What do you do if a singer struggles to sustain long notes?
When a singer finds it challenging to sustain long notes, it can be a disheartening hurdle. However, this common issue is often a matter of technique rather than a lack of talent. As a vocal coach, your role is to guide singers through exercises and methods to improve their breath control and stamina. This article will explore practical steps to help singers overcome this obstacle and achieve smoother, more controlled long notes.
Breath support is the foundation of sustained singing. To improve this, encourage your singer to practice diaphragmatic breathing, which involves fully engaging the diaphragm—the large muscle below the lungs. This technique allows for a larger air capacity and more controlled release of breath. Have them place a hand on their abdomen to feel the diaphragm expand and contract. With regular practice, this will become second nature, providing the steady airflow needed for those long, powerful notes.
-
Breathing is essential in daily living and very essential in conveying meaning in singing. When coaching, if a vocalist is unable to sustain musical phrases to communicate meaning, I begin exercises to increase their ability to sustain a phrase over eight and twelve counts. When a vocalist learns how to use the 90% of their lung capacity, their voice changes and can sustain more powerful emotions conveying meaning. It’s actually something that is learned quickly when taught well.
Good posture is crucial for effective breath support. When standing, singers should align their head, neck, and spine, avoiding any stiffness. Encourage them to imagine a string pulling them up from the top of their head. This visualization helps maintain an open airway and chest cavity, allowing for optimal breath flow. Remind them to keep their shoulders relaxed and down, as tension can restrict breathing and affect the quality of their sustained notes.
Vocal warm-ups are essential before attempting to sustain long notes. These exercises prepare the vocal cords by gradually stretching them and increasing blood flow. Start with gentle hums and progress to scales that span their vocal range. This not only warms up the voice but also builds control and flexibility. Encourage your singer to incorporate these warm-ups into their daily routine to improve overall vocal endurance.
Understanding phrasing can significantly impact a singer's ability to sustain notes. Teach your singer to break down the song into phrases and identify where to take breaths strategically. This planning prevents unnecessary strain by ensuring they don't run out of breath mid-phrase. Additionally, practicing crescendos and decrescendos within phrases can help them learn to modulate airflow for dynamic control.
Mindfulness during practice can help singers become more aware of their body's signals and how they use their breath. Encourage them to focus on the sensations of singing and breathing, which can lead to better control. Recording practice sessions allows singers to listen back and assess their performance objectively, identifying areas that need improvement and recognizing progress over time.
Consistent training is key to mastering sustained notes. Encourage your singer to practice regularly, but also to rest their voice as needed to prevent strain or injury. Remind them that progress takes time and perseverance. With dedication and the right techniques, the ability to sustain long notes will improve, leading to more confident and powerful performances.
-
Sometimes it’s not a matter of technique, but rather the unique vocal timbre of the singer. Singers with a lighter voice tend to have less sustainability in singing long notes and big phrases. It’s totally not their faults, but just a matter of choosing the right tempo for the piece. Singing would become easier when we take the tempo a little bit faster. As the singer grow in technicality and stamina he/she would eventually be able to master the same song at a preferably slower tempo. Ultimately one has to avoid creating tension in the voice. Choosing a big aria for a young and lighter voice would not be the best fit.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Vocal CoachingHow can you effectively warm up for a performance?
-
Vocal CoachingWhat do you do if your vocal technique issues persist despite logical reasoning?
-
MindfulnessWhat are the benefits of combining mindfulness and relaxation music in your daily routine?
-
Vocal CoachingHow can you help a client improve their posture for better singing?