Hi,

I just got finished with a 2 1/2 hours of vocal exercises. I'm trying to sing on my kareoki, and my voice is cracking and it feels strained. Did I over do on the exercises? Did I do them incorrectly? Is there a quick fix? I really feel like singing, but my voice is being crappy.

HI dan i think you can over do it becasue you are only human.
I do it about 10 mins then wait about 5 min then another 10 min, THink about it if you go to the gym and work out,

You need to stop so your muscles can recoop. Same thing here all the best. also a if you wan to do 2 hours. I would say 40 min then another 40 later.

Listen, I used to practice like a freak, but I had to build up to it. 2 1/2 hours is way extreme fpr beginning the techniques. You are developing muscles and developing muscle memory. I'd suggest no more than an hour. It would be awesome if you could find a good vocal coach to listen to your voice to make sure you are doing the techniques correctly. We are working on an online system to help with the the one on one coaching end.

JV

When working out your body in the gym, the following day, you're sore and unable to work out the same muscles without any strain. Is this the same with your vocal cords? If you overdue it, will my vocal muscles be "sore" and I will be unablle to practice the following day?

Bingo my brother. You can work out every day but don't over do it until you get used to the technique and strengthen the muscles.

JV

If you have been singing for a few years 2.5 hours isn't a problem ... If your just starting like Jamie said, building up is a very good idea ...

All the training I have had, read, listened to, etc ... I see one common thread ... If proper technique is used then the voice should rarely tire ..

I myself have sang 9 sets of 80's music in a 2 day period and was stronger in sets 8 & 9 than in 1,2 & 3. Now we're talking Jovi, Journey, Leppard, Crue, Outfield, etc ... not all cheese crap.

If you are just starting here's my suggestion ...

30 minutes to 1 hour of actual vocalizing .. that means work on your breathing and diction all you want .. once you feel you are still effortless at the end of the 1 hour vocalizing add 15 minutes to 30 minutes

Keep in mind Steve Perry .. practiced 3 hours a day .. so it is possible

Gummy

Hey Gummy, where did you learn that Steve Perry practiced 3 hours a day? He's one of my favorite singers, and I could never find any info about his practice habits, technique, etc. but I figured he must've done some serious work to get that voice.

Do you know anything else about Perry's practice habits?

What should I have to do to lessen the strain? Not talk? Do lip bubbles all day? zinc? Water? All of the above. It's been about 2 day, and I still feel a little strain in my throat.

As far as technique goes while I was practicing, I know I was doing right. Everything felt good, no pain or strain anywhere, and the sound....wow. It was full of resonance to the bone. I got excited, I didn't want to loose it, so I did the vocal exercises for 2 and 1/2 hours.....Ironic isn't it? I probably did the one thing that would quarnatee the lost of this good vocal day...

You have to pay the price now...Vocal Rest until you feel better. Period!!! Then, practice anywhere from 20-45 minutes, just don't over do it. You just over worked the muscles. You'll get it back :)

JV

I believe I read it in an interview somewhere on the net, do a search for steve perry on yahoo (not a google fan here) .. I am sure you can find alot of info.

As far as the lost voice deal .. rest is very good and alot of the times needed. There are many times I have woke up after singing all night without much voice and had to sing that night ... and by the time showtime hit I had my full voice

You gotta remember there are times when you'll awake to a gravel voice and then sometimes not. Alot of the times that happened to me was when I didn't have my reflux under control.

There are SOO MANY things it could be ... if your looking for something to try email me and I will write up a suggestion ... gummy@80stimewarp.com