I just started doing the siren along with the RYV audio files from the first book. Following along, I can do about three or four until my voice starts to "Suck." Is this normal and I just need a lot of practice or what? It just gets cracky and breathy like I have no control over it.

Any tips?

Make your self do a dopey sound the whole way up, like you're mocking someone for being an idiot. You know the one - "duhhhhhhhhhh." Except, give it a bit more of a light, yawning feeling. REALLY dopey. Don't force it. Make yourself sound like you just had a lobotomy, the whole way up.

Practice makes perfect! Don't give up so fast and allow yourself not to sound so good at first. You're NORMAL!

DO NOT make a dopey sound!!!! James, sorry to correct you but that is completely wrong. It's not so much that I want you to sound like Rocky Balboa, but I want that "BIG" sound. Sounding doping is forcing the larynx down. that is not what we are aiming for. If you suck after 3-4 notes, don't sweat it. That is whyt I believe in a daily practice diary. SO either go buy you a journal somewhere and starr writing in your exercise names and daily results OR or purchase the new Ultimate Vocal Workout Diary that we've created to go with both of my books.

JV

Brett Manning specifically says to make a dopey sound in his Singing Success program. I think I know what you mean by BIG sound though. My singing teacher best described it for me as how you'd greet an acquaintance that you don't see too often, but are on good terms with. As if you were saying "hey, how ya doin?" in that deeper voice while giving them the upwards nod.

Brett Manning says to make a "slightly dopey sound" when you're doing mums...and the only reason is to condition the larynx to lower itself.

The dopey sound is fine for what Brett is doing on that particular exercise but it is not right for the Siren;)

JV

Thanks for the tip Jaime. I was applying the dopey sound to every exercise I did.

Quit being a dope James.

;)