SURVIVING A FOUR-HOUR SET PART 1

In the past asked my readers what they most wanted to learn from me. The #1 performance request was how to survive a 4-hour set with your voice still intact. So let’s get to it.

Breath Control

If you’ve been a fan of my blog for any length of time, you know I talk about breath control a LOT. That’s because, if you can get the breathing right, everything else will fall into place. Consider breathing as you would the foundation of a house. A home with a good foundation will last for many decades. But, one with a faulty foundation could be in trouble just years after it’s built. A well cared for voice should last as long as you do.

Let’s start by standing in front of a full length mirror and just breathe. What part of your body moves when you breathe? Is it your chest, your shoulders or your abdominals? If you said your abdominals, then good for you, you are breathing low as you should. If not, give this a try.

1-Still standing in front of the mirror, I want you to put your thumb in your navel and walk it down about 2 inches. This is where you need to put your breath.

2-Using your lower abdominals squeeze out all the dead air.

3-Open your mouth as you release your abdominal muscles. The air will simply fall back in.

4-Repeat steps 2 and 3 to sing (or speak), take another breath when you want to stop a sound.

If you are breathing up high you are most likely using the muscles of your throat to control your breathing. This puts a great deal of strain on your vocal cords and will cause your voice to go out much quicker than it will when you take the air low.

I hope you’ll take a moment to leave a comment.

2018-11-13T17:39:14+00:00November 5th, 2018|

17 Comments

  1. Jarod Grubb November 6, 2018 at 12:54 pm - Reply

    I love these learning tips!

    • emconline November 6, 2018 at 11:01 pm - Reply

      Thank you so much for your compliment Jarod. I enjoy working with you and am exited that you
      will be coming in for another lesson soon. Renee

  2. Tony Watson November 6, 2018 at 2:07 pm - Reply

    This advice is spot on. Being a student of this program has given me priceless tools for stage and studio. You really need correct breathing while paying for expensive studio time. It’s every bit as long, actually longer than a four hour gig. Mostly at least two hard days using your vocals. Both cases you need strength and pitch control. Do yourself a big favor and visit Ms Renee’s program to step up your game.

    • emconline November 6, 2018 at 11:02 pm - Reply

      Thanks so much Tony for your wonderful words. I hope you are doing well. Renee

  3. Michael Snellings November 6, 2018 at 4:04 pm - Reply

    Thanks for reminding me Good advice as always

    • emconline November 6, 2018 at 11:03 pm - Reply

      Hi Michael, I hope you and your lovely wife are doing well. It’s always a pleasure to keep you in tip-top shape for performing.
      Part II will go out next week.
      Renee

  4. Sandi Bell November 6, 2018 at 4:21 pm - Reply

    This advise has changed my vocal power…thank you!

    • emconline November 6, 2018 at 11:04 pm - Reply

      Sandi,
      I’m thrilled that my blog is helping you with your singing. Part II will go out next week. Keep an eye out
      for it. Renee

  5. Stan Egger November 6, 2018 at 5:12 pm - Reply

    Thanks for the reminder Renee. Hope all is going well ! Ttys

    • emconline November 6, 2018 at 11:05 pm - Reply

      Hi Stan,
      Hope you are doing well. You are more than welcome for the reminder, artists tend to forget the importance of low-breath control once
      they get out on the stage.
      Renee

  6. John Knab November 6, 2018 at 5:32 pm - Reply

    Thank You !

    • emconline November 6, 2018 at 11:05 pm - Reply

      Hi John,
      You are more than welcome.
      Renee

  7. BOB BUTTINELLI November 7, 2018 at 3:45 am - Reply

    I simply cannot agree more. So many people miss this part, or downplay its importance.

    • emconline November 7, 2018 at 6:42 pm - Reply

      Hi Bob,
      It’s more fun to just sing than it is to be concerned with technique.
      Renee

  8. Jose A Hernandez November 13, 2018 at 2:26 pm - Reply

    I am a citizent from PR. Since 2016 I have been studying the singing tecnica. I like to play percussion instrument and I am singing so as from 12 year. I know at this moment that there is no way that you can sing without the diafragmatic system. It is no easy but I like to much because I like the challenges. And I know that I sing very well because I like to sing. If you want to sing you must know that you have talent and also that you like to sing. Do not lose the time. Thank you so much……

    • emconline November 13, 2018 at 5:33 pm - Reply

      Jose,

      Thank you for your comments about singing from the lower body. It does indeed help us to sing better.
      Renee

  9. Sarah Buchanan November 16, 2018 at 11:30 am - Reply

    I needed this. I’ve never had the money to work with a Vocal Coach and have noticed my range has decreased in the last year. The last time I sang during a 4 hour set I lost my voice and I really needed this. I look forward to reading part two.

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