How to Practise Singing — Singing Demystified

Summary

This video by Cornelius of Voice Studio East offers a detailed approach to practicing singing, breaking down vocal exercises into four types: therapeutic exercises, technique drills, technical exercises, and attitudes. It emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice, starting with a macroscopic approach to songs before narrowing down to microscopic details. Cornelius explains the need for cognitive effort in technical exercises and the value of switching between flow states and critical awareness for effective practice. Key advice includes not worrying about muscle memory and focusing on intentional, varied practice to accelerate progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Therapeutic exercises improve overall voice function and are beneficial for beginners by establishing a healthy vocal foundation.
• 😀 Technique drills are designed to help singers master specific vocal techniques with minimal thought and concentration, but they lack intellectual understanding of vocal coordination.
• 😀 Technical exercises require more cognitive effort and focus on embedding specific vocal coordinations in a context that makes them easier to learn.
• 😀 Hudes (etudes) are difficult exercises that challenge singers to develop their proficiency and make actual songs seem easier by comparison.
• 😀 Macroscopic practice involves dialing in the overall vibe and character of the song before focusing on individual notes or sections.
• 😀 Microscopic practice focuses on specific technical challenges in a song, such as high notes or specific vowels, by isolating and simplifying them for easier practice.
• 😀 Deliberate practice is a critical, reflective approach where singers actively assess and adjust their technique to progress, contrasting with a state of flow when performing.
• 😀 Muscle memory is developed naturally through practice and repetition, but it’s important not to rely solely on repetition to reach new vocal coordinations.
• 😀 To efficiently practice, avoid doing the same exercise for too long; switch up the approach frequently to keep progressing and avoid stagnation.
• 😀 Deliberate practice is a skill that can be improved, where a singer practices being critical of their technique while maintaining a flow state during performance attempts.
• 😀 The key to progress is learning to switch between critical awareness during practice and the flow state during performance, allowing for self-reflection and adjustments without disrupting vocal freedom.

Q & A

What are the four types of vocal exercises mentioned in the script?

The four types of vocal exercises are therapeutic exercises, technique drills, technical exercises, and attitudes.

What is the purpose of therapeutic exercises in vocal practice?

Therapeutic exercises aim at improving general voice usage and functionality, such as relieving tension or improving vocal stability. They are especially helpful for beginners.

How do technique drills differ from therapeutic exercises?

Technique drills focus on specific vocal techniques and aim to elicit a particular coordination without requiring much thought from the singer. They are more structured than therapeutic exercises and help automate certain vocal actions.

What is a technical exercise and how is it different from technique drills?

A technical exercise is designed to help a singer focus on a specific vocal coordination, requiring more intellectual effort and concentration than technique drills. It often involves conscious actions, like adjusting mouth position or vocal fold closure.

What is an attitude exercise, and how does it help in vocal training?

An attitude exercise is a challenging exercise designed to push a singer beyond the easier technical exercises. It aims to develop proficiency with known vocal coordinations by embedding them in difficult contexts.

What does 'macroscopic practice' entail when working on a song?

Macroscopic practice involves dialing in the overall character of a song, focusing on general aspects like groove, volume, and vocal style, without getting too focused on specific notes or phrases.

What is 'microscopic practice,' and how does it relate to song practice?

Microscopic practice focuses on specific technical challenges within a song, such as tackling difficult notes or coordinating certain vowels. It is a more detailed and focused approach, working on the finer points of vocal technique.

How can simplifying a song help in vocal practice?

Simplifying a song, by adjusting vowels or removing problematic consonants, helps create a version of the song that is easier to sing while focusing on building the right vocal coordination before adding the complexity back.

What is the distinction between practicing and merely singing a song?

Practicing requires deliberate effort and reflection to improve vocal technique, while singing a song is more about being in the moment, aiming for a flow state without overthinking.

How does deliberate practice enhance vocal performance?

Deliberate practice involves critical self-awareness and reflection, allowing the singer to identify areas for improvement and adjust techniques. This contrasts with singing in a flow state, which can hinder critical evaluation but is essential for performance.