THE VOICE CONNECTION
SOUND OFF

Welcome to The Voice Connection Sound Off; a forum for users of books like Raise Your Voice, Melody to Madness, The Ultimate Breathing Workout, and Unleash Your Creative Mindset, as well as a place for Vendera Vocal Academy members to interact.

This message board was created so that singers could come together and "sound off" to help support each other during vocal development and the creative process of unleashing the creative spark that occurs when writing and producing music. Currently, myself and vocal coaches Ben Valen, Ray West, and Ryan Wall are here to respond periodicially to your questions, with new vocal coaches coming soon. But, feel free to help each other too:)

This board is here for you to ask questions about my and my fellow coach's books, videos, and MP3 programs, as well as offer others help with our vocal techniques. You may also post videos of yourself and your band to share your music and ask for critiques.

Please refrain from negative comments, profanities, spamming, and inappropriate criticisms of vocal methodologies, vocal coaches, and singers. All negative posts will be deleted and subject to banning without question. I will not respond to negative posts, because, as Mark Twain once said, “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” With that said, positive criticism is welcome because that is how you'll grow as a singer during the training process.


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l
Luke K
Jun 15, 2013 - 8:06AM
How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

Just wondering if there are any clear indications of when to stop a practice session?

I go for a few hours (on and off with breaks)

Everything starts off well but towards the end i find it harder and harder to avoid feeling it in my throat.
No matter how hard i focus on breathing/support and placement in the soft palate i still get a very slight throat irritation (only on full voice sirens and transcending tone exercises).

Could it just be a sign i need to rest a bit or even stop?

So back to my original questions what are the signs that you have done enough practice?

s
Sofus987
Jun 15, 2013 - 9:12AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

Luke,

The main indicator to take a break are signs of hoarseness. Basically you can say that anytime it feels uncomfortable you should be careful. However, feeling uncomfortable is not always a bad sign, so again signs of hoarseness are the main indicator.

l
Luke K
Jun 15, 2013 - 9:22AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

I never get hoarse. I just get the slight irritation/tickle. After a break it is not there for a bit but then it comes back when i continue working that register .

I have a feeling it is vocal fatigue.

s
Sofus987
Jun 15, 2013 - 9:29AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

It most likely is. The thing to be aware of in regards to muscle fatigue is improvement. Your technique should improve in a period of time, if not, then you are doing too much.

l
Luke K
Jun 15, 2013 - 9:32AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

Yeah i am definitely improving, actually more than ever now i am practicing more. I think i just need time to build up more stamina to work those registers more, i rarely sing songs with notes above A4 but i hope to have C5 really solid in a few months at least.
Thanks for the replies :)

s
Sofus987
Jun 15, 2013 - 10:00AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

You're welcome. It seems you are on the right track. Good luck.

c
Christopher_JC
Jun 16, 2013 - 1:29AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

Hi Luke,

I often practice for 5 hours and don't have any vocal fatigue. I used to get a lot of hoarseness and tickle before I developed placement properly.

Sometimes I feel fatigued from doing lots of grit, but if I rest for a few minutes I can keep going.

Mostly I will lose my highest notes after a few hours, but functionally you should be able to sing as long as you feel capable.

The worst thing is to stop singing instead of gearing down and then jumping back into it again.

That said, you can feel really sore the next day if you are doing it wrong or abusing.

l
Luke K
Jun 16, 2013 - 5:32AM
Re: How do you know when to stop a practice session? When is enough?

Well the only issues i have it on are my higher notes. I can go hours and hours on all other notes. It's really just the G4-C5 area and above.

I never have issues the next day when i start practicing, it is just an isolated moment.

It only really happens when my voice is feeling tired.

You say you sing for 5 hours? What happens to your upper notes in the 5th hour?

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