Improving My Voice

As well as focusing on my guitar playing (as my primary instrument), I have also taken it upon myself to improve my participation in en masse singing.

Joining the university choir has strengthened my voice, harmonies and breathing. Studies have shown that a lack of physical activities that utilise the lungs can "impair the development of the entire organism, including the respiratory system" (Ryszard, 2015, p.42). Although choir may not be seen as a physical activity, it does involve many of components that other strenuous exercises do such as running or football, therefore it is something that should be considered important in the development of growth, especially if children aren't as gifted playing sports. It provides an opportunity to develop as a person, interacting with others, creating the same social skills that can be gained from playing team sports. The use of the diaphragm to regulate breathing and create a bigger space to utilise is something that is important when singing (especially for opera, musical theatre and en masse singing). Fully being able to fill the space and use the diaphragm (which as a muscle, will strengthen as any others do) will help support the voice especially when belting out loud or long notes, creating a richer and stronger sound.

One of the benefits that I have experienced from taken part in the choir is that in others areas of my singing (such as musical theatre where I am currently doing Chicago), I have found it easier to transition from the lower notes - where the sound comes from the chest area - to the higher notes without going into falsetto - known as the head voice. As a tenor, I am always trying to improve my range and give better support, especially the higher end of the range so I don't end up damaging my vocal chords
Another benefit that I have noticed is that because as a choir, you act as one voice, with nobody standing out as an individual, you have to really listen to each other. "Chorus and orchestra can sometimes give a strong impression that cannot be achieved by solo play" (Tokuda & Kuwahra, 2012).  It has strengthened my knowledge in how I work our harmonies when not sure (listening to the piano chords helps) as well also improving my sight reading (which does get a bit confusing when you spend a lot of time trying to sight read tab for guitar as well).

Although I may not create a piece for a big choir, it has helped me to further develop my knowledge of the different types of music available and also has gain confidence as just a singer (without an instrument) and fully using my voice which is something that I want to look at (especially how I can create harmonies in my song and make a richer sound).