Vocal Tips
By: Wendy Morgan
Practical Tips for Singers
Singers and everyday folks can benefit from these practical tips:
Warm up your voice – if you don’t have a voice teacher or currently don’t use a vocal technique keep in mind that your vocal chords and the surrounding area are all muscles. Just as you wouldn’t go to the gym or jump into any physical activity without a warm-up, you shouldn’t jump into full-out singing a song without warming up first. At the very least hum the song through from beginning to end before singing it.
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water! The vocal chords can get dried out in the Winter months due to the cold air and lack of humidity. In the Summer months the air outside is better due to rain and humidity but unfortunately going in and out of air conditioning can cause the vocal chords to dry and tighten. So drink, drink, drink.
Open your mouth and say AH - make sure you do alot of yawning and feel the back of the throat open when you do. I like using the yawn sigh (makes a good warm-up too.) Just yawn and say AH keeping the tongue forward as you do (tip of tongue rests against the back of the bottom teeth) while going from one note to another. It sounds like a siren. AH is the most open vowel sound so also pay attention to your vowels while singing and always lean towards the more open sounding vowel.
Thanks and stay tuned for more practical tips for the singer from Wendy Morgan and The Vocal Gymnasium.
Wendy Morgan Bio
Singer/Songwriter WENDY MORGAN released her debut CD in 1996 “Say Wen”, a CD of self-penned originals in an eclectic Jazz/Pop/R&B style. Many of the songs on this CD received awards, recognition and airplay. Morgan has performed in many clubs and venues in her hometown of Chicago and Internationally. Wendy has performed with many local legends as well as National artists such as the legendary Bo Diddley. The smoother jazz CD "Next" was released in 2008. Wendy loves to bring her music into schools and inspire young people with the music and energy she brings to the stage anywhere she goes.
The Wendy Morgan Band (Darryl Boggs, Kevin Smith, Chris Clemente and Rich Stitzel) have headlined at Taste of Chicago and many venues in and around Chicago. The band is a high energy mix of R&B/Pop covers and originals.
Morgan is performing, producing and creating exciting special events for corporate and not for profit organizations. By doing this she is raising awareness through her music and events.
Morgan is a member of NATS, ASCAP and the Singers Committee Chair for AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and established a website for the AFTRA Singers in 2006.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to serve the community through Music Education, Live and Recorded Performances and Vocal Presentations. We are committed to inspire and enrich lives with our focus on the human voice.
Improving the World One Voice at a Time. Visit the Vocal Gymnasium website at:www.thevocalgymnasium.com
Visit their myspace page at:
www.myspace.com/wendymorganvocals