Today on Ask Simply Mary we talk about vocals and some challenges you can overcome with a few simple tips.

Every artist seems to strive to be better at one thing or another. Sometimes we just want to be the best at everything, and realistically, we just can't. Even though we can't master every single skill, we can however, improve every single one. Let's talk about vocals today.

The question:

"Whenever I sing I feel most comfortable when singing low. I feel that I sound at least a bit better than when I try to sing more high like Sopranos. Is there any tips to improve my singing voice? I'm female by the way."

With every single challenge we face comes effort. Sometimes there is a considerable amount of effort that it will consume and that thought in itself can inhibit us from moving forward with reaching those goals we set for ourselves as an artist, a songwriter, or any type of creator. Before we can bring to fruition those goals we so deeply desire to achieve, we need to make a conscious effort to follow through with them and that is your first step.

So with this question we know that vocals are going to be the focus here. So let's talk about how to improve these vocal skills, and how to break barriers we feel are in the way of our growth as a vocalist.

In part one of the podcast we are going to talk about these tips:

You have a natural vocal range, embrace that first before you try to expand your talent.

Don't get to worked up, learn at your own pace.

Exercise your diaphragm daily by focusing and becoming aware of your breathing.

Take care of your instrument, your voice! You know, the healthy things like not smoking and staying hydrated.

Do not strain your voice, this can literally cause permanent damage!

Warming up and the importance of practice.

Finding artists you resonate with to research for advice.

As we move into part 2 of the podcast I talk about:

Building slowly to reach the next octave.

Higher in pitch is NOT higher in volume.

Vocal cord damage is REAL.

Record yourself as an amateur, and then again later to compare.

Be faithful to yourself.

Don't beat yourself up if you are not making the progress you think you should be making.

Don't push the bar further than you can afford to.

Apply these tips to many different areas that you may want to work on.

Don't forget to take a break.

Know that no matter what goal you are trying to reach, practice makes perfect they say. Put into it what you expect to get out and you will be successful in all you do!

Best wishes always!

Simply Mary