Vocal Coaching

Caitlin lists all the components that make up “The Voice”.

“The expression of the face and eyes must always be in sympathy with the sentiment of the song. To have these expressions at command the singer must give himself up to that state of feeling which will enable him to express them”

Dog Whimper: What are they for? Approximating your vocal folds along their full length. Helping you sing high and soft without pushing. Fixing breathiness and damaged, overworked vocal folds.

Try to keep the rib cage expanded and elevated preventing it from collapse. Think of it as weightless but with the heavy yoke of the shoulders stopping it from floating up to the ceiling. Trust in the ‘support muscles’ (diaphragm, intercostals, abs and lower back) to do their job. Just keep the breath in the lower abdomen so that they can access and support the breath/sound (and ensure that you use the minimum amount of air!)

There are three types of onset: ‘Breathy’ – the bad, ‘Glottal’ – the ugly and ‘simultaneous’ – the good. Mentally hear the sound of the first note - imagine the exact sound you want to make and you will make it. Sing with your ears. Use the good onset’s ‘Ng’ to place you onto the right note. Touch the sound with your forehead as the first point of contact (like a Maori ‘hongi’).