From Wes Eggins' presentation

– for ‘Tools of The Trade’ Singing Workshops, Dec 2011

Wes Eggins - Singing Teacher & Voice Specialist ... Springfield, NSW Central Coast
* Developing all aspects of the singing and speaking voice                                                              *Registered Teacher, AMEB
* Adult beginners, advanced and professional singers                                                                          * Full Member ANATS
* Voice change, voice improvement, breathing control
* Rehabilitation & training of damaged or deficient voices for speakers and singers

Wes took us on wonderful journey through our vocal tract - real video footage too! -  We learned about cool vocal things, like how our larynx works (did you know that it moves up and down to create higher and lower notes?) ... we discussed the physicality of 'the break' and our perception of our own sound (why we hear ourselves the way we do) ... We now have a better understanding of how and why tension and posture affects our singing voice.

Here's a copy of  the handout we used to start more discussion :)

THINGS AFFECTING YOUR SINGING VOICE

Your voice – something you take for granted. Expect it to always be there for you.
But does it always do what you wish when you sing?

FIRSTLY, WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY

What you eat: spices, salt …
What you drink: milk, coffee, energy drinks, alcohol ….
Not drinking enough water:
What’s in the air you breathe: smoke, dust, fumes, chemicals ….

NEXT, HOW YOU USE YOUR VOICE

How, and how much, you use your voice apart from singing: speech, scream, shout, breathy
How, and how much, you use your voice for singing: style, range, tessitura

THEN, OTHER BODILY SYSTEMS AND CONDITIONS

Stress / ‘nerves’ affecting the muscles of singing: we all suffer, more or less
Infections and allergies
- respiratory infections: (colds, ‘flu, etc) the ‘respiratory tract’ IS the vocal tract!
- sinus problems: (sinusitis, rhinitis) – a separate information sheet is available
- tonsilitiis: common in teenagers

Damage to your vocal folds

- gastric reflux ‘sore throat’ in the morning
- vocal abuse disco every Sat night
- post nasal drip not nice!
- intubation for general anaesthetic in surgery

Poor breathing / breath control: air pressure = sound!

Bad posture: possible muscle strain, restricted breathing, fatigue

HOW OFTEN, HOW MUCH:

flight to LA, lots of wine or spirits, talk a lot. Sing the next day?