The simple science of singing

To understand why this training is a little off the beaten path, we first have to start with the science of your anatomy. To unleash your voice–and practice using many of the unique techniques Jim teaches–you must become familiar with your instrument. 

Your vocal cords are your instrument, and they vibrate in order to produce sound–just like every other instrument on Earth. The only difference is, you can’t physically see your vocal cords. That means you have to learn to feel them. 

This will take time, practice, an open mind, and–most often–getting out of your own way. If you’ve practiced singing for a while, it will also take un-learning some of what you’ve been taught. We embrace the facts of physics and biology in our vocal training.

    • Pushing air more forcefully to produce sound only stresses the vocal cords

    • Strengthening your diaphragm has no impact on pitch, tone, and volume  

    • There is no such thing as a vocal break (a distinct “chest” or “head” voice)

    • Stretching your face or over-shaping your mouth ruins the resonance

  • Your vocal cords vibrate as air passes through them

    • Tightening the vocal cords creates faster vibrations, resulting in higher pitches 

    • Loosening the vocal cords creates slower vibrations, resulting in lower pitches

    Vibrations from the vocal cords generate resonance automatically in your body

    • You feel faster vibrations/higher pitches in your mouth, sinuses, and skull

    • You feel slower vibrations/lower pitches in your chest and ribs

  • As a result, you will learn to: 

    • Sense how it feels to tighten or loosen your vocal cords to change the speed of the vibrations (and resulting pitch), and 

    • Enable your body to resonate with the full spectrum of pitches you’re capable of 

    In fact, by the time the sound hits your mouth, its work is already done; you can’t do anything to push or shape the tone once it’s at your lips. That’s why we’ll always focus on the vocal cords–so you can become one with your instrument.

Introductory Tutorials

If you’d like to keep learning after exploring these first exercises, contact Jim.

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