6 Ways to Get In Daily Vocal Gym Training

As singers, life can feel like a juggling act trying to fit all of the things we want and need to do into our waking hours. To reach full vocal potential, it is necessary to be consistent in training our voices. Many singers allot time to practice their songs and rehearse for performances. As singers, we are vocal athletes and require proper conditioning to balance the instrument and build vocal skills. The truth is, many singers could use some help in implementing a consistent training routine. Once committed and acclimated, daily vocal gym training becomes an incredible pathway to unlimited possibilities and freedom in our singing.

Fortunately, we always have our vocal instrument with us. This can either work for or against us. The great news is we get to choose! Once the choice is made, implementation is very doable with the right mindset and tools.

Here are 6 ways to easily get in vocal training throughout the day:

Think of tasks you already do which can be comfortably combined with vocal gym. Most of us, do many of the following tasks on a regular basis:

1. Kitchen–While doing meal prep/cooking, washing dishes and cleaning up after a meal.
2. Laundry–Loading/unloading the washer/dryer, folding, ironing, putting away clothes.
3. Bathroom–In the shower and getting dressed for the day.
4. While doing ANY general household cleaning.
5. Out in Nature–Taking a walk or mowing the lawn/doing yard work.
6. In the Car–Anytime you’re driving alone in the car.

These six activities are a ‘prime-time’ for vocal gym!

To utilize this ‘prime-time’, it takes willingness, a plan, the right tools, and follow-through.

Willingness is derived from a strong desire to develop the voice, and an understanding that vocal gym training is the foundation.

Plan: I recommend carrying a mini notebook to write down a training plan in pencil, at the start of the day. Then, work the plan throughout the day (modify as needed). Document the Dimensions of Singing targeted, training notes, and minutes per exercise. Transfer data from mini notebook to online vocal gym journal at the end of the day. This is helpful to get an overview of the week’s training to address dimensions needing attention.

If you have a total of one hour to dedicate to your voice DAILY (absolute minimum for professionals), a 1:1 ratio is a great guideline:

• 30 minutes of Skill Training (vocal gym)
• 30 minutes of Performance Training (singing/performance practice)

Adjust time to fit your goals and commitment.

Tools:

• Throga App, 7DS Book, or other vocal exercise mp3s and/or train a capella.
• If using audios, play on your SmartPhone (using earplugs) and put phone in your pocket or a fanny pack to hold your phone so your hands are free.
• Throga Guidelines (follow to ensure safety, good form, and best results from each exercise).
• Mini notebook and pencil
• Online vocal gym journal

I love getting my vocal gym done quickly (and mindfully of course), so I can then focus on singing.

Follow-through–Let’s do the necessary work to become masters of our craft.

“People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.” ~Luciano Pavarotti

I can appreciate this quote by Pavarotti. I get it. His heart is leading his actions. I say devotion IS discipline. Happy vocal gym training!

AUTHOR: ANITA G. HOUSER