Friday, July 29, 2011
Carnatic Muisc: Voice Culture , Tips on voice care
Dear all,
Few tips tip to preserve vocal chord and singing in right way.
Culturing the voice depends on the inherent texture of the voice and the genre of singing as in classical (Indian, Western), folk, light. The singing voice and the voice with which we speak aren't the same. While speaking is an action that doesn't need any conscious effort (Do not refer to speaking as in stage orations), singing does demand. The technique of bringing the voice under our command is termed as "voice culture". This comes with breath control techniques, healthy body, and more importantly a sound and focused mind.
While for an instrument, oiling, tuning, selecting the instruments made out of the right materials (depending on the instrument kind - percussion, string, air instrument) etc. would matter, culturing a voice needs an ardent effort and a personal care. Every voice is unique and beautiful. The voice needs to be understood by its owner to nourish and culture it in a way that it gets strengthened. Each voice has its traits and limitations. Voice culture must aim at reducing the shortcomings and enhance the impressive traits of the voice.
Dos and DONTs:
• Practicing early in the morning, soon after waking up may not suit everyone. Give sufficient time to your voice to even out. Warm water gargling would help. Talk to people. Get your tongue to movement and leave your voice chords moist before you start the first practice for the day.
• DO NOT practice at (very) high pitch (Shruthi) when the sun is right on head (that's between 12 and 4) i.e., in the noon . If your pitch is five and half, it will do good to stick to five (say half a pitch lower than yours) at this time of the day. This would avoid ware and tear.
• Every saadakam (practice) should start with a varnam preferably; varnams are structured in a way that would exercise the voice from all possible angles.
• Learn to modulate the voice. DO NOT sing with the maximum voice beyond upper sthayi rishabham. Soften the voice to reduce the stress on the vocal chord. This doesn't mean you bring in false voice. Using false voice may help in effortless singing but wouldn't reach the audience in effect. Know the difference between singing with open voice and singing loudly and the difference between singing with a false voice and singing softly.
• Proper physical posture is required for a good voice production. Certain voice types would get strained with 2-3 hours of practice but some people can go upto 5-6 hours in one stretch. It is important that you understand the nature of your voice and its limitations. One should know his/her own competence to practice and NOT overdo! If the posture and the singing technique followed are acceptable, at the end of the practice session, the abdominal muscles should get strained and not the voice chords. This could be a self check. (Nabhi hruth khanta rasana-Origin of voice is from the abdomen)
• Nasal touch is required for a proper alignment with Shruthi, but nasal twang shouldn't inhabit your voice completely. Open mouth singing helps reduce the nasal twang.
• Diet plays an important role in maintaining the voice health. Drinking warm water helps; hot tea, clove in honey, ginger kashayam, and pepper milk do wonders and soften the voice. Avoid road-side food, oily food, and cold items.
• Avoid overuse of the voice- don't scream; talk softly; have limited talks; Last and the most important being "Get rid of the fear of falling sick!" Have a strong mind and a committed soul.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I maintain/improve base voice?
-To begin with, sing (in the lower range) even if your voice is not heard. It may sound silly enough; a simple lip movement with the composition sung in the head would help.
-As days go by, with gradual effort the base voice would get heard.
-Practice Om kara in three octaves...as u do with "sa-pa-sa"
Why should we not practice at high shruthi during noon ?
The vocal chord is a/like a sensitive tissue. Different pitches/scales are controlled by the vibration of these vocal chords. Higher pitches will need higher rate of vibrations. During the mid-day when the sun is high on head, the vocal chords would be relatively dry. And a high rate of vibration on these less moist chords would be more prone to damage than otherwise.
How to get the voice from nabhi?
A self check is, at the end of the practice session, one should feel the strain on/around the abdomen and not on the throat. " Om " is one shabdh that makes use of the abdomen, chest and the head voices.
"A(comes from abdomen) - U(chest) -UM(head)".Practicing Om kara is itself a good voical exercise.
Can I practice even after a tiresome day?
It is difficult to focus after a tiring day, specially for working people. It is better to have music classes/practice sessions leisurely when the mind and body are under focus. In case it's unavoidable, take a few deep breaths before you start singing/practicing on a long day. Do not sit on empty stomach; do not load yourself as well. Have something an hour before singing which is ideal.
How should I make my voice sweeter?
Few drops of honey every morning helps. Regular practice is “the” way to culture the voice.
Which is best time to practice?
The right time depends on the individual. It is said early morning is a good time, but most people's experience is that early in the morning the voice range is limited. We would find it difficult to reach higher octaves. Select a time which is comfortable for you.
Is it wrong if I sing through nose?
Singing through nose is not a problem, but isn't very appealing. It is good to have some nasal touch; nasal sound should not dress your voice completely though. Open mouth singing will help to reduce the nasal twang. Pronounce “a” as “a” and not as “e” or “ae”. Practicing simple varasais in akaras with open voice helps.
Thanks,
Ananth.
Few tips tip to preserve vocal chord and singing in right way.
Culturing the voice depends on the inherent texture of the voice and the genre of singing as in classical (Indian, Western), folk, light. The singing voice and the voice with which we speak aren't the same. While speaking is an action that doesn't need any conscious effort (Do not refer to speaking as in stage orations), singing does demand. The technique of bringing the voice under our command is termed as "voice culture". This comes with breath control techniques, healthy body, and more importantly a sound and focused mind.
While for an instrument, oiling, tuning, selecting the instruments made out of the right materials (depending on the instrument kind - percussion, string, air instrument) etc. would matter, culturing a voice needs an ardent effort and a personal care. Every voice is unique and beautiful. The voice needs to be understood by its owner to nourish and culture it in a way that it gets strengthened. Each voice has its traits and limitations. Voice culture must aim at reducing the shortcomings and enhance the impressive traits of the voice.
Dos and DONTs:
• Practicing early in the morning, soon after waking up may not suit everyone. Give sufficient time to your voice to even out. Warm water gargling would help. Talk to people. Get your tongue to movement and leave your voice chords moist before you start the first practice for the day.
• DO NOT practice at (very) high pitch (Shruthi) when the sun is right on head (that's between 12 and 4) i.e., in the noon . If your pitch is five and half, it will do good to stick to five (say half a pitch lower than yours) at this time of the day. This would avoid ware and tear.
• Every saadakam (practice) should start with a varnam preferably; varnams are structured in a way that would exercise the voice from all possible angles.
• Learn to modulate the voice. DO NOT sing with the maximum voice beyond upper sthayi rishabham. Soften the voice to reduce the stress on the vocal chord. This doesn't mean you bring in false voice. Using false voice may help in effortless singing but wouldn't reach the audience in effect. Know the difference between singing with open voice and singing loudly and the difference between singing with a false voice and singing softly.
• Proper physical posture is required for a good voice production. Certain voice types would get strained with 2-3 hours of practice but some people can go upto 5-6 hours in one stretch. It is important that you understand the nature of your voice and its limitations. One should know his/her own competence to practice and NOT overdo! If the posture and the singing technique followed are acceptable, at the end of the practice session, the abdominal muscles should get strained and not the voice chords. This could be a self check. (Nabhi hruth khanta rasana-Origin of voice is from the abdomen)
• Nasal touch is required for a proper alignment with Shruthi, but nasal twang shouldn't inhabit your voice completely. Open mouth singing helps reduce the nasal twang.
• Diet plays an important role in maintaining the voice health. Drinking warm water helps; hot tea, clove in honey, ginger kashayam, and pepper milk do wonders and soften the voice. Avoid road-side food, oily food, and cold items.
• Avoid overuse of the voice- don't scream; talk softly; have limited talks; Last and the most important being "Get rid of the fear of falling sick!" Have a strong mind and a committed soul.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I maintain/improve base voice?
-To begin with, sing (in the lower range) even if your voice is not heard. It may sound silly enough; a simple lip movement with the composition sung in the head would help.
-As days go by, with gradual effort the base voice would get heard.
-Practice Om kara in three octaves...as u do with "sa-pa-sa"
Why should we not practice at high shruthi during noon ?
The vocal chord is a/like a sensitive tissue. Different pitches/scales are controlled by the vibration of these vocal chords. Higher pitches will need higher rate of vibrations. During the mid-day when the sun is high on head, the vocal chords would be relatively dry. And a high rate of vibration on these less moist chords would be more prone to damage than otherwise.
How to get the voice from nabhi?
A self check is, at the end of the practice session, one should feel the strain on/around the abdomen and not on the throat. " Om " is one shabdh that makes use of the abdomen, chest and the head voices.
"A(comes from abdomen) - U(chest) -UM(head)".Practicing Om kara is itself a good voical exercise.
Can I practice even after a tiresome day?
It is difficult to focus after a tiring day, specially for working people. It is better to have music classes/practice sessions leisurely when the mind and body are under focus. In case it's unavoidable, take a few deep breaths before you start singing/practicing on a long day. Do not sit on empty stomach; do not load yourself as well. Have something an hour before singing which is ideal.
How should I make my voice sweeter?
Few drops of honey every morning helps. Regular practice is “the” way to culture the voice.
Which is best time to practice?
The right time depends on the individual. It is said early morning is a good time, but most people's experience is that early in the morning the voice range is limited. We would find it difficult to reach higher octaves. Select a time which is comfortable for you.
Is it wrong if I sing through nose?
Singing through nose is not a problem, but isn't very appealing. It is good to have some nasal touch; nasal sound should not dress your voice completely though. Open mouth singing will help to reduce the nasal twang. Pronounce “a” as “a” and not as “e” or “ae”. Practicing simple varasais in akaras with open voice helps.
Thanks,
Ananth.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Journey with Music
Loc: Chennai. Date: Jan23rd 2010 Sunday. Time: Morning 9:00 am IST. Occasion: Tyagaraja Jayanthi.
My aunt was an active member of an association that conducts the function religiously every year without fail. I was been invited to sing few krithis of Tyagaraya by my aunt. Having heard the function is going to be conducted in a school auditorium, I initially thought the function would be as monotonous as they were organized in Hyderabad. A bunch of oldies who think they would spend their time in a routine way instead watching daily serials, and pass time discussing rotten gossips. Some seniors try mark their stamp not letting others to grow and pump all the money out as far they can. Anyways, this is a different story which I would brief in another blog.
I started learning and singing carnatic when I was in 3rd standard, at the age of 9 or 10. My mother happens to me my mentor, teacher and everything to me as far as carnatic music is concerned. She has provided a hard rock platform, strong enough to withstand harsh winds of Gamakas and slippery surfaces of Grahabhedhas
It was mind boggling when I witnessed 200 people turning on to the venue so devoutly, that too on Sunday morning 10:00 am. Children aged from 7 to 14 years displayed extra ordinary talent in percussions and singing
The air was filled with encouragement from gurus to their disciples on stage. Organizers made ample arrangements for accompanists and were fully equipped with all the instruments. It was 30 minutes that we have been allocated. It was my first time with full accompanists and they were marvelous with their own vayidyas. Me & my bro sang three kritis seamlessly starting with Ganesha prarthana krithi. Having been observing my Taala diligently accompanists and I ended the show even before I’m aware of the fact that 30 minutes were rolled off. The response from the audience was overwhelming and we were asked to attend the function and sing every year. Waiting for that big day when I do Alapana so called Manodharma in a striking manner. God give me courage, disclipline, knowledge and most importantly strength to come out of the clutches of Lethargy.
.
My aunt was an active member of an association that conducts the function religiously every year without fail. I was been invited to sing few krithis of Tyagaraya by my aunt. Having heard the function is going to be conducted in a school auditorium, I initially thought the function would be as monotonous as they were organized in Hyderabad. A bunch of oldies who think they would spend their time in a routine way instead watching daily serials, and pass time discussing rotten gossips. Some seniors try mark their stamp not letting others to grow and pump all the money out as far they can. Anyways, this is a different story which I would brief in another blog.
I started learning and singing carnatic when I was in 3rd standard, at the age of 9 or 10. My mother happens to me my mentor, teacher and everything to me as far as carnatic music is concerned. She has provided a hard rock platform, strong enough to withstand harsh winds of Gamakas and slippery surfaces of Grahabhedhas
It was mind boggling when I witnessed 200 people turning on to the venue so devoutly, that too on Sunday morning 10:00 am. Children aged from 7 to 14 years displayed extra ordinary talent in percussions and singing
The air was filled with encouragement from gurus to their disciples on stage. Organizers made ample arrangements for accompanists and were fully equipped with all the instruments. It was 30 minutes that we have been allocated. It was my first time with full accompanists and they were marvelous with their own vayidyas. Me & my bro sang three kritis seamlessly starting with Ganesha prarthana krithi. Having been observing my Taala diligently accompanists and I ended the show even before I’m aware of the fact that 30 minutes were rolled off. The response from the audience was overwhelming and we were asked to attend the function and sing every year. Waiting for that big day when I do Alapana so called Manodharma in a striking manner. God give me courage, disclipline, knowledge and most importantly strength to come out of the clutches of Lethargy.
.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Some Facts
Yet another hectic week comes to halt to start off another long weekend.
My timings are 6:00 pm to 2am in the night. Sometimes, I do not get time even to visit rest room once I switch on my laptop in the office.
Blogging completely came to stand still and I was terribly missing, but thanks to happenings around me which inspired to spend sometime on this activity on weekends.
Today is Holi and time is 7:00 am ist. Though I don’t play Holi now, I reminisce and relish the sweet memories of my childhood when myself along with bunch of friends hit the roads early in the morning, carrying color and water, return in afternoon, have a bath and take a sumptuous lunch out of hungry.
Today, all my friends are scattered and I hardly meet them except in some occasions.
I ‘m a news channel buff and used to spend time surfing media channels. The ridiculousness of media reached to unacceptably absurd levels wasting its precious time in airing the ludicrous Telangana movement.
KCR unveil a 10 day reality show in NIMS, and lit a fire Telangana.
Now a days, I switch on any media channel only to have fun for sometime and enjoy the comedy portrayed by peanut politicians.
Well, I would stop at this point as this too seems to be turning on as a ludicrous blog
My timings are 6:00 pm to 2am in the night. Sometimes, I do not get time even to visit rest room once I switch on my laptop in the office.
Blogging completely came to stand still and I was terribly missing, but thanks to happenings around me which inspired to spend sometime on this activity on weekends.
Today is Holi and time is 7:00 am ist. Though I don’t play Holi now, I reminisce and relish the sweet memories of my childhood when myself along with bunch of friends hit the roads early in the morning, carrying color and water, return in afternoon, have a bath and take a sumptuous lunch out of hungry.
Today, all my friends are scattered and I hardly meet them except in some occasions.
I ‘m a news channel buff and used to spend time surfing media channels. The ridiculousness of media reached to unacceptably absurd levels wasting its precious time in airing the ludicrous Telangana movement.
KCR unveil a 10 day reality show in NIMS, and lit a fire Telangana.
Now a days, I switch on any media channel only to have fun for sometime and enjoy the comedy portrayed by peanut politicians.
Well, I would stop at this point as this too seems to be turning on as a ludicrous blog
Monday, May 18, 2009
Character re(de)fining--The vedantha Toolkit
How to stick to character without being carried away?
How to overcome instinctive fear?
How to attain sucess in both professional and personal life?
How to strike a balance between middle and higher level management?
These are the things that constantly chase me and i think one should have an insight mandatorily when he/she is enagaged to an MNC.Unfortunately our westernised dabba companies forget our own culture and has been involved in a relentless blood sucking process in the name of productivity.
I strongly believe legends like Sarvepalli radhakrishnan,Tantia tope,Bala gangadhar tilak e.t.c properly utilised this weapon and henceforth emerged as leaders.
I have been in search of a common medium to propagate our ancient advaitha vedantha philosophy to my friends and people around me.The amalgamation of oneself with sanathana dharma produces spectacula results.The only toolkit to gain control and put inner enemies at bay.But--the only hurdle is the language -sanskrit tough enough to understand.
offlate i have found a link where our sastra's are teached in layman terms and that too in English. I would strongly suggest and honestly advice to go through the link to obtain both Iha and para results.
http://www.vedantavidyarthisangha.org/
To describe a few words regarding swamiji , hes from chennai and has been extensively undergone training in vedas and shastras for several years.He devoted himself to sanathana haindava dharma propagation and is in constatnt teaching and preaching to his followers.
shubham bhooyat !!!!!
How to overcome instinctive fear?
How to attain sucess in both professional and personal life?
How to strike a balance between middle and higher level management?
These are the things that constantly chase me and i think one should have an insight mandatorily when he/she is enagaged to an MNC.Unfortunately our westernised dabba companies forget our own culture and has been involved in a relentless blood sucking process in the name of productivity.
I strongly believe legends like Sarvepalli radhakrishnan,Tantia tope,Bala gangadhar tilak e.t.c properly utilised this weapon and henceforth emerged as leaders.
I have been in search of a common medium to propagate our ancient advaitha vedantha philosophy to my friends and people around me.The amalgamation of oneself with sanathana dharma produces spectacula results.The only toolkit to gain control and put inner enemies at bay.But--the only hurdle is the language -sanskrit tough enough to understand.
offlate i have found a link where our sastra's are teached in layman terms and that too in English. I would strongly suggest and honestly advice to go through the link to obtain both Iha and para results.
http://www.vedantavidyarthisangha.org/
To describe a few words regarding swamiji , hes from chennai and has been extensively undergone training in vedas and shastras for several years.He devoted himself to sanathana haindava dharma propagation and is in constatnt teaching and preaching to his followers.
shubham bhooyat !!!!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Back with Bang!!
october 2007 was the last time i used to enjoy leisure though i was on a project.
Later recession->slowdown->financial meltdown->layoffs,Terrorism->elections,politics,movies,sports,IPL,blah blah were some most heard and spoken issues.
I blame recession for not posting new blogs.The reason was, samay kam aur kaam zyada.Things are certainly better now for Indian IT sector.
Satyamites could be recalling those days of woes when their chairman aka ceo spill the beans committing to fraud.Techies now carry a heavy sign of relief as they say "worst is over".Lets pray things will carry n pickup momemtum.
I made my mind to really spend some time to my(okappudu baga bathikina) blog and try hard to overcome the lethargy that has accumulated kilos n kilos in me.
wish me all the best. :)
Later recession->slowdown->financial meltdown->layoffs,Terrorism->elections,politics,movies,sports,IPL,blah blah were some most heard and spoken issues.
I blame recession for not posting new blogs.The reason was, samay kam aur kaam zyada.Things are certainly better now for Indian IT sector.
Satyamites could be recalling those days of woes when their chairman aka ceo spill the beans committing to fraud.Techies now carry a heavy sign of relief as they say "worst is over".Lets pray things will carry n pickup momemtum.
I made my mind to really spend some time to my(okappudu baga bathikina) blog and try hard to overcome the lethargy that has accumulated kilos n kilos in me.
wish me all the best. :)
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