Three Bad Habits That Harm Your Voice

Did your mother ever say to you, “Don’t cross your eyes or they’ll stay that way!” Well, I don’t know for sure if that statement is true, but, when it comes to singing, there are some bad habits that can affect your voice permanently. Bad habits need to be broken and replaced with good ones and the sooner the better. The longer that you wait, the more difficult it becomes to change bad habits that harm your voice.

There are many bad habits that are developed by singing. However, let me cover three of the most important and common bad habits that hinder, or potentially, will harm your voice.

The first, and not necessarily most important, is poor posture. I mention it first because good posture while sitting or standing, is the first consideration before singing the first word and note of a song. Very few who desire or claim the “good singer” status, know how to properly stand or sit while singing. Properly aligning the body from the bottom of your feet to the crown of your head is essential for maintaining good balance while performing, breath support, confidence and producing a great sound. The entire body must be trained habitually in good posture. The result will be a better singing voice but even more, a healthier you.

The most common bad habit that harms and prevents developing a good voice is improper breathing. On this list it is second, only because good breathing from the diaphragm is dependent on good posture. Improper breathing is number one on my list of bad habits for several reasons.

1. 90% of people who sing don’t have a clue how to use the diaphragm.

2. The bad habit of improper breathing has been developed over a lifetime. It is the most difficult habit to

break or change in singing.

3. It is a habit with every breath taken regardless of singing.

4. It not only hinders a good quality voice but prevents maximizing good health.

5. Improper breathing prevents a great sound, usually is weak, breathy and poor resonance and projection.

Another common bad habit that harms the voice, is stressing and straining the vocal chords especially when attempting to reach higher or lower range of pitch. Although everyone can increase, by a considerable amount, their singing range, it must be learned and accomplished correctly. Most people try to stretch their neck, thrust out the chin or even stand on their tip toes to reach a higher note. Sometimes it sounds more like a screech owl than a nightingale. Good singing is accomplished by developing good habits. A good voice coach is so important to prevent you from harming your voice.

With Singing Made Simple, I have developed a system to break bad habits that harm your voice while replacing them with good healthy habits that develop the voice. We cover all of these bad habits, as well as many more, with the basic principles to correct them. Singing Made Simple will not only will help you reach your potential as a singer but will enhance a healthy way of life.