Some of us have a studio or a rehearsal space where we can make all kinds of strange sounds, do weird warm-up exercises, and engage in various frog control techniques. But how do you vocalize at home, knowing that family members and neighbors will hear all this? And if you live in an apartment or condo, it seems like the entire world is listening. You may be fortunate to simply let it be. The sound of someone vocalizing is just one of millions of sounds that make up a city. It's part of the working day of the community. Or not. 1. Vocalize in a walk-in closet. The clothes will soak up the sound. Your warm-ups need not be done in an acoustically perfect space. In fact, except for a recording studio, most gigs and performances have huge acoustical challenges. Sing softly and go for a rich, even tone. 2. No big closet? Put an extra carpet or mat under your livingroom or bedroom music space. Hang heavy tapestry or a quilt on the wall, and put some cork boards on stands around the rest of your singing area. You can get cork boards at any office supply store. 3. Vocalize in mid to late afternoon. Morning sounds might disturb swing shift neighbors or parents with newborns, and 11:30 to 2:00 is going to see too many people home for lunch. 4. It's very difficult to sing pianissimo. I'm talking about fill breath, full voice, round tone - but very soft. I'm not talking about breathy singing or sotto voce. If you can create beautiful, rich sounds that are quiet, you're getting a good practice in. 5. That being said, there are some exercises, especially diaphragm strengtheners that are just ... loud. Open your closet door, even if it's a tiny closet, and do those exercises facing the layers of coats and sweaters. Do you have ideas for vocalizing at home? Let us know! Just use the "Contact Us" button in the Navigation section to the right. We'd love to hear from you. |
