Alexa is joined by Line Hilton to discuss the concept of quick fixes in singing. They explore when it might be appropriate to use a quick fix, such as in auditions or performances, and when it might not be advisable, such as when dealing with a sore throat. They also discuss the importance of understanding the underlying principles and working towards long-term solutions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Line’s quick fixes are – 1) Vowel adjustments: Modifying the shape of the mouth to produce different vowel sounds can help singers navigate challenging passages or notes.
- 2) Physical adjustments: Altering the position of the body, such as aligning the spine or adjusting the posture, can sometimes resolve vocal issues.
- 3) Mindset fixes: Changing the mental approach to singing, such as imagining a different sensation or focusing on a particular aspect of the technique, can also be a quick fix.
- 4) Changing the melody line or key: To accommodate a singer’s range or avoid a difficult passage, the melody or key of a song can be temporarily altered.
- 5) Adjusting the setlist order: Rearranging the order of songs can help manage a singer’s vocal stamina and avoid challenging moments early in a performance.
- 6) Technical strategies: Using techniques like sliding into a note or falling off at the end can make a difficult note more manageable.
- 7) Exploiting the challenge: In some cases, the difficulty can be turned into a stylistic choice, such as playing into a registrational flip or yodel.
- Avoid quick fixes when a singer presents a sore throat or cold before a performance. Painkillers and numbing agents can mask pain and worsen vocal injury. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, which increase the risk of vocal fold damage.
BEST MOMENTS
“If you had the power to just snap your fingers and have a particular life chore completed immediately, what would that be?”
“A quick fix can be a really useful tool. They can make us get something a little bit more with immediacy and feel like things are even more accessible to us in the singing world.”
“Quick fixes can be a valid strategy if it’s going to help you deliver what you need to deliver and get through safely.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Website:
Social Media:
- @basttraining
Relevant Links & Mentions:
- Line Hilton: linehilton.com
- Dr Molly Gebrian: mollygebrian.com
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.164 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part One
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.165 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part Two
- Dr Dan’s Voice Essentials: youtube.com/@DrDanRobinson
- Justin Stoney & New York Vocal Coaching: youtube.com/@NewYorkVocalCoaching
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.48 Getting Started as a Teacher, Creating Content & Vocal Versatility with Justin Stoney
- Emily Kristen Morris: emilykristenmorris.com
- Emily Kristen Morris Instagram: @emilykristenmorris
- Robert Sussuma: thesingingself.com
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.63 Developing a Singer’s Self Awareness And Clarifying Intention with Robert Sussuma
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.166 Overcoming Self-Consciousness in Singing with Becky Gilhespie
- (Article) ‘Steamer or Nebuliser?’ By The Naked Vocalist: thenakedvocalist.com/upgrade-your-vocal-steamer
