The 10 Most Common Problems of Singers
A powerful vocal really can change the energy and feel of a room, or even an individual’s emotional state. Vocalists, partnered with song lyrics, communicate emotion, information, and story. There is a true art to having powerful vocals, and requires significant discipline. Similar to athletes, singers can also experience problems developing their skills. They must remain disciplined to navigate a variety of challenges and problems, in order to reach their full range and potential.
- Breathe Support / Poor Breathing
Aspiring singers often struggle and have difficulty controlling their breathing at the start. Instead of relying on their diaphragm like a professional, they often gasp for air, and either overshoot or undershoot notes.
- Vocal Tone
Many people struggle with their tone as they might approach their vocals a certain way, while being described as too nasally, too resonant or too low or rich. A ‘good’ tone, however, depends mostly on the listener.
- Lacking Agility and Endurance
Many vocalists lack flexibility, agility, and endurance in their singing. Some singers tend to have problems with all four areas as they lack proper knowledge and techniques.
- Lack of Confidence
To put it simply, what is on the inside of you will come out. If your confidence is weak and shaky, your voice will most likely also be weak and shaky. The best way to alleviate this is practice, self-awareness, and boosting your confidence in yourself.
- Vocal Care
So many don’t realize what causes vocal fatigue or vocal unhealth. Dehydration, not warming up, certain foods that cause phlegm will all contribute to sub-par vocal performances. Avoiding too much sugar, acidic foods, dairy, and not drinking enough water are all incredibly helpful for you vocal health.
- Enunciation & Articulation
How you enunciate and articulate a word will have a tremendous impact on many things. It can affect blending with others, whether your notes go flat or sharp. Being aware of your speaking habits can also be helpful by not allowing it to change or hinder your pitch.
- Limited range in pitch
All types of singing voices have their optimal pitch but due to the lack of coordination of the vocal chords and breath support, the transition in register is not as smooth as many people would prefer for their own voices. Working and practicing on transitioning through that vocal break will be essential to have a wide range.
- Aspiration
Some singers that aspirate before phonation where excessive air is pushed out causing a breathy tone in their singing. The same thing occurs in hard glottal.
- Poor posture.
The way a singer stands when singing can significantly affect the quality of their voice as air passageways get blocked or are hindered because of one’s bad posture.
Vocalists: It is so essential to be aware of these things, while also making a conscious effort to break bad habits that one might have already formed.
Correct what you can, so you can achieve the best results possible.
Happy Singing and Worshipping!
James Goddard
Worship Academy