Six Essential Vocal Practices for Peak Performance
As a singer and vocal coach, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your voice just doesn’t seem to cooperate. You’re struggling for breath, you can’t seem to hit the notes, you’ve got a sore throat… we’ve all been there and it’s not pleasant, no matter whether you’re preparing for a performance or just a lesson. The good news is, with the right preparation, fixing these issues is possible – no matter the situation.
A few years back I was meant to perform at a smallish Jazz club. Not a big gig by any means, but nonetheless an important one for me. For three weeks leading up to the gig, practice sessions with the band were flawless. My voice was both strong and flexible, and the band was in perfect sync. However, despite all this preparation, I woke up on the day of the performance with a hoarse voice and a sore throat. Panic set in. I had been rehearsing for weeks, but on the morning of the gig I felt like my voice was not going to carry me through the night.
That’s when I fell back on some of the very same practices I now tell my students to do – rest, hydration, and careful vocal warm ups.. And how did the gig go? I took it easy that morning, stayed hydrated, did my vocal exercises, and by showtime I was ready to go. It wasn’t perfect but it reminded me of how powerful some of these small rituals are in supporting your singing voice.
Whether you’re a professional or just starting out, here are the six key vocal practices to get your voice ready and warmed up for any occasion.
- Rest is Vital
The foundation of a great vocal performance starts with rest, rest and more rest. A good night’s sleep is crucial to restore both body and voice – don’t go to bed at 2am thinking you’ll be able to perform to the best of your abilities the next day. As sleep experts suggest, eliminate distractions like screens and phones from your bedroom for better rest. It might also help to switch to a battery-powered alarm clock and invest in blackout curtains for a fully restful environment. Remember, your vocal health starts during your downtime. Without proper rest, even the best warm-ups won’t help you perform at your peak. - Stay Hydrated
In hot and humid Singapore, staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health – and your vocal health is no exception. Keeping your vocal cords elastic and responsive requires consistent hydration throughout the day, not just a quick sip of Polar Mineral water before stepping on stage. It’s about nurturing your voice long before you sing, so your vocal cords are always ready to perform at their best. Voice experts often recommend starting your day with room temperature water, as cold drinks and even hot tea can constrict your vocal cords, causing them to become less flexible. - Mind Your Diet
What you eat and drink matters too. I’ve always been careful with what I eat, always avoiding dairy products (particularly if I have an upcoming event) which can cause extra mucus production, making your voice harder to control. It might be difficult to avoid here in Singapore, but Spicy foods for example can irritate the throat and cause discomfort. Minimising diuretics like coffee and alcohol is also a good idea, as they can dehydrate your vocal cords. - Protect Your Voice
Vocal protection is a long-term commitment. For instance, avoiding smoky environments should be fairly easy in smoke-free Singapore. Equally important is vocal rest—many singers give their voices a break by minimising talking or completely resting their voice the day before performances. For those with demanding vocal schedules, try to plan more strenuous work for later in the day. I, for example, schedule my lessons in the afternoon, as easing into vocal tasks helps maintain vocal stamina. Additionally, keeping your speaking voice at a low volume can preserve your singing voice. - Warm-Up is Key
Just like an elite athlete stretches and does exercises before a race, your voice needs to warm up before any performance. Vocal exercises can prepare your muscles, making them more flexible and ready to work and save you from wasting all your energy on the stage. Start with gentle exercises like humming or yawn-sighs to ease your voice into more demanding tasks. Full-body relaxation techniques, such as shoulder rolls and yoga postures and some breathing exercises, will help eliminate body & voice tension that might affect your vocal performance. - Practice Articulation
Articulation is just as important as any other vocal preparation. Tongue twisters and facial exercises into your warm-up routine helps ensure clear enunciation, especially when singing those fast lyrics (or as I like to call it rhythmical singing) delivering fast-paced or complex lines. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve relied on “Sally sells seashells” type tongue twisters right before a performance to loosen up my lips and tongue—it always helps me feel more in control, no matter how tricky the lyrics are. Starting slow, focusing on precision, and gradually increasing speed is one way of achieving good enunciation and agility.
Remember, reaching vocal perfection is a journey. Do your best before stepping on stage by ensuring you’re well-prepared vocally, and you’ll feel a deep sense of satisfaction, experiencing your vocal strength long before the performance begins.
For any questions on singing techniques or to enquire about lessons, please don’t hesitate to reach out to My Singing Space! And if you’d like to chat in person, come by my next gig on September 27th Sept at the Esplanade – I’d love to talk and see you in person there!
