conditioning and trauma.

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Removing the emotional trauma often takes years of psychotherapy and even then, it is not always successful. Singers often ignore these underlying problems.

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The flow of breath can likewise be hindered by trauma.  When we are born our apparatus works perfectly, that is, we breathe with the whole body, but we gradually lose this facility through our conditioning and negative life experiences.

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3   -  The Mental Aspect

It is essential that the mind gives clear instructions to the body, as thought always precedes action. If the mind is clouded by negative emotions, the mind cannot function clearly and in the process, this inhibits the correct use of the ear, which is one of the most vital components for singers. For example, it is important for the singer not to be overly emotional when singing, as this will always result in loss of ear control and breath, and if this happens consistently, it will lead to vocal defects.