Comments on: Vocal Warmups… How Long Should They Be?

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 14:09:05 +0000

Man, the key phrase I'm reading here is that you couldn't negotiate the passagio without speedbump. Your technique is off. I'd love to help you; do consider at least a 1/2 hr lesson. Just hit me up at https://judyrodman.com/contact.htm

By: Våldets_man

Våldets_man — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 14:07:52 +0000

Thanks for your reply. Yeah what felt strange was that I didn't feel anything particular in my throat the day after (apart from some minor "feeling like I want to clear my throat" sensations). Nothing led me to believe I had done anything wrong, until I did the warm-up two days after and it felt like I was back at square one somehow. Then I couldn't negotiate the passagio without having a speedbump. I can now two days later, but still get a swelling sensation (no pain) with a slight fatigue sensation so I just kind of warm up and vocalize lightly.
Most of what you say could be the culprit, or a combination. I might be prone to not feeling strain … whenever I warm up I feel like I'm "bad at it", and as soon as the real singing starts I get happier since I can finally belt it out …

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 22:48:42 +0000

You really shouldn't have hurt your voice by practicing that much if it truly didn't strain your voice.. BUT, sometimes you're so used to excessive pushing on your voice that you don't know you're straining. OR, it could be that there are more allergies in the air or you have gotten dehydrated or you aren't sleeping enough. It could also be that you needed to cool down after full voice rehearsal so your voice recovers better (like athletes do). Or, you could use a vocal lesson to check your technique. What you DON'T want to do is start guarding your voice too much and tensing up to try to protect it. Check this post here for thoughts on that. https://blog.judyrodman.com/2016/07/singing-scared-ironic-danger-of-guarded.html

Consider checking in with a coach who can diagnose the core issue that's causing your post-rehearsal fatigue. Because it shouldn't be happening.

By: Våldets_man

Våldets_man — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:59:37 +0000

For about three weeks, I have practiced our 45 minute set every other day, singing it the way I intend to. And on the other days, singing exercises. It has felt good and no fatigue or hoarseness. The technique felt fine and like it was improving (my goal for practicing is getting my bearings in live situations and not forget about technique, in the past I have often pushed too much and gotten tired). Then came rehearsal and it still didn't feel like it does when I practice. I felt a lot more head voice-y. But still I did not get tired and it felt good. But now a couple of days afterwards, my vocal cords feel like they are swelling up just by a light warm-up, kind of like I have forgotten all technique. Almost afraid to practice now. Was it perhaps too much to practice the set every other day, even thought it felt good? I'm still gonna warm up and try to practice and just aim for it to feel good and safe but this made me a bit scared.

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 15:54:17 +0000

I'm so happy you have discovered the wonders of pulling vs pushing! Results can truly be instant and far-reaching for the control and health of your voice. Thanks for the comment!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 15:53:01 +0000

Thank you so much Judy! This help me so much in warming up my voice. I used to push my voice when singing that it makes my voice hoarse and worse than ever. But now it get much better after pulling my voice instead of pushing it.

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 19:34:09 +0000

Dear 'unknown' in rehearsal for Nunsense… you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter and get a 5 page report with vocal health tips and information as a signup bonus. You can always unsubscribe later if you don't find the newsletter helpful. If you still have trouble,consider a 1/2 hr vocal lesson with me. I wish the the very best as you get your vocal cords in shape for your upcoming performances!

By: Unknown

Unknown — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 18:30:30 +0000

Thanks Judy, I am in rehearsal for Nunsense, and have not done much singing for along time. Really struggling, but your words are helpful as are others, I am using a steamer to also help lubricate my vocal cords, does seem to help. Thanks for your important information.

By: Catherine Nemec

Catherine Nemec — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 01:31:00 +0000

Excellent article, Judy! Precise, clear and super helpful. Thank you so much for posting.

By: Judy

Judy — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:35:24 +0000

Cool Miguel. As to training… there are ways to do it economically when you're ready. Thx for the comment!