How to Train a Hoarse Voice for Singing

From the raspy screams of rockers to the torchy blues of jazz clubs, modern songs demand a lot of singers. Vocalists can strain their voices and even permanently damage their ability to sing if they don't take steps to protect their vocal instruments. Vocal coaches agree that the best prevention is to first learn and regularly practice the basics of singing, then expand to new and vocally demanding styles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vocal coach or other resource on singing basics
• Vocal exercises (CD, DVD, online)
• Sheet music
• Humidifier

Sing hoarse on purpose

1. Stand comfortably upright with your ribcage lifted allowing the maximum expansion of your diaphragm. Hold your arms at your sides or slightly in front of your body, feet shoulder width apart.
   Hold your head straight, chin up and face forward to keep from restricting your airflow.

2. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm (below your ribcage). If your shoulders lift when you take a breath, you are breathing shallowly from your lungs. Hold your hands on your waist to make sure the ribcage (and not your chest) expands as you breathe.

3. Raise your arms and smile if your pitch flattens. For high notes, raise your face slightly to open the larynx. Drop your jaw (but keep your chin up) if your voice goes sharp (too high).

4. Relax. Sway with the rhythm. Tension constricts the throat and deforms vocal tone. Control your tone, power (resonance) and pitch using the muscles of your diaphragm. As you grow stronger, you can safely try screams or throaty hoarseness with proper singing technique.

5. Practice daily. If these techniques (or the flu or overusing your voice) make your vocal folds swell, use a humidifier to keep your throat moist and split them in two sessions.

Tips & Warnings

• Singing in the shower is good for you: the moisture soothes your voice. First listen and learn the phrasings and breathing rhythms of a new song. Then hum (an excellent exercise at anytime) the the tune before adding the words. When your voice is strained, let it heal by being silent. Consult a vocal coach, CD or online, for voice exercises.
• Never skip your warm up exercises. Even in a hurry, find time to get the muscles limber and the vocal folds ready to switch from speaking to singing. The vocal folds can be bruised, scarred and lose elasticity by cheering at a sports match or trying to sing hoarse before you are ready. Your natural range and clarity could be permanently limited.

References

• A member of the A2Z Smart Music Group which offers everything you need to learn to sing.
• Vocal coach Melissa Cross NPR video on screaming without hurting your voice.
• Singing basics from posture to tone and range.

Resources

• Basics of Singing; Jan Schmidt; 1997