Taking care of your voice: essential tips before your first singing lesson

Physical preparation: the basis for a healthy voice

Before uttering the first note, your body must be ready. The voice does not only come from the vocal cords; it is the result of a coordinated effort of your whole organism. A good posture and optimal hydration are the fundamental pillars for any singer, especially for those who are starting out in the vocal field. professional singing lessons.

Hydration: the fuel of the vocal cords

The vocal cords vibrate at high speed when you sing. For this movement to be smooth and elastic, they need to be well lubricated. Drinking water is crucial, but not only just before singing.

• Drink water throughout the day: Consume at least 2 liters of water daily. Hydration is an internal process that takes time.
• Avoid very cold or very hot water: The ideal temperature is lukewarm or room temperature, so as not to shock the laryngeal muscles.
• Drinks to avoid: Coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks dehydrate. If you consume them, compensate with more water.

Posture and body relaxation

Did you know that tension in the shoulders or neck can strangle your sound? Correct posture allows for full and free diaphragmatic breathing.

• Feet shoulder width apart, with body weight evenly distributed.
• Knees relaxed, never locked.
• Back straight but not rigid, imagining that a thread lifts you from the crown of your head.
• Shoulders back and down, away from the ears.
• Relaxed neck and jaw. Avoid clenching your teeth.

Breathing techniques: the engine of singing

Breathing is the true engine of the voice. A proper breathing technique will provide you with the necessary support to project the sound effortlessly and with a clear tone. Mastering this aspect is, without a doubt, one of the most important tips before singing lessons most valuable you will ever receive.

Practical diaphragmatic breathing exercises

The objective is to learn to inhale deeply, filling the lower part of the lungs, and to exhale in a controlled manner.

• Book exercise: Lie on your back and place a book on your abdomen. As you inhale through your nose, the book should come up. As you exhale slowly through your mouth, it should come down. Repeat 10 times.
• The whistling "sss": Inhale deeply and exhale with a continuous and constant "sss" sound. Try to make it last at least 20-25 seconds.
• Breathing with counting: You inhale by mentally counting to 4, hold your breath for 4 counts and exhale for a count of 8. This trains the control of the outflow of air.

Healthy habits: what to do and what to avoid to take care of your voice

Taking care of the voice for singing goes beyond the moment before the class. It is a lifestyle. Incorporating positive routines and eliminating those that are detrimental will make a huge difference in your progress.

The essential vocal warm-up ritual

Never, under any circumstances, sing "cold". A progressive vocal warm-up is as important as stretching before running. Dedicate at least 10-15 minutes to this.

• Humming: Start humming softly in a comfortable range, going up and down semitones. Feel the vibration on your lips and forehead.
• Scales with trill lips: Blow air through relaxed lips so that they vibrate (like a motor), as you move up and down a scale. This exercise relaxes and warms up safely.
• Soft sirens: Make an "ng" sound (as in "song") and slide your voice smoothly from the lowest note to the highest note you are comfortable with, and vice versa, like a siren.

What should you absolutely avoid?

For prepare your voice for singingThere are certain enemies that you must be aware of and avoid.

• Shouts and whispers: Both are extremely damaging. Shouting strains the vocal cords, and whispering strains them by rubbing against each other without vibration.
• Dry or smoky environments: Air conditioning, heating and tobacco smoke are terrible for the vocal mucosa. Use a humidifier in your room if necessary.
• Heavy meals or dairy products before singing: They can cause reflux or generate phlegm, interfering with the clarity of your voice.
• Self-medication: Never cough up anesthetic pills in order to "be able to sing". They eliminate the sensation of pain, which is a warning sign, and you can seriously injure yourself without realizing it.

Remember: The voice is a muscle. If you don't warm it up, don't expect it to respond well. Consistency of care is what separates the amateurs from the pros.