Are vocal hacks the solution to singing problems, or do they store up issues for later? We asked an expert.
If a singer is struggling with a vocal issue, is there anything wrong with opting for a helpful hack to resolve the issue ASAP?
After all, why walk if you can run, right?
We put that question to vocal coach and BAST Training founder Line Hilton on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast. Here’s what she had to say.
When to use a quick fix
Line believes that there is a time and place for quick fixes – up to a point.
“A quick fix is fine if it’s a temporary solution to help somebody get through a performance or audition when we don’t have time to work on changing technical strategies,” Line says.
“It could be something like modifying a vowel shape, adjusting alignment, changing the key or asking the singer to draw their jaw down further.”
But, after navigating the important performance, the singer and teacher should work to resolve the root cause of the issue.
“You don’t want to get into a situation where that temporary fix becomes your permanent strategy,” Line says. “We want the singer to develop new ways of doing things so that they have control, can sustain a long note and sing in the key that they need to.”
But is it cheating to use vocal hacks?
“I’ve never quite understood the idea that a quick fix is ‘cheating’ as such,” Line says.
“It’s a valid strategy if it’s going to help you get through safely and give you the time to go back and sort the issue out.”
So, when is a vocal hack the wrong solution?
If a singer has a cold or a sore throat, then pushing through with a hack is not the right strategy.
“If your voice is sick, you should be resting,” Line says. “A singer might say ‘What if I take some paracetamol or something else to numb the pain?’. Absolutely not.
“You’ve probably got swollen vocal folds, and they’re going to be more at risk of injury. If you take a painkiller and go out and sing, you may not feel anything, so you’re more likely to cause damage.
“I also remind singers that ibuprofen and aspirin are best avoided – unless prescribed by a doctor. These medications can put the vocal folds at risk of haemorrhage or polyps, especially if you’re singing in a very extreme way like belted singing.”
Using a steamer or nebuliser isn’t the solution either. “Your vocal folds will always appreciate more moisture, but it won’t fix the problem.”
So, there you have it. A vocal hack to help a singer get over a technical blip is fine, but don’t take any risks if the vocal folds are swollen.
Learn more
What are some of the most common vocal hacks? And how can quick fixes become embedded as permanent technique? Listen to the full podcast interview here to find out.
Image credit: Canva
