A Journey of Healing and Discovery
As a performer, I know all too well the unique challenges that musical theater singers face. From belting out high notes to maintaining vocal stamina through grueling performance schedules, the demands on our voices can be relentless. But you know what they say – the show must go on!
It’s a journey I’ve been on myself. After experiencing a vocal injury as a freshman in the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre program, I found myself feeling embarrassed, isolated, and hopeless about my future as a performer. The activity that had once brought me so much joy had become something I feared. Sure, I could power through a song once or twice, but the idea of delivering thrilling vocals eight times a week on Broadway filled me with dread. I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest my voice into a successful singing career, but I lacked the resources and information needed to get back on the path to vocal health and success.
Discovering the Art and Science of Singing
As I dove deeper into the mechanics of the voice, I realized that the more I learned, the less I knew. Each time I thought I had the puzzle figured out, a new piece would be missing. But with the guidance of incredible mentors in the world of voice teaching and therapy, I was able to dissect and overcome each vocal hurdle I faced.
I learned that the key to healthy, thrilling voice production lies in understanding the “when, where, why, and how” of singing. It’s not just about sounding good in the moment – it’s about developing sustainable techniques and strategies that allow you to perform at your best, week after week, show after show.
Embracing the Vulnerability of Singing
One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome was the fear and anxiety that had crept into my singing. It’s funny how that works – you’d think being afraid of singing would make you hate it, but for me, it actually made me fall in love with it again, only this time from a deeper, more mechanical standpoint.
Singing is an incredibly vulnerable act – we’re opening our bodies, our throats, and our breath to let our voices be heard in their complete, unadulterated form. And that can be terrifying, especially if you’ve experienced vocal setbacks in the past.
But here’s the thing: singing is also one of the healthiest things a human can do. We communicate emotions that can’t be spoken, we learn the stories and feelings behind the music, and we face our insecurities head-on. It’s a brave and beautiful thing, and the more we can embrace that vulnerability, the more we’ll be able to unlock our full potential as singers.
Strategies for Overcoming Vocal Challenges
So, what are some of the strategies I’ve learned for overcoming the unique vocal challenges faced by musical theater singers? Let’s dive in:
1. Develop a Comprehensive Warm-Up Routine
Warming up the voice is crucial for any singer, but it’s especially important for musical theater performers who are expected to deliver powerful, sustained vocals multiple times a week. Vocal technique is vital, as singing can potentially cause vocal injuries if done incorrectly.
My warm-up routine includes a mix of breathing exercises, lip trills, tongue twisters, and gentle vocalizes that help me release tension, increase range and flexibility, and prepare my voice for the demands of a performance. I recommend experimenting with different warm-up exercises to find the ones that work best for your individual voice and needs.
2. Embrace the Power of Muscle Memory
One of the biggest challenges for musical theater singers is maintaining vocal stamina and consistency throughout a show run or tour. This is where muscle memory becomes crucial.
By repeatedly drilling vocal exercises and repertoire, you can train your body to produce the necessary sounds and techniques without having to consciously think about it. This frees up your mental energy to focus on the emotional and dramatic aspects of your performance, rather than worrying about whether your voice will hold up.
3. Diversify Your Vocal Toolkit
As a voice teacher, I’ve learned that a great teacher will have multiple strategies and approaches for helping students overcome different vocal challenges. It’s a bit like knowing different languages – the more you can speak, the more people you’ll be able to communicate with.
The same principle applies to your own singing. By exploring a variety of vocal techniques and styles, you can develop a more versatile and resilient instrument. This might include learning about mix voice, belting, classical vocal technique, and even exploring non-Western vocal traditions.
4. Prioritize Vocal Health and Recovery
As performers, it’s all too easy to push our voices to the limit, especially when the show must go on. But neglecting your vocal health can lead to serious issues down the line, like the vocal nodules that my close friend is currently recovering from.
That’s why it’s crucial to build in regular rest and recovery time for your voice. This might mean taking vocal rest days, incorporating vocal steaming and hydration into your routine, and seeking out the guidance of a voice therapist or coach when you’re experiencing issues.
5. Collaborate and Seek Feedback
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned as a performer and teacher is the power of collaboration and feedback. Just as writers benefit from hearing their work read aloud by others, singers can gain invaluable insights by performing in front of their peers and teachers.
Whether it’s working with a vocal coach, participating in masterclasses, or simply singing for supportive friends and colleagues, getting an outside perspective can help you identify areas for improvement and try out new approaches. It’s a vulnerable process, but one that’s essential for growth and development as a singer.
Embracing the Journey
At the end of the day, overcoming vocal challenges is a lifelong journey. There’s always more to learn, new techniques to explore, and personal growth to be had. But that’s what makes it so rewarding.
As I reflect on my own path, I’m reminded of a story my vocal coach once shared with me. Even though she had developed vocal nodules earlier in her career, she continued to sing and teach with them, because she had “earned” them through her hard work and resilience. Proverbial mic drop, right?
The truth is, every singer faces their own unique obstacles and setbacks. But with the right strategies, support, and a willingness to keep learning and growing, we can overcome those challenges and unlock our full potential as musical theater performers.
So, if you’re a singer who’s been struggling with vocal issues, take heart. The path forward may not be easy, but it’s one worth walking. And who knows – you just might discover a newfound joy and passion for the art of singing along the way.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a high D to belt at the end of a 13-song show. Bring it on!
