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VocaLab Blog
The ‘AI Singing Coach’: Helpful Tool or Fast Track to Vocal Fatigue?
Real-time pitch monitors are revolutionising practice, but is your screen-time causing vocal strain? We are seeing singers develop unnecessary hyperfunctional tension simply by training their eyes instead of their bodies, forcing the voice to overwork to satisfy a visual target.
– By Elle Holiday
Perimenopause and the Voice
Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, typically occurring in midlife. During this phase, the body’s reproductive hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate significantly and gradually decline, which can bring about subtle changes in vocal quality or reliability. In this blog post, we’ll look at what the current evidence says about how perimenopause may affect the voice and how you can manage it.
– By Elle Holiday
Menopause and the Voice
Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles, typically around age 50, defined by 12 consecutive months without menstruation. Hormonal shifts during menopause can significantly impact the voice, causing noticeable changes in vocal quality, range, and stamina.
How Parkinson’s Affects the Voice
One of the lesser-known effects of Parkinson’s disease is how it impacts speech and voice. You might feel like you’re speaking at a normal volume, but to others, your voice may sound much softer than you realise. This can make conversations frustrating and exhausting, as people frequently ask you to speak up or repeat yourself. In this blog post we explore what can be done to improve a person’s speech and voice in the presence of Parkinson’s.
– By Elle Holiday
No, Being Fat Does Not Improve Your Ability To Belt: Debunking the Weighted Blanket Theory
Have you been told to use a weighted blanket on your shoulders to enhance your belt? Make sure you have all the facts first!
– By Elle Holiday
Does your voice really keep ‘growing’ into your twenties?
This post explores what happens to the voice during and after puberty, based on current research.
– By Elle Holiday
Understanding Hypermobility and Its Impact on Vocal Function
Learn about the impact hypermobility can have on the voice and vocal performance in singers.
– By Elle Holiday
Healing Power of Voice Therapy: Creating the Best Environment for Vocal Recovery
Discover how voice therapy at VocaLab Voice Clinic promotes efficient healing for vocal injuries. Learn about the benefits, the role of the SLP, and the body’s natural healing process.
Let’s take a look at the science behind thermal dynamics, the cooling and heating mechanisms of the body and the evidence presented around steam and injuries to the larynx.
– By Elle Holiday
Steaming: Will It Burn My Vocal Folds And Cause A Vocal Fold Haemorrhage?
Ever been given the advice to NEVER steam right before singing because “it will cause a vocal fold haemorrhage?” Or maybe you were just told steaming was ‘bad’?
Let’s take a look at the science behind thermal dynamics, the cooling and heating mechanisms of the body and the evidence presented around steam and injuries to the larynx
– By Elle Holiday
Gender Affirming Voice Options at VocaLab: Understanding Wendler’s Glottoplasty
Looking for gender-affirming voice options and to learn more about the Wendler’s Glottoplasty procedure (that’s not just from Reddit)? Let’s look at what it is, how to get one and the risks and benefits associated with this surgery.
– By Elle Holiday
‘Mixed Belt’ And ‘Belt’ – What’s the Difference?
Discover the intriguing physiological distinctions between mixed belt and traditional belt singing techniques in our latest blog post. We delve into the mechanics of vocal fold activity, exploring how open and closed quotients influence the intensity and quality of a singer’s voice. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a curious enthusiast, this exploration offers valuable insights into the science behind these popular singing styles.
– By Elle Holiday
Understanding the Risks of Vaping for Vocalists
Prolonged exposure to vaping can have significant long-term effects on a singer’s voice and overall vocal health. Chronic vaping is linked to the risk of developing vocal fold nodules, polyps, cysts and Reinke’s oedema which can lead to hoarseness, loss of vocal control and vocal fatigue.
Let’s explore some facts and studies about vaping.
– By Elle Holiday
10 Ways To Find The Best Singing Teacher For Your Vocal Needs
Whether you’re aspiring to hit the high notes like Mariah Carey, longing to belt out ballads with the power of Adele, or seeking to soothe souls with the gentle timbre of Norah Jones, finding the ideal singing teacher is a pivotal step.
Here are 10 things to look for when choosing yourself a singing teacher.
– By Elle Holiday
The Science Behind Whistle Tone
Whistle tone, often heralded as the acme of vocal mastery, captivates audiences with its ethereal quality and astonishing pitch. This fascinating vocal technique, surpassing the 1000 Hz frequency threshold, remains shrouded in mystery and a subject of ongoing research. Groundbreaking insights provided by Kato et al. (2023) elucidate the vibratory mechanisms of the whistle register, demystifying its production and offering valuable implications for vocalists and vocal coaches alike. Let’s dive into the research.
– By Elle Holiday
The Impact of Pregnancy on the Singing Voice: Insights and Advice
Pregnancy is a time of significant change for any woman, but for singers, these changes can directly influence their vocal performance and health. A recent study by Harper, Hazelton & van Mersbergen (2022) sheds light on the real-world experiences of pregnant singers, offering invaluable insights for those navigating this transformative period.
– By Elle Holiday
SOVT Exercises: How Do They Actually Work?
Are you a singer, vocal coach, or someone passionate about unlocking the full potential of your voice? At VocaLab, we’re dedicated to offering cutting-edge singing lessons and voice therapy, backed by the latest research. Today, we’re delving into the transformative power of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTEs) for singers during their warm-up routines.
– By Elle Holiday
The Benefits of SOVTE Back Pressure for Voice Therapy
When it comes to optimizing vocal health and performance, both singers and individuals with voice disorders can significantly benefit from understanding and utilizing semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs). At VocaLab, our aim is to bring the science of voice therapy into clear focus, explaining complex principles like back pressure in a way that benefits our clients. This blog explores the concept of back pressure created during SOVTEs, offering insights into how these exercises facilitate improved vocal function.
– By Elle Holiday
Everyday Voice Care
Whether you’re a professional singer, a vocal coach, or someone who uses their voice extensively every day, maintaining vocal health is crucial. At VocaLab, we understand the importance of vocal care and aim to provide our readers with practical tips to keep their voices in top condition. Here are some essential everyday voice care strategies.
– By Elle Holiday
