VocalQuarters
… with renowned voice coach Diana Yampolsky
If you think your distinctive nasal singing style is all part of your appeal then you should probably return to the drawing board. This product of bad technique or clogged up sinuses, or both, is likely to provoke more grimacing and wincing than admiration amongst your audience, according to our regular vocal columnist.
As a world-renowned vocal coach, voice repair specialist, and author, there are few things Diana Yampolsky doesn’t know about the human voice and how to get it to perform at its peak.
Having helped a myriad of stars achieve their vocal potential, including Our Lady Peace singer Raine Maida (US Top 10, Canada No.1), Canadian Idol winner Brian Melo (Canada Gold), singer-songwriter Anjulie (US Dance No.1), and recent Interscope signee Cindy Gomez, she is on hand to help you too whatever your ability! According to Ms. Yampolsky, while 25% of a singer’s performance is grounded in talent, 75% relies on coaching.
In Need of a Cure? We’ve Got It!
by Diana Yampolsky
“She told me one thing that had always bothered her was that whenever she performed and people heard her sing, they always asked her if she had a cold.”
I would like to talk about a common problem among many aspiring singers, namely singing with a nasal voice.
At amateur and even professional level it is common to hear singers that, instead of singing, sound like they are literally whining.
This very thin and nasal sound they produce is because they are singing incorrectly through their nose. The mistake they are making is in placing the voice vertically, starting at the throat and then out through the nasal cavity rather than the vocal chambers. This prevents any resonation and results in a vocal sound that is unpleasant to say the least.
One way to convey this style of singing is to imagine the difference between broadcasting with a small antenna instead of a satellite dish – it sounds quieter, fuzzier and what’s more frustrates the listener a great deal.
Of course, for some people a nasal sounding voice is not the result of incorrect vocal technique but can actually be attributed to the environment in which they live.
It’s no secret that modern cities are often very polluted and today’s singers are faced with the problems of polluted air and allergies that singers before the 21st century were less affected by.
Pollution is responsible for a large percentage of the population having bunged up sinuses and in order to sing correctly these sinus cavities need to be clear.
It is even not uncommon for people to have to contend with both of the above - incorrect technique and bunged up sinuses – an unfortunate combination that has resulted in a lot of particularly unpleasant sounding singers.
One example of this was an aspiring singer who asked me to become her vocal coach. She told me that one thing that always bothered her was that whenever she performed and people heard her sing they always asked if she had a cold.
Fortunately the story did at least have a happy ending as I was able to help her though a methodology very similar to the one that I use for clients who have damaged their voices.
For most people that have wrecked their vocal anatomy due to incorrect vocal technique I am usually able to help them regain their voice through a combination of natural herbal remedies and instruction in correct vocal technique. I apply similar methods to cure vocal congestion.
To modify the incorrect vocal technique that often produces vocal congestion and a sick, nasal sounding voice, I use a number of specific vocal exercises designed to condition the subject to bring the sound through the facial cavities and vocal chambers instead of through the nasal passage.
The main vowels of the singing alphabet are: Ah, Ooo, Eh, Oh, Eee. If you visualise each vowel going in a circular direction around your face and above your head, you will be able to avoid a nasal cavity.
If the sound becomes narrower than 360 degrees radius, the sound will most likely end up in your nose. Unless you need a little bit of a nasal sound for your style of music, I would not recommend this technique.
To counter stuffed up sinuses due to allergies, I use a number of natural herbal remedies which are very effective at clearing the sinuses and can even alleviate chronic sinusitis. Some of them are good for sinus headaches as well.
To conclude, ‘vocal congestion’ is a common but completely treatable problem. As discussed above, it can stem from either incorrect technique or allergic reactions or even both. A combination of vocal exercises and herbal remedies will cure even the most stuffed up singer.
Remember that although performers may choose to affect a nasal style, being bunged up is never a good idea. Some time ago I read an article by a singer who said that singing off a phlegmy, congested vocal anatomy helps him to achieve a rock’n roll ‘raspy’ style. I can assure you that you can learn how to sing in this style - or any others - naturally and without the ‘aid’ of any phlegm and congestion.
Besides writing a regular column for HitQuarters, Diana Yampolsky is available for a special Q&A session to answer any specialist questions you might have about vocal performance, technique, care etc. Please send any questions to Diana here
Read On ...
* Voice problems a positive occurrence for aspiring singers?
* How NOT to Become a Singer
… and work harder at doing it
* Vocal Parts – Vocal Assembly
… and how that contributes to total vocal performance
* Vocal Science - Flight to the Universe
* Vocal Insurance – Secure Your Investment!
* The Technical Elements of Vocal Style
* Psychology of Performance - Pavlovian Conditioning
* Vocal Speaking - The Cutting Edge
* Introductory Interview with Diana Yampolsky
