I suffered from several attacks on my throat starting two years ago, the worst being a paralyzed fold, right vocal chord. I just found this guy and he is the one who will help me get my voice back. I am gulty of all three faults that he lists here. Not anymore! Thank you, Mark Baxter!
You have such a cool sense of humor haha. My voice has been rough lately, I think its due to oversinging and overtalking, also a bit of neglect in terms of technique. Bad breathing, support, poor fold closure and tension have got me into a rut! Just stumbled upon your videos and you explain things so clearly. Definitely the man to take me back to basics and start mending the damage I've done!! Thanks Mark!
Best to use straw exercise as a rescue but not a strategy. Learn to sing with balance in that mid-range and you won't need the straw to get you resonant and smooth!
Same on you. Lol Those in the '80s. 🤣 You just down right got it going on. I came across you in the the nick of time. Thank you for going the distance in your teaching lessons.
Just found you 3 days ago and I am completely amazed at how my somewhat damaged voice is already sounding. Thank you so much. I will be calling tomorrow.
Oh my god just found you here and this is amazing!! I spent over two weeks with laringitis and having to conduct a spiritual retreat with guided meditations AND singing healing chants and its now been 1 month and I seriously think i damaged my vocal chords, because my voice is weak and I get a soar throat all the time and i am unable to sing. Already feel better just doing a few minutes and LOVED the last maintenance ear plug exercise. I think I will be forever with it in my ear. Itll help me tone down the sound! THANK YOU
Awesome!! I've been doing 'mouth trumpet' for ages when I perform and now I understand why it always seems therapeutic mid-song and what the fancy term is (semi-occluded)!!
Hey Mark! Tx for sending video. Excellent. Very helpful and funny and I did perform in the 80s where the Bill had a duel purpose! It was Washington not Franklin on the Bill lol Tx again. All the best my friend!
right that is what I was thinking, I kept snickering and saying to myself, " Wait does he mean?..." lol hahaha then I thought "Dear God, I'd NEVER put money where my MOUTH IS!!" LOL
Hi Mark, I have watched many of your videos, very nice. I have been a singer all my life, since I was 10 years old and never had many “vocal problems”. I am from California, but have lived in Thailand for 20 years. I had been working and singing regularly, but I lost my job about 3 years ago, because the tourism business went to hell. Then shortly after that, Covid hit and that was the end of my singing career. No work, no playing piano and singing. Then there were the “lockdowns” and curfews and much more. Consequently I stayed home a lot and did not sing or play. If fact I really did not talk very much in the last couple of years because there was hardly anybody to speak English with. There is still no work, and no singing. I have tried to do some singing here at home, but my voice is gone. I have watched your videos and have tried many of your practices, but nothing seems to improve my voice. I have very little tone quality, very little range or power. Now I am 77 years old, and maybe you will tell me it’s because I am old, but I have heard other singers who were old and can still sing. I am very depressed because I love singing but cannot sing anymore. I hope you can help me. What do you suggest? Jimmy Cicero
James it's not your age but how many years you remained silent that caused your muscles and nerves to atrophy. It's the old rule of "Use it or lose it." Except you didn't lose it - it's hiding. You'll have to work for it to get back to joyful singing. Use my Warm up routine playlist: ua-cam.com/video/0or9P8-tBq8/v-deo.html. Be patient - your voice will not sound good as you regain coordination and strength. Don't force. It's OK to sound bad - it's not OK to feel bad when singing.
WOW !! A+++++ I have lost my voice for about 3 months been terribly hoarse and super sad and a bit scared over it, these tools are smashing to help me get a handle on it plus a quite skilled Otolaryngologist too. Thank you very much for sharing your rich wisdom with us :) glad those ear plugs are good for not only shooting at the range, but will be helping MY range instead! I will be employing one of a pair tomorrow!I guess God knew what He was doing in giving us TWO EARS and ONE mouth all of us singers need to remember what is REALLY important, talking or singing?? lol for me it will be singing, thank you very much....
This was brilliant! I’m a professional singer, teacher and also a mum of small kids - so every now and then fatigue strikes. This video has cheered me up on my ongoing quest for vocal health! Definitely going to try the ear plug thing! Thank you :)
I've been struggling with vocal strain for the last couple of weeks, I don't think these will heal me (only time and rest -if i can get it- will do that) BUT these already made me feel a whole lot better, even if just knowing there's something I can do to help! from one Baxter to another, thankyou Mark!
It has to be a hundred dollar bill! Kidding - it can be anything to reduce the air as it leaves your mouth. Google Straw Phonation - there's a lot of videos on it.
Nice tips there Mark !!!!! And also I've read in an article that as a singer we should conserve our voice by managing when to speak and when to stay quiet.Does that means maybe resting the voice for few mins (15-20) after singing???? Or throughout the day ???
I don't agree with what you read. It's better to manage HOW we speak and sing rather than HOW MUCH. Think of your eyes. If you had to constantly rest your eyes every hour you would know something is wrong and go to an eye doctor to get glasses to stop straining.
And also does that mean Im not speaking the correct way bcz I strain my voice after speaking for 1-2 hrs (not constantly of course)??? What is the correct way ???? Is it that we should speak with less effort like softly in low volume ????? It's all so confusing!!!!! Reading stuff like that create paranoia..
@@maryamzahid5149 So stop reading and start feeling! Listen to your body. When you feel strained it means you are speaking with too much tension. Speech should feel weightless (like vision). Resting will stop the straining but it doesn't teach you anything other than to be worried. I speak and sing all day every day without any issues simply because I speak and sing where I'm comfortable. So should you.
I'm a artist whose tryna get know even audition on American idol I go by L.M.C The goat I'm a great vocalist let me known if I can find someone help me pursue I didn't graduate but im one hell of a soul.
Hi Mark, thanks for your videos, I'm trying to apply most of your tips and exercises, but I'm a very impatient person.. I'm participating in a lot of plays and usually play roles that (for my taste) demand a harsh, deep voice, often with a lot of shouting involved. Over the years I think my voice became worse. When singing I now always notice breathiness and can't hold out too long on certain high notes. I have a lot tension that I'm aware of and try to reduce. However, I don't feel like I'm getting back to a healthy voice fast enough. I want to get rid of the breathiness and more importantly for acting, not get hoarse so quickly anymore. The humming exercise is good, I think. I notice that on the high notes there's a delay in which it's only air and THEN sound is produced. So I don't have good enough cord closure. On the lower notes that's much better.
Your bigger issue is in your first sentence. Being an impatient person means you are often stressing emotionally and that's the source of your muscle tension. So I highly recommend you try your best to slooooow down and remind yourself constantly to breathe and release. The hum exercise is great for slowing your breathing. Don't worry about the delay on high notes. It'a far better for you to back off and let it delay then push to fix. Spend more time humming really long, light, notes.
Thank you for this fast response! It is definitely a problem, but I always think to myself "last performances I lost my voice, for the next production I need to figure this out", but then it's on way too quickly, so I'm searching for a quick fix or at least a reliable long-term strategy, because the producers surely don't care if I need a break. I will keep on humming and try to figure out a way for me to relax more.
The quickest fix is to NOT lose your voice in the first place! Focus on the sound your role requires and use the absolute minimum effort to create those sounds.
Hi I’m Ray and I am 77 year old I have been singing 60 years but haven’t song for. 3 years and my Voice is shots it possible to repair my voice with your online videos.
Absolutely. First step is to stop thinking your voice needs repair. What it needs is connection. The nerves that run from your brain to your larynx have lost some of their insulation (myelin) over the last three years. Exercising your voice will help re-connect you to your instrument once again. Not the voice you had when you were 24 - but the one you had when you were 74. Start with this: ua-cam.com/video/z_EYyWesCKQ/v-deo.html
Hi, I have knots on my vocal chords, and I sing in a band. Sometimes after a long night out my voice disappears, and it is a problem when we have a concert. I’ve done your exercises and it really helps! Is this the most acute/urgent treatment, or is there a life hack for a little screaming bastard like me? Thank you for your videos -Josephine
I've damaged my singing ability over some time (a good 14 years) because of allergies (chronic post nasal drip in particular) and constantly having to clear my throat . I don't sound like I did at 16 (in 28 now) and it's unfortunate because nothing I've tried has every improved my allergy symptoms. As a result my voice is hoarse sometimes and it cracks when I sing. It's hard to keep a note. Is there anything at all I can do to fix this? I've lost confidence in my ability to sing
Hey Mark! So glad I discovered you. I've come across some major hoarseness. I am in the midst of a cross country move. Could it be the stress of that? I can get through one "One Last Cry" in the Brian McKnight key.I cant float it hight though or do too many acrobatics. Used to feel comfortable on the female higher key. I then rest, because I don't want to push it. I will be seing Dr. Michal Johns in late August for a scope. In the meantime, what do you suggest? You're amazing. Everything makes sense and Works! And I appreciate the good humor.
Absolutely could be the stress that's closed off your voice. So until you get to your ENT - respect what your body is telling you and keep the vocalizing light and free. Use any warmup in my warmup playlist : ua-cam.com/video/0or9P8-tBq8/v-deo.html
Most times, the Tarzan is caused by too much tension met with too much air pressure - not damage. If your voice doesn't crack when you sing the same notes very lightly then it's most likely a behavioral issue. As always, a visit to the doctor will answer that question directly.
Hey mark I just wanted to start by saying your videos have helped me so much. I use them often and appreciate what you do. I just have a quick question that no one I know can help me with. I write my own songs and sometimes send them to Audiokite to be reviewed. And the overwhelming thing people say is how my voice is "whiney". I'm not sure if I should work to get rid of the whineyness or embrace my style. I honestly don't try and sound whiney. I just sing to the best of my ability. Giving up is not an option. And if you want to listen to my song, you can, just let me know. Any bit of advise would help because I'm kind of treading wat
The same thing was said to Bob Dylan and Neil Young (and Madonna). Of course you can change the sound of your voice if you want to. But what will never change is the reality that some people just won't like the way you sing. You can either get used to it now - or later (since giving up is not an option). I can help anyone create the timbre they desire. I cannot help them be complemented. If you want better reviews - submit to lots of sites and see what comes up. If you want to be a better artist - don't worry about reviews!
Yes - if the environment is either loud or it's a lively room with lot's of echo. I wear two ear plugs when performing with loud rock bands. ua-cam.com/video/1KSH03V3uIY/v-deo.html
Hi, mark baxter, i have reinkes edema, after my surgery direct laryngoscopy, till now my voice is still husky or horseness, because my vocal is paralysis, hope you can help me!
Mark, thank you very much for this and all of your videos. I watched at least 15. I have a question regarding the straws. I know a well known vocal coach here in Argentina that suggests something that might seem contradictory to what you are saying. They suggest using a wider tube/ straw with a glass of water half full. You don’t mention the water, but i tried it and it provides a very confortable even resistance. Lastly, is it advisable to do this even if your voice is not lost ?
I used to do the same thing. Nothing wrong with it! However, once I found balance in my speech and singing - I find I don't need the recovery tips any longer. So keep working towards balanced behaviors and save that vibrator for . . .
@@FranciscaRigaud I thought you meant a hole in the middle of its length. So, yes - there is a hole down its center - that's what makes it a straw. The air is channeled down its length.
First step is to realize that even if you lowered those songs a half step you would feel the same way. Next step is to develop more flexibility with vocal exercises instead of expecting that to happen with songs. There's plenty on this channel to work with . The goal being to be able to sing those songs at some point down the road with ease!
Hi Mark! I hope you see this soon. I have a gig tomorrow where I have to sing for 45 minutes not very demanding songs, the thing is I sang for a while yesterday (about an hour) and woke up today and my throat hurts, and hurts the most when swallowing. It doesn't SOUND bad, I can still sing light and in falsetto and all, but it just feels horrible, like itchy and painful. Please help! how do I make it better for tomorrow? I'm afraid that if I use my voice more today I'll make it worse and I don't know how to handle this
If your throat hurts most when swallowing I would assume you have swollen glands - or you're coming down with something. If you irritated yourself singing then it would feel better as the day went on - especially when swallowing. The things to remember is that we don't sing WITH our throats - we sing THROUGH our throats. So I would vocalize lightly tomorrow (in head voice) to test how the throat feels. If it feels like head voice doesn't affect your throat then slowly increase the volume until you're creating the sound you'll need to gig with. Does that make your throat hurt more? Hopefully the answer is no. If it's yes then you've got a bigger issue at hand and that is a very external singing technique. The irony is that times like this are an EXCELLENT opportunity to learn to sing with less muscle involvement. You've got a built in alarm! So focus on using the absolute minimum amount of effort to sing your songs. Get well soon!
No No No! Getting paid a lot does not mean you have to do anything different. It means someone already thought you are worth it. You already got the gig! Tomorrow is NOT an audition -- it's payback for all the low paying, no respect, does anyone even care that I'm up here singing - gigs that you still sang your heart out for! Use the absolute minimum effort to sing tomorrow, get paid, and smile and say thank you! You earned this!
Thanks Mark. I've another vocal rescue question for you: How to correct cord closure *during* a performance. Occasionally while singing my vocal cords feel like they get stuck in a slightly open position. My voice weakens, and I can't get proper closure back for the remainder of the performance. Given the opportunity, a minute or two of lip rolls fixes this right up, but I can't do that mid-song. What's a sneaky within-song method for getting cords re-zipped, that an audience won't notice me doing? Thanks :)
Snore! It's quicker than a lip trill and can be done many times during a song (just pull the mic away). But first you must realize that the closure issue is swelling - which means you're overloading your folds with more pressure then they can handle. I found ear plugs (not in-ear monitors) to be the best solution to stop me from pushing.
Thanks for this tip Mark. I tried it, but for me a snore just vibrates my soft palate. I found it didn't help, and perhaps made things worse for my vocal chords. Am I doing something wrong?
You are pulling in too hard. It not only vibrates your soft palate (which is good) but it also lifts it. This prevents it from becoming "set" early as you inhale. This all goes back to your habit of pushing and tensing everything too much. I still recommend ear plugs to help reduce your effort.
Thank you for this video. I have had some hoarseness for 3 weeks due to coughing hard during a cold I had. I'm a teacher and in need to get my voice back to 100%. How often do I do all your voice exercises on this video and the other voice repair video lessons. I don't want to do too many or not enough. Thank you so much.
Do this exercise three times daily for fifteen minutes: ua-cam.com/video/ySgg2YUDGH4/v-deo.html . Then do this one before and after classes: ua-cam.com/video/0xYDvwvmBIM/v-deo.html
@@briang3375 Really? Humming at a barely audible low volume on one pitch for 15 minutes seems excessive to you? Just remember that when your students question whether reading for 45 minutes a day (in three 15 minute sessions) is too much on their eyes! :)
Do you know, that our creator made us on our own way? Like the song, I do it my way? The only question I have to prepare for, is: "would humanity be ready for the real devil?"
Dear Sir, I have an issue with my vocal cords. One of my vocal cords on the right side is partially damaged due to stomach acidity reflex. However, when the cords move/vibrate the damaged one won’t latch in order to produce a clear voice. Is there a remedy or exercise to cure the impacted/damaged cord? Your support is highly appreciated. Regards
Hi Mark!. Number two, could be some chewing gum useful for that muscle relief? I´ve seen many singers (the first I remember doing that was Jimi Hendrix) chewing gum, even while singing.
Gum has the opposite effect on me - and many others - tightens jaw muscles. usually, those that chew gum do it to fool the body into producing saliva to stay lubricated. Hendrix was especially shy about singing so often wrestled with dry mouth (I guess the drugs didn't help either!)
Sir please I think am having swollen throat ....because when I chew gum I feel Soo much space in my throat but without chew gum I think my voice is been pull back
That's not swelling. The chewing is moving your jaw and tongue out of the way. That position is possible without chewing. Try to create that space when singing.
@@voicelessondotcom sir please is not only singing but when am talking to...I feel the samething and it makes breathing difficult for me too But when I chew gum I can feel this breathing flowing freely without any blockage
@@Kwakuworldwidee Yes - I understand. You become anxious when you feel tension in your throat. But all that relaxes when you sleep - no problem - and you are not chewing gum when you sleep. Stick your tongue out between your closed lips and you will feel the same space in the back of your throat.
Been struggling with vocal nodules for about 8 months now. I'm a vocal performer and I completely lost my head voice. I need to get back to my singing. Is there hope?
Absolutely there's hope. Lot's of singers experience issues like nodules - but only those that change their ways continue on better than ever. So work with someone who can alert you to your behaviors that may be invisible to you but what caused your issue. There's lot's of videos to start you off in this playlist: ua-cam.com/video/ySgg2YUDGH4/v-deo.html
I have performed over 110 3 set shows since June 1st...... and I have not lost my voice once....... because of Mark Baxter. This man knows is stuff!
That's great Stu! Keep on singing!
Performer in the 80s! Hysterical!
Mark, YOU ARE THE MAN! thanks !
Happy to help!
LOL... this is pure gold. Thank you!
I hope it helps!
you keep hearing this from me and I'll say it again. Thanks! and I loved your little references.
I'm glad to help!
"Those of you who were performing in the 80's will be familiar" ha ha ha
LOL
Looool
COCAINE
😂😂😂😂 those of you performing in the 80's...... Hahahahah.. too true
you are awesome Mark Baxter🌹♥️🥰
I'm happy to help!
I suffered from several attacks on my throat starting two years ago, the worst being a paralyzed fold, right vocal chord. I just found this guy and he is the one who will help me get my voice back. I am gulty of all three faults that he lists here. Not anymore! Thank you, Mark Baxter!
Glad to help out, Bud!
Haha, liked it as soon as you referenced the 80s.
Your tips are literally the best! I've improved a great deal in the past few months only because of your tips. Thank you so much!
That's great! Glad to help on your musical journey!
agree
that looks like one gorgeous apple. thanks Mark!!
You have such a cool sense of humor haha. My voice has been rough lately, I think its due to oversinging and overtalking, also a bit of neglect in terms of technique. Bad breathing, support, poor fold closure and tension have got me into a rut! Just stumbled upon your videos and you explain things so clearly. Definitely the man to take me back to basics and start mending the damage I've done!! Thanks Mark!
You can do it Dave!
Dear Mark, Many thanks, you have an great easy style of teaching.
You're welcome - glad to help!
I love you channel so much!!
I'm glad - and happy to help!
Haha I love the slight tone of savage you have in your voice when going through the tips
The Straws exercise creates instant relief and opens up my mid-range making it resonant and smooth . Thanks :)
Best to use straw exercise as a rescue but not a strategy. Learn to sing with balance in that mid-range and you won't need the straw to get you resonant and smooth!
Great, needed this today, thanks so much x
I'm happy to help!
Same on you. Lol Those in the '80s. 🤣 You just down right got it going on. I came across you in the the nick of time. Thank you for going the distance in your teaching lessons.
Welcome to the channel!
Exactly what I needed. As I bartender I fuck my voice up from talking all day literally all the time. Lmaooo at the 80s performers. You’re awesome
Wear one ear plug to keep you from shouting while bartending.
Great video, Mark. I especially enjoyed the 1980's reference. Who would've thought to use a rolled up 20 for vocal rescue? How times change!
my voice the second example after a hard fought general anaesthesia. I am hoping these will help. Thanks for the ti-ps
Just found you 3 days ago and I am completely amazed at how my somewhat damaged voice is already sounding. Thank you so much. I will be calling tomorrow.
Welcome to the channel!!
Glad I found this! Thank you! God bless
'those of you that performed in the 90s would be familiar with this routine' you always crack me up mark hahahaha
Yeah.. Whitney used to do it..
90s was a different drug lol
Oh my god just found you here and this is amazing!! I spent over two weeks with laringitis and having to conduct a spiritual retreat with guided meditations AND singing healing chants and its now been 1 month and I seriously think i damaged my vocal chords, because my voice is weak and I get a soar throat all the time and i am unable to sing. Already feel better just doing a few minutes and LOVED the last maintenance ear plug exercise. I think I will be forever with it in my ear. Itll help me tone down the sound! THANK YOU
Glad to help - and get you back to healing others!
Awesome!! I've been doing 'mouth trumpet' for ages when I perform and now I understand why it always seems therapeutic mid-song and what the fancy term is (semi-occluded)!!
Just un time!!! It helps me a lot!!! Thank You Mark 👍🏻
You're welcome Gustavo!
What's that tune at the end of all your vids? Man, i love that!
It's a song called Possibilities from a student of mine named Bowman - The album is here: music.apple.com/us/album/believe/4234109
Very funny! Gonna try them ALL.
They will help!
Thank you for these tips. Helped a lot!
Glad to help!
“Performing in the eighties” HAHA
I was there!
Hey Mark! Tx for sending video. Excellent. Very helpful and funny and I did perform in the 80s where the Bill had a duel purpose! It was Washington not Franklin on the Bill lol Tx again. All the best my friend!
right that is what I was thinking, I kept snickering and saying to myself, " Wait does he mean?..." lol hahaha then I thought "Dear God, I'd NEVER put money where my MOUTH IS!!" LOL
Hi Mark,
I have watched many of your videos, very nice. I have been a singer all my life, since I was 10 years old and never had many “vocal problems”. I am from California, but have lived in Thailand for 20 years. I had been working and singing regularly, but I lost my job about 3 years ago, because the tourism business went to hell. Then shortly after that, Covid hit and that was the end of my singing career. No work, no playing piano and singing. Then there were the “lockdowns” and curfews and much more. Consequently I stayed home a lot and did not sing or play. If fact I really did not talk very much in the last couple of years because there was hardly anybody to speak English with. There is still no work, and no singing. I have tried to do some singing here at home, but my voice is gone. I have watched your videos and have tried many of your practices, but nothing seems to improve my voice. I have very little tone quality, very little range or power.
Now I am 77 years old, and maybe you will tell me it’s because I am old, but I have heard other singers who were old and can still sing.
I am very depressed because I love singing but cannot sing anymore.
I hope you can help me. What do you suggest?
Jimmy Cicero
James it's not your age but how many years you remained silent that caused your muscles and nerves to atrophy. It's the old rule of "Use it or lose it." Except you didn't lose it - it's hiding. You'll have to work for it to get back to joyful singing. Use my Warm up routine playlist: ua-cam.com/video/0or9P8-tBq8/v-deo.html. Be patient - your voice will not sound good as you regain coordination and strength. Don't force. It's OK to sound bad - it's not OK to feel bad when singing.
WOW !! A+++++ I have lost my voice for about 3 months been terribly hoarse and super sad and a bit scared over it, these tools are smashing to help me get a handle on it plus a quite skilled Otolaryngologist too. Thank you very much for sharing your rich wisdom with us :) glad those ear plugs are good for not only shooting at the range, but will be helping MY range instead!
I will be employing one of a pair tomorrow!I guess God knew what He was doing in giving us TWO EARS and ONE mouth all of us singers need to remember what is REALLY important, talking or singing?? lol for me it will be singing, thank you very much....
Take care of that voice Athena!
😅 You sounded just like me in the beginning! I'm so hoarse right now!
LOL! Luv the tips & the special effects !🤣 You're the best!!🍎
Hope things improve soon!
@@voicelessondotcom
If I could just shut up !!!!!🤣
Seriously, you are appreciated 🙏
Great tips Man.
Glad to help!
This was brilliant! I’m a professional singer, teacher and also a mum of small kids - so every now and then fatigue strikes. This video has cheered me up on my ongoing quest for vocal health! Definitely going to try the ear plug thing! Thank you :)
You're welcome !
I've been struggling with vocal strain for the last couple of weeks, I don't think these will heal me (only time and rest -if i can get it- will do that) BUT these already made me feel a whole lot better, even if just knowing there's something I can do to help! from one Baxter to another, thankyou Mark!
I hope you get the rest you need!
THANK YOUUUUUUUUU MARK! YOUR VIDEOS ARE PRICELESS!!!!
Glad to help!
Thank you again, where do you live?
@@amalelbouchari My home is near Boston but really I live online!
@@voicelessondotcom I live online! I love it!
Such good advice. Thank you!
The 80's reference was too unexpected and funny 🤣🤣
I was there!
Your edits absolute floor me. Hilarious.
You r amazing
Glad to help!
Awesome! Thx Mark! Rick S.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Rick!
Mark- I find chewing and swallowing
Smoked salmon really lubricates my throat.
Just a thought x
Your tips r literally superb..
Some of those screams frightened me so bad😂 I guess it was a god wake up to the heart😄👍
You are great! As always! Thanks!
Awesome tips and background info
This really help my voice today, wow! Thanks coach
Thanks so much .
Glad to help!
This was an eye opener. Question, can one just roll up a piece of paper instead of a dollar bill?
It has to be a hundred dollar bill! Kidding - it can be anything to reduce the air as it leaves your mouth. Google Straw Phonation - there's a lot of videos on it.
Nice tips there Mark !!!!! And also I've read in an article that as a singer we should conserve our voice by managing when to speak and when to stay quiet.Does that means maybe resting the voice for few mins (15-20) after singing???? Or throughout the day ???
I don't agree with what you read. It's better to manage HOW we speak and sing rather than HOW MUCH. Think of your eyes. If you had to constantly rest your eyes every hour you would know something is wrong and go to an eye doctor to get glasses to stop straining.
@@voicelessondotcom yeah that makes sense . Thanks for making that clear !!!!! It means alot
And also does that mean Im not speaking the correct way bcz I strain my voice after speaking for 1-2 hrs (not constantly of course)??? What is the correct way ???? Is it that we should speak with less effort like softly in low volume ?????
It's all so confusing!!!!! Reading stuff like that create paranoia..
@@maryamzahid5149 So stop reading and start feeling! Listen to your body. When you feel strained it means you are speaking with too much tension. Speech should feel weightless (like vision). Resting will stop the straining but it doesn't teach you anything other than to be worried. I speak and sing all day every day without any issues simply because I speak and sing where I'm comfortable. So should you.
Thank you brother
Welcome to the channel!
I'm a artist whose tryna get know even audition on American idol I go by L.M.C The goat I'm a great vocalist let me known if I can find someone help me pursue I didn't graduate but im one hell of a soul.
Hi Mark, thanks for your videos, I'm trying to apply most of your tips and exercises, but I'm a very impatient person..
I'm participating in a lot of plays and usually play roles that (for my taste) demand a harsh, deep voice, often with a lot of shouting involved. Over the years I think my voice became worse. When singing I now always notice breathiness and can't hold out too long on certain high notes. I have a lot tension that I'm aware of and try to reduce.
However, I don't feel like I'm getting back to a healthy voice fast enough. I want to get rid of the breathiness and more importantly for acting, not get hoarse so quickly anymore.
The humming exercise is good, I think. I notice that on the high notes there's a delay in which it's only air and THEN sound is produced. So I don't have good enough cord closure. On the lower notes that's much better.
Your bigger issue is in your first sentence. Being an impatient person means you are often stressing emotionally and that's the source of your muscle tension. So I highly recommend you try your best to slooooow down and remind yourself constantly to breathe and release. The hum exercise is great for slowing your breathing. Don't worry about the delay on high notes. It'a far better for you to back off and let it delay then push to fix. Spend more time humming really long, light, notes.
Thank you for this fast response! It is definitely a problem, but I always think to myself "last performances I lost my voice, for the next production I need to figure this out", but then it's on way too quickly, so I'm searching for a quick fix or at least a reliable long-term strategy, because the producers surely don't care if I need a break.
I will keep on humming and try to figure out a way for me to relax more.
The quickest fix is to NOT lose your voice in the first place! Focus on the sound your role requires and use the absolute minimum effort to create those sounds.
Mark you Rock!!
#4 lmao...That was funny!
I must try them all! On another note, What perplexes me is that people think I speak softly yet I feel my voice is loud in my head.
My cat is giving me funny looks when I gargle
How to learn harmony?
I just want to say thank you so much mark
You're welcome Heather!
Can we work together?
@@heatherpurtell8412 Sure - email me at mbaxter@voicelesson.com anytime.
Can't get onyour email!
Can you come up to me?
Hi I’m Ray and I am 77 year old I have been singing 60 years but haven’t song for. 3 years and my Voice is shots it possible to repair my voice with your online videos.
Absolutely. First step is to stop thinking your voice needs repair. What it needs is connection. The nerves that run from your brain to your larynx have lost some of their insulation (myelin) over the last three years. Exercising your voice will help re-connect you to your instrument once again. Not the voice you had when you were 24 - but the one you had when you were 74. Start with this: ua-cam.com/video/z_EYyWesCKQ/v-deo.html
Thanks so Mark! Is it a paradox to call you the Voice Whisperer?
Haha! It would be a compliment if whispering wasn't so bad on the voice!
It's was very helpful !
Good!
Man you are so funny it is hard to do step 1 and shut up :D but very helpfull thank you so much!!
Glad to help!
I finally understand this whole straw thing!
Good!
Hi, I have knots on my vocal chords, and I sing in a band. Sometimes after a long night out my voice disappears, and it is a problem when we have a concert. I’ve done your exercises and it really helps! Is this the most acute/urgent treatment, or is there a life hack for a little screaming bastard like me?
Thank you for your videos
-Josephine
This is best for screaming bastards: :). ua-cam.com/video/2CI2dXIdq_4/v-deo.html
arrghh The 80's.. I burst out laughing at that one...
i love the joke about those of us performing in the 80's! tee hee hee!
I've damaged my singing ability over some time (a good 14 years) because of allergies (chronic post nasal drip in particular) and constantly having to clear my throat . I don't sound like I did at 16 (in 28 now) and it's unfortunate because nothing I've tried has every improved my allergy symptoms. As a result my voice is hoarse sometimes and it cracks when I sing. It's hard to keep a note. Is there anything at all I can do to fix this? I've lost confidence in my ability to sing
I've had chronic allergies all my life too. Start here: ua-cam.com/video/lVs6Sphgw_0/v-deo.html
Hey Mark! So glad I discovered you. I've come across some major hoarseness. I am in the midst of a cross country move. Could it be the stress of that? I can get through one "One Last Cry" in the Brian McKnight key.I cant float it hight though or do too many acrobatics. Used to feel comfortable on the female higher key. I then rest, because I don't want to push it. I will be seing Dr. Michal Johns in late August for a scope. In the meantime, what do you suggest? You're amazing. Everything makes sense and Works! And I appreciate the good humor.
Absolutely could be the stress that's closed off your voice. So until you get to your ENT - respect what your body is telling you and keep the vocalizing light and free. Use any warmup in my warmup playlist : ua-cam.com/video/0or9P8-tBq8/v-deo.html
The second example, I call it the "Tarzan", is what my voice does when I sing. What's wrong? Can I repair this, will my cords heal?
Most times, the Tarzan is caused by too much tension met with too much air pressure - not damage. If your voice doesn't crack when you sing the same notes very lightly then it's most likely a behavioral issue. As always, a visit to the doctor will answer that question directly.
Hey mark I just wanted to start by saying your videos have helped me so much. I use them often and appreciate what you do. I just have a quick question that no one I know can help me with. I write my own songs and sometimes send them to Audiokite to be reviewed. And the overwhelming thing people say is how my voice is "whiney". I'm not sure if I should work to get rid of the whineyness or embrace my style. I honestly don't try and sound whiney. I just sing to the best of my ability. Giving up is not an option. And if you want to listen to my song, you can, just let me know. Any bit of advise would help because I'm kind of treading wat
The same thing was said to Bob Dylan and Neil Young (and Madonna). Of course you can change the sound of your voice if you want to. But what will never change is the reality that some people just won't like the way you sing. You can either get used to it now - or later (since giving up is not an option). I can help anyone create the timbre they desire. I cannot help them be complemented. If you want better reviews - submit to lots of sites and see what comes up. If you want to be a better artist - don't worry about reviews!
Voice Lesson.com Wow. Thanks Mark. I really appreciate your response and again thank you.
Love this video. Thank you. Do you recommend wearing one earplug when performing?
Yes - if the environment is either loud or it's a lively room with lot's of echo. I wear two ear plugs when performing with loud rock bands. ua-cam.com/video/1KSH03V3uIY/v-deo.html
Hi, mark baxter, i have reinkes edema, after my surgery direct laryngoscopy, till now my voice is still husky or horseness, because my vocal is paralysis, hope you can help me!
Very important to do what your doctors instructed after surgery!
Mark, thank you very much for this and all of your videos. I watched at least 15. I have a question regarding the straws. I know a well known vocal coach here in Argentina that suggests something that might seem contradictory to what you are saying. They suggest using a wider tube/ straw with a glass of water half full. You don’t mention the water, but i tried it and it provides a very confortable even resistance. Lastly, is it advisable to do this even if your voice is not lost ?
I find humming provides much better resistance and stimulates better coordination for singing than either a narrow or wider straw.
Thank you sir i have the voice
You're welcome!
Hey please make a video on tongue tension. The tightness at the back end of my tongue is cutting me off. Thanks
This will work well: ua-cam.com/video/CepoWVNS_78/v-deo.html
Mark, Thank you. I keep a small vibrator in my bag. How do you feel about using a vibrator, going gently all around the throat?
I used to do the same thing. Nothing wrong with it! However, once I found balance in my speech and singing - I find I don't need the recovery tips any longer. So keep working towards balanced behaviors and save that vibrator for . . .
U rock Baxter!
Do those straws have a hole in the middle?
Nope!
@@voicelessondotcom Thanks.................. but then where does the air go? I don't understand................
@@FranciscaRigaud I thought you meant a hole in the middle of its length. So, yes - there is a hole down its center - that's what makes it a straw. The air is channeled down its length.
I might be 4 years late but it’s never too late 👹
It's NEVER too late!
مرحبا. انا من معجبينك. لدي مشكله في الاحبال الصوتيه. لاتنطبق جيدا. وهيه ضعيفه. لان لا اجيد الغه الانكليزيه. هل هذهي التمرين. مفيده للاوتار الثوتيه. شكرا لك.
This is the exercise for you: ua-cam.com/video/zTlikuzSf6c/v-deo.html
@@voicelessondotcom شكرا لك سيدي.
4:55 I'm sure you did that a lot in the 80s as well
My voice seems like I'm a half step below most songs I want to sing, what should I do?
First step is to realize that even if you lowered those songs a half step you would feel the same way. Next step is to develop more flexibility with vocal exercises instead of expecting that to happen with songs. There's plenty on this channel to work with . The goal being to be able to sing those songs at some point down the road with ease!
@@voicelessondotcom I'm a baratone trying to sing Steve Perry stuff,
@@voicelessondotcom I been through a lot of training, can only go so high
Hi Mark! I hope you see this soon. I have a gig tomorrow where I have to sing for 45 minutes not very demanding songs, the thing is I sang for a while yesterday (about an hour) and woke up today and my throat hurts, and hurts the most when swallowing. It doesn't SOUND bad, I can still sing light and in falsetto and all, but it just feels horrible, like itchy and painful. Please help! how do I make it better for tomorrow? I'm afraid that if I use my voice more today I'll make it worse and I don't know how to handle this
If your throat hurts most when swallowing I would assume you have swollen glands - or you're coming down with something. If you irritated yourself singing then it would feel better as the day went on - especially when swallowing. The things to remember is that we don't sing WITH our throats - we sing THROUGH our throats. So I would vocalize lightly tomorrow (in head voice) to test how the throat feels. If it feels like head voice doesn't affect your throat then slowly increase the volume until you're creating the sound you'll need to gig with. Does that make your throat hurt more? Hopefully the answer is no. If it's yes then you've got a bigger issue at hand and that is a very external singing technique. The irony is that times like this are an EXCELLENT opportunity to learn to sing with less muscle involvement. You've got a built in alarm! So focus on using the absolute minimum amount of effort to sing your songs. Get well soon!
Thank you! I hope it all goes well, I'm getting paid good money and that makes me extra anxious
No No No! Getting paid a lot does not mean you have to do anything different. It means someone already thought you are worth it. You already got the gig! Tomorrow is NOT an audition -- it's payback for all the low paying, no respect, does anyone even care that I'm up here singing - gigs that you still sang your heart out for! Use the absolute minimum effort to sing tomorrow, get paid, and smile and say thank you! You earned this!
Hahahahahahahaaa number 4 ya cheeky bugger
Thanks Mark. I've another vocal rescue question for you: How to correct cord closure *during* a performance. Occasionally while singing my vocal cords feel like they get stuck in a slightly open position. My voice weakens, and I can't get proper closure back for the remainder of the performance. Given the opportunity, a minute or two of lip rolls fixes this right up, but I can't do that mid-song. What's a sneaky within-song method for getting cords re-zipped, that an audience won't notice me doing? Thanks :)
Snore! It's quicker than a lip trill and can be done many times during a song (just pull the mic away). But first you must realize that the closure issue is swelling - which means you're overloading your folds with more pressure then they can handle. I found ear plugs (not in-ear monitors) to be the best solution to stop me from pushing.
Thanks for this tip Mark. I tried it, but for me a snore just vibrates my soft palate. I found it didn't help, and perhaps made things worse for my vocal chords. Am I doing something wrong?
You are pulling in too hard. It not only vibrates your soft palate (which is good) but it also lifts it. This prevents it from becoming "set" early as you inhale. This all goes back to your habit of pushing and tensing everything too much. I still recommend ear plugs to help reduce your effort.
Thank you for this video. I have had some hoarseness for 3 weeks due to coughing hard during a cold I had. I'm a teacher and in need to get my voice back to 100%.
How often do I do all your voice exercises on this video and the other voice repair video lessons. I don't want to do too many or not enough. Thank you so much.
Do this exercise three times daily for fifteen minutes: ua-cam.com/video/ySgg2YUDGH4/v-deo.html . Then do this one before and after classes: ua-cam.com/video/0xYDvwvmBIM/v-deo.html
Voice Lesson.com When you say 15 minutes. Is that 5 minutes for each session totaling 15 mins?
Thanks Mark!
@@briang3375 15 minutes each session - three times a day.
Voice Lesson.com WOW. Okay. That seems excessive but you are the coach. And I am doing it. Thanks again Mark!
@@briang3375 Really? Humming at a barely audible low volume on one pitch for 15 minutes seems excessive to you? Just remember that when your students question whether reading for 45 minutes a day (in three 15 minute sessions) is too much on their eyes! :)
I love these videos lol
Do you know, that our creator made us on our own way? Like the song, I do it my way?
The only question I have to prepare for, is: "would humanity be ready for the real devil?"
Dear Sir,
I have an issue with my vocal cords.
One of my vocal cords on the right side is partially damaged due to stomach acidity reflex.
However, when the cords move/vibrate the damaged one won’t latch in order to produce a clear voice.
Is there a remedy or exercise to cure the impacted/damaged cord?
Your support is highly appreciated.
Regards
Hi Mark. How often, for how long, and at what pitch should I do the back pressure exercises?
You literally can't do it enough. Keep the volume low - and let the pitch slide around randomly so you don't get tempted to tense and over compensate.
Hi Mark!. Number two, could be some chewing gum useful for that muscle relief? I´ve seen many singers (the first I remember doing that was Jimi Hendrix) chewing gum, even while singing.
Gum has the opposite effect on me - and many others - tightens jaw muscles. usually, those that chew gum do it to fool the body into producing saliva to stay lubricated. Hendrix was especially shy about singing so often wrestled with dry mouth (I guess the drugs didn't help either!)
@@voicelessondotcom Thanks!
Sir please I think am having swollen throat ....because when I chew gum I feel Soo much space in my throat but without chew gum I think my voice is been pull back
That's not swelling. The chewing is moving your jaw and tongue out of the way. That position is possible without chewing. Try to create that space when singing.
@@voicelessondotcom sir please is not only singing but when am talking to...I feel the samething and it makes breathing difficult for me too
But when I chew gum I can feel this breathing flowing freely without any blockage
@@Kwakuworldwidee Yes - I understand. You become anxious when you feel tension in your throat. But all that relaxes when you sleep - no problem - and you are not chewing gum when you sleep. Stick your tongue out between your closed lips and you will feel the same space in the back of your throat.
@@voicelessondotcom sir please I think I have a closed throat rather...pls any remedy to open up that throat freely?
@@Kwakuworldwidee If what I suggested doesn't work you should see a doctor.
Been struggling with vocal nodules for about 8 months now. I'm a vocal performer and I completely lost my head voice. I need to get back to my singing. Is there hope?
Absolutely there's hope. Lot's of singers experience issues like nodules - but only those that change their ways continue on better than ever. So work with someone who can alert you to your behaviors that may be invisible to you but what caused your issue. There's lot's of videos to start you off in this playlist: ua-cam.com/video/ySgg2YUDGH4/v-deo.html
One day after I sang while dancing, I woke up the next day with like a stuffy feeling in my throat, why is that? Could someone help me?
That epic opening tho :D:DD: LOL
I'm deaf in my one ear, how do I got about the ear plug thing