Jamie! Dude, don't be hurt brother. I plan on taking a few lessons from you. I just like to get opinions from different sources. You know how different teachers can show you things from different perspectives. I thought I had breathing down until I had a real teacher check me out. I now see the importance of having some actual lessons instead of just using books and videos. I just could not figure out why I hated the way that I sounded. It was cuz I wasn't breathing right!

What are the other two keys?

to me, I would say the 2 keys would be 1. pitch (because if you aren't singing the right pitch you're immediately hated) and tone (the colour of the voice. if that isn't developed then you won't sound "interesting")

Really good points Phil, but those arent the keys I am speaking of. Howdy, I want you to search the book and let's make this a lessons. Who can tell me what three things allow you to sing without straining?

BTW- I am not hurt, haha. Glad you took a lesson. No book or video could ever replace a vocal coach!

Okay so its singing "without straining"? I was referring to just being able to sing in general.

here's what i think in regards to having read your great book a few times:

keys for singing without straing:


- aiming in the palate instead of singing from the throat
- breath control (including proper support)

that's all i can think of from the top of my head.

Before i read your book i was always locking down and giving down support in the stomach area, but i was singing in the throat which was hurting. once i learned about the soft palate trick i never got pain again and i do some harsh vocals sometimes too. so that's what cured it for me.

I'm going to go with:

1. Breath Support
2. Placement
3. PRACTICE!

Dangit Kevin, now because of you, I'll have to make it four secrets, haha.

HA! Well that only means I'm missing the fourth!

I'm not tellin;)

Redirecting?

4. Healthy maintenance of the voice! :D

Hmmm, I think I'll take a shot at the 3(?) keys that prevent straining:

Power Push, which helps take pressure off the cords
Placement, which gets your focus out of the throat
Resonance, which helps you sing with your whole body

So basically I think its more like this: The less time you spend thinking about what's going on in your throat and your vocal cords itself, the less chance you will strain. The more you follow Jaime's visualizations to help guide you, the more your voice will sound like an angel. :P

Also, the Inhalation Sensation will help with too much air across the vocal cords. Finally, practice, relaxing, and being positive and not stressing or worrying about everything will do wonders for your voice.