YOUR VOICE & THE CLASSROOM
Course Code: 328-PD-2122
Location: Judd
Instructor: ELIZABETH PERRYMAN
Hours: 2.0
Date/Time:
4/27/2022 3:30:00 PM – 4/27/2022 5:30:00 PM
Teachers rely on their voices daily. How we speak and breathe affects our work. We will explore habits/exercises that preserve the voice. Bring questions for individual feedback.
Class Objectives: Participants will explore basic vocal production elements. We will discuss and explore speaking into the core of the voice, vowels to access clarity, efficient use of breath flow, and application of voice registers as it relates to vocal health. We will troubleshoot vocal issues and practical tips to preserve and sustain the voice.
PRE-TEST QUESTIONS:
(Answer what you can/reward for the most correct answers)
- Essential Question: What does healthy vocal production sound like?
- Essential Question: How can we preserve our voice for optimal health?
- Personal Vocal Inquiry: Describe a time when your voice didn’t work. What did it feel like, sound like? How long did it take to recover? What did you do to assist?
- What does it mean to breathe with an anchored, healthy breath?
- What are the Italian vowels? How can they help non singers?
- Do you speak high, medium, or low? What are the 2 main speaking registers?
- (Info given by me) In what part of your voice do you speak?
VOCAL HEALTH ABCS
A. All affects our throat. From parties to emotional experiences, your throat will react. Aging also makes an impact on vocal health.
B. Build strength with intentional exercises. Choosing tacit often wins the race.
C. Core sound endures. Pushing is wasted on the young. You will need a core sound to rely on especially as you age.
D. Deep and free breathing is essential to a healthy speaking voice. If you speak off the balance of the registers without vibrating with breath, you may develop modules (calluses on your vocal cords.)
E. Express yourself by not overusing your speaking voice and developing signals.
F. Find “your” voice. Don’t fight a losing battle mimicking others (Barry White).
G. Gauge your stamina. What percentage day is your voice?
- BMW DAY: My voice is in top form. 100% throat
- UNDER WARRANTY DAY: My voice works like a solid Costco appliance. 75-80% throat
- TLC DAY: With careful warm up, I can speak adequately. 60% throat
- SHUT UP DAY: I can barely speak. My cords won’t come together. 40% throat
H. Hydrate often.
I. Insist on rest; it often cures a weary throat=).
J. Just do it. Body work is very helpful for releasing the throat eg. stretching, yoga, Alexander Technique…..
K. Keep lozenges and water with you to keep your throat moist.
L. Listen to recordings of yourself speaking. Do you hear yourself strain?
M. Maintain your allergies. They can wreak havoc on the throat. (Scotto yawn)
N. Notice vocal fatigue and make adjustments. Warm up at the level of your fatigue. What exercises free your voice?
O. Objectivity and intuition is important. Try not to speak too much if you sense dis-ease in the throat.
P. Plan meals wisely at the end of the day. Be cautious of acidic food before you go to sleep. Gerd is no joke and can eclipse the voice.
Q. Question if your voice doesn’t feel good. Speak by sensation.
R. Rest well and elevate your head.
S. Speak on your interest, not principal or pushed sound; crackly/breathy sound is no bueno.
T. Take time to develop a handful of exercises that always work for you no matter how you feel. Carry them everywhere. (Ng and fee)
U. Utilize Apple cider vinegar, Neti pot, steamer, local honey, tea with lemon, and a couple Tylenol if needed when your cords are thick.
V. Vowels are helpful. Use your best one to help the others (my ee saves me.) Attach a voiced or unvoiced consonant to focus and move the air.
W. Weather affects the voice. Wear a scarf and stay warm. What would be a worse case speaking scenario? (Italian premiere)
X. X-ray (scope of cords) may be needed if you are excessively hoarse.
Y. You are unique and the best judge to assess how it feels when you sing.
Z. Zone in on where your voice functions the best. Your authenticity will help you to sustain a healthy voice.
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