Becoming a great vocal performer isn't as easy as it seems, even if one was born with a great voice. As any
freelance voice over artist Los Angeles will tell you, it takes years of practice and hard work to reach any level of success. With that in mind, why not take a look at some of the techniques you could use to fortify your talent?
Just like your muscles need warming up prior to exercise, stretching your vocal cords before practicing is also crucial. Exploring a wide range of sounds and scales will help you cover this, but don't forget to include different mouth openings in your warm ups. With such a comprehensive preparation routine, your chances of straining your voice will be minimal.
The extent to which you fill your lungs is what determines how much control you have over the sound you produce. With this in mind, make a habit of inhaling using your diaphragm in such a way that your belly expands outwards, rather than your chest. Mastering this technique fully may take weeks of practice, but your consistency here will be rewarded with more capacity and stamina.
Recording yourself when practicing will not only boost your confidence, but also help you identify areas that need improvement. A decent USB microphone plugged into your PC should be enough for this, but you could also use your smartphone or an online recorder. Other than that, it's worth practicing speech with different variations and comparing these clips to see where your strengths lie.
It's worth stressing that a professional coach can take you much farther than your training routine or talent can. One-on-one vocal coaching will help you progress faster and fix mistakes before they develop into habits. Not to mention that you'll likely end up hurting yourself if you keep applying the wrong techniques for too long. So don't discount the value of having a coach by your side. Alternatively, look for tutorials online if you can't afford a good coach.
Sound is a product of the rapid vibration of the membranes in your vocal cords. These function best when they're sufficiently lubricated, so make sure to drink plenty of water across the course of each day. Consuming foods rich in moisture will also keep you hydrated, as will abstinence from coffee, alcohol, and other dehydrating substances.
There's a good reason why experts often stress the need to get enough sleep every night. Simply put, nothing can substitute the role sleep plays in restoring balance throughout the body. Getting a full eight hours of slumber every night will also facilitate the growth of your vocal cords as well. If that proves daunting or inadequate, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can.
Maintaining a healthy physical shape is a must if you're going to get the most out of your voice. Think of your entire body as an instrument that requires constant honing to keep performing optimally. And while physical training won't improve your vocal abilities per se, this doesn't diminish its significance in comparison to other elements.