Common Voice Issues (and how to fix them!) Part 1: Pulling

[@harpergirll414]

I am 71. I was a music teacher .Gave up singing for 10 years due to sinus issues. Got vocal therapy and doc said my cords are fine. Just need to get strength back. Tried traditional warm ups but These exercises are bringing great progress. More strength and flexibility. I gave up singing because I could not sung through mucus buildup range got smaller and I Gave up thinking my singing days were over. Even though the vocal therapist told me my vocal cords were OK. I did not have any consistent way to strengthen them get my lower range back and regain the high range. I stop singing because my vibrato became wide and it was embarrassing. Thank you so much for these exercises! A special thank you for explaining the physiology. You are explaining so many things that I have struggled with. Once you know the physiology behind them you can find a way to fix it! 😊

[@dedriccarroll2]

She’s probably my favorite of them all!

[@clydedowney2620]

I'm a 64 year old male and started doing the straw exercises about 3 months now and I think they are great. I do your exercises every day at least once, some days maybe 2 sessions for about an hour each.... this is Oct 2024 just for some info... Thanks...

[@dastardlydervish]

This video feels like the answer to a prayer! I've been struggling mightily to figure out the feeling I get in my throat of something not switching over when I get into my higher registers. Your scientific explanation is so much appreciated- now I feel like I know what I'm trying to train. Thank you!

[@SingingStraw]

SO happy to hear that!!! :)

[@EvinNazya]

You have such a welcoming, bright personality💛 I genuinely enjoy your videos. Thank you for being so consistent with your content!

[@SingingStraw]

Thank you so much!! Happy you're here :)

[@chainlinc218]

I decided after participating in the Singing Straw boot camp workshop to follow up be finding a way to build on what I learned in boot camp by coming up with a simple daily routine. I decided to carry my straw with me so that every day when I come home from work, I use the daily warm up video and another Singing Straw routine to give my voice some love. Started adding this particular video to my after work commute a week or two ago. Played at an open mic a couple of days ago after a long, tiring day of work. I started to play and couldn’t believe how easy it felt to sing. How easy it felt singing higher notes without straining. I did three songs and they all sounded better to me than I could ever remember singing those songs. Color me a happy camper! So glad I found the Straw and Whitney’s great videos. Thank you, Whitney! The grand experiment continues!

[@SingingStraw]

WOW!! Thank you so much for writing this! I'm so happy that the Singing / Straw and Bootcamp helped you! :) Keep up the great work!!

[@Elaine-from-Saxonburg]

Very helpful!!! I am feeling so much better about my voice since I started using the straw and these workouts, I don't tense up (as much) when I know a higher part is coming, and my vibrato has changed to a much prettier sound!!! Thank you!!!!

[@gobigblu9]

You are the best! A life changer for me!

[@SingingStraw]

So happy these videos have helped you!

[@mitchellglass9109]

This video is helping me so much! My range has increased so much. I just wish I had a voice teacher that was familiar with this technique

[@SingingStraw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@akhileshrashinkar]

You cant imagine how much great you are saving people voice when i sing in church its been 3 years i used to take vocal steam just for my throat not to Be strained but never got the solution until i found this video of yours and i just played right at this end of video i ran and i purchased every size of this straw and 😩iam so happy eveb when i am on high pitch its feels my throat is just flowing smoothly after this exercise and many more in ur Videos the science behind straw is just unbelievable Love this thankyou so much manyyyy manyyy Love from India🇮🇳

[@SingingStraw]

Thank you so much for the kind words! That means a lot. So glad these videos and the Singing / Straw are helping you!

[@joeytrombino]

Thank you. I recently began my work with the singing straw, and hoping it can help me elevate to another level vocally. So far so good!

[@SingingStraw]

You got this! Let us know if you have any questions :)

[@caselynng7497]

My voice hurts so bad, like scary bad tbh from weekly gigs. I have found you this week. I am so thankful for your tips and techniques. I haven’t made my purchase yet but I will ASAP.

[@SingingStraw]

I'm sorry that your voice has been hurting :( that's no fun. But, grateful that you found us!! Can't wait for you to get starting with the Singing Straw. Let us know how it goes once you start practicing with it!

[@Gleem1313]

It may also be a good idea to check in with an ENT doctor to make sure you don’t have some issues with nodes etc. I had some issue with that, and it’s a good idea to have some baseline pictures of what your vocal chords look like.

[@nakitazmom1369]

I am fairly new to the singing straw ,but what a change it is making in my performances. I am a 67 yr old playing local gigs , rock , pop country blends ,I sing and play multiple instruments. I have been dying to find exercises to develop my higher register!These are fabulous! I purchased the singing straw pro! Love your videos ! Wondering about online vocal lessons?

[@SingingStraw]

My studio offers online lessons! songbirdsf.com

[@jerryjerabek5650]

I love your videos! I’m an older voice (yeah, I’m 70) and even with the straw exercises, singing needs a so much effort and I’ve lost so much of my higher range. I’m not a soloists, I’m a in a chorus, but the act of singing just does feel as free or even fun anymore.

[@SingingStraw]

Yay!! So happy you have been enjoying the videos :) Keep up the amazing work!

[@sairoraoni]

So useful! It took me so long to figure out that I needed to stregthen my head voice to stop the pulling. Will add this to my routine! Thank you! Can't wait for parts 2 and 3 to fix everything else that is probably wrong with my voice lol

[@SingingStraw]

So happy you enjoyed the video :)

[@geralddamien4887]

You prolly dont give a shit but if you're stoned like me during the covid times you can stream pretty much all of the new movies and series on instaflixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last days :)

[@leandrodominic5822]

@Gerald Damien definitely, been watching on instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@marilynfeingold9348]

Loved this video. Makes sense for the first time. Thank you!

[@Harmony971]

Really waking up my higher range. Waw ! I thought it didn't exist anymore and didn't know how to deal with it. Thank you so much ❤

[@SingingStraw]

You're so welcome!

[@scottcrain2428]

Heavy voice, here. Love this video! Stoked for part 2 😊

[@SingingStraw]

Yay! Thank you!

[@nothankyou8859]

Omg, I loved this one! Really helped me get in touch with my upper register. Thank you!

[@SingingStraw]

Yay! Glad it helped :)

[@Springfeild4]

You are the best ❤thank you I was just thinking about the effort and strain I am using in practice to try and free my sound and how moving to a new way of using the muscles needs to become effortless and that like a runner it won’t be effortless until the right muscles are strong enough to do the job with ease ! So I came to KZbin to see if I could fine some exercise and I had saved this to watch later the other day and it just happens to be exactly what I needed 🎉I’m going to do this every day yayayay

[@SingingStraw]

Awww thank you! So glad you are enjoying these videos! :) Keep up the great work.

[@iamjarrettdean9358]

Hi Whitney, my name is Jarrett. I just received my singing straws a few days ago. I'm SOooo super anxious to get started with this. As a life long incorrect "throat singer" I'm praying 🙏 this tool will finally give me instruction and information on how to open up my range. Any recommendations for beginning the straws? Thanks.

[@SingingStraw]

Hi Jarrett! So excited for you to get started! This video is a great place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bna1aZqjYs96oaM

[@michaelrodriguez9967]

soooooooorrrrr helpful, THANKS!!

[@SingingStraw]

Glad it helped!

[@youngkaiju]

Quality content as usual!! 👏❤️

[@SingingStraw]

Thank you 🙌

[@peterzasuly150]

HI, Super helpful and thank you for giving the lower voices equal time : )

[@SingingStraw]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@katieellemusic]

I love this one, Thank you:) super helpful. I am taking myself so much more seriously as a singer since starting the straw.

[@SingingStraw]

YESS! Love to hear that!! Keep up the great work :)

[@wandajames143]

This is dope!

[@SingingStraw]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wandajames143]

@@SingingStraw yeah I need to really work on the tilt and keeping my larynx neutral. I bought your straws and have been using them now for a year.

[@eminezola0]

It really fixed!! Thx a looottt🥰🥰🥰😍😍

[@SingingStraw]

No problem 😊

[@rosiealleymaya]

Yes, helpful indeed. Thanks.

[@SingingStraw]

You're welcome!

[@gerikepler7394]

Thank you for recommending this video. My high notes are getting stronger, but I drop out on the highest notes, because I'm afraid I'll strain my voice. I'm also still experiencing a vocal fry in my low notes, even though I do all exercises at a low volume.

[@SingingStraw]

Don't be afraid to go for the high notes in the straw, that will protect you from over powering or straining. Without hearing you sing, it's hard to give more specific advice, but feel free reach out to Songbird Studios for 1-1 online voice lessons, for direct feedback: songbirdsf.com/ Hope that helps!

[@JESUS-IS-LORD-HALLELUJAH]

I just found your account and I really really love your videos and exercises! Thank you so much!

[@SingingStraw]

So happy to hear that! Thanks for being here :)

[@shemweaver3780]

Very very helpful!! Thank you 🙂

[@SingingStraw]

You're so welcome!

[@RFountainJr]

Love your videos! Thank you!

[@SingingStraw]

Glad you like them!

[@davirtuoso]

Great video, I’ll be adding it to my regular vocal exercise routine! Quick question: I find with the singing straw I just can’t manage to only use one straw in any exercises, regardless of whether I’ve warmed up - I have to use two straws to manage it. Should I continue working towards using one straw, or is it common for some people to need two as standard - perhaps for stronger lungs/bigger people? I don’t want to just settle on two if one straw will bring me the most benefit in the long run 👍

[@SingingStraw]

That is completely normal! I recommend using 2 straws if that feels more comfortable when starting out. You may find that as you keep practicing, you will be able to work towards one straw! It just takes time :) Keep up the great work!

[@davirtuoso]

@@SingingStraw awesome, thanks for the reply. I’ll stick with two and keep trying one straw from time to time to see if it’s getting easier 😁

[@francilleribeiro3214]

amazing videos

[@SingingStraw]

Thank you!

[@nelen100]

Thank you

[@SingingStraw]

You're welcome!

[@vasilismastrogiannis8691]

You are so perfect! I wonder which straw is better for high notes? The sovt straw or the pro straw?

[@SingingStraw]

That will depend on you and your unique voice! I also tell students to do what feels best for them. :)

[@vasilismastrogiannis8691]

@@SingingStraw I have no unique voice...

[@jbonomo9]

I need to strengthen my upper range as suggested. Does using the narrowest straw give more resistance/strengthening to the muscle involved in the upper range or should I use the Goldilocks straw? Also, when I go down to the lowest notes, should I use the wider straw?

[@SingingStraw]

The narrowest straw will give you more resistance but keep in mind that you don't want to push it! If you feel like you're fighting the resistance, go back to the 3mm straw. Keep in mind that every singer is different and working on different things so play around with each size straw and see what feels good for you!

[@brandonbowers2932]

Hello! Will you have any upcoming exercises focused on strengthening the mixed voice?

[@SingingStraw]

We are actually about to launch another Become A Better Singer Bootcamp! If you're interested, hop on the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens: www.loveyourvoicecourse.com/bootcampwaitlist

[@Saysaidso]

Thanks for amazing video, whitney! Btw, I have a question. When I try to develope my upper register, it feels like the air goes to the nose, not the straw(mouth). Is this a right way?

[@SingingStraw]

I would suggest plugging your nose and see how that feels! Most of the air and sound should be coming through the straw rather than your nose!

[@jacobsheiabni4321]

My head voice seems very strong in my higher register, but I notice I do still seem to pull chest in my middle voice. Should I work on practicing a CT dominant sound around my low mix/passaggio? Thanks for the video :-)

[@SingingStraw]

That can absolutely be helpful, because it's all about muscular flexibility. You can also play around with cry & twang which can help thin out the sound while keeping the vocal folds connected!

[@luliormachea8874]

i was wondering, whats the highest note in this exercise? im super curious about it💗✨ this is definitely gonna be part of my daily routine

[@SingingStraw]

I think I took you to a C6 here!

[@timmcnabb2282]

I fell down my stairs (6 weeks ago) and nearly knocked myself OUT black eye hit head on concrete, didn't sing for a month then tried to run into the studio to do a vocal track to find I have a pretty bad vocal "gap" in the upper register, trying this today, hopefully this fixes it. I think I messed up some muscles in my neck, if this doesn't work I guess I might need to go to Doctor,,,?

[@SingingStraw]

Oh no! So sorry to hear this! Defintley check in with your doctor.

[@suziemeyer9230]

If the issue of the pulling/weight has occurred after an injury and it seems as though an entire party of vocal range is unaccessible, will these exercises help?

[@SingingStraw]

Have you seen my video on vocal rehab? It's a great one for helping your voice after an injury! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYnFiX2Cltiee6s

[@tinkerbellredpanda9858]

This specific question, encapsulates what I've been searching for help with and living with in my life for nearly a decade. After being in choir all my school years and knowing my vocal abilities whenever my voice was trained and healthy; Then to have my voice injured, from more than one cause and more than once since leaving school and choir behind. I've been wishing for an answer to help me heal my voice, train it up again, and maybe heal my 💔 by being able to truly and really sing again and it not hurt to do so or have my voice completely stop working while I'm singing or talking.. I think your singing straws and educational and training videos may be my lifeline! If I'm being honest, the prices are steep, at least for me currently, but I am very interested in trying to get these singing straws and have added your channel to my daily self care list for myself. Whether I can buy the straws soon or not, I am soaking up all I can about what you have to teach, about healing my voice, and helping me get my real voice and full vocal range back again finally! My inner soprano is dying to be heard again outside of my memory! On another similar query, do you have any other suggested training or exercises or warm ups, specifically that could be done without having the singing straws yet, that can be done while or after rehabilitating voice injuries? 🤔

[@EvinNazya]

Also, question. How to know if I’m straining with the high notes while doing these straw exercises? I never really know how healthy it is for me to be so high in the range.

[@SingingStraw]

Watch yourself in a mirror - if you see your chin jerking up, or lots of muscle tensing in the neck, you likely have some strain. In that case, lighten up intensity and volume until you can find a relaxed coordination - then in time build back the volume without that strain!

[@BiancaLove89]

Do these exercises assist with coughing as well? Many times as I’m singing in a belt or higher in my register I get a tickle in my throat and have to cough during a song. Sometimes it becomes difficult to finish the song.

[@SingingStraw]

Tickle in your throat is the worst! That may be an indication of strain/inflammation, so in those cases, I would back off on the volume and try to find power and intensity in the vowel shape as opposed to at the vocal fold level. Straw will help train that balance, and it takes time. Good luck!

[@genewarwickjr1922]

Singing over the break seems more difficult when I use the straw compared to without. Am I doing something incorrectly?

[@SingingStraw]

The straw can adjust where your shifts happen in your voice and that is all good. It won't mean that you lose range when singing without the straw - in fact it will ultimately lead to more balance and better resonance through your transition!

[@rockrobsta]

I am a Rock vocalist.. I have a very strong chest voice and I am starting to be able to get a little bit more than a falsetto when I get into my head voice.. but I can not slide into it.. I break and crack and just wanta cry!! Lol😂😂😂 I really want to be able to push into that upper register impressive rock singer voice and I know I can do it with help … is there something for this ?? Just got my singing straw today

[@SingingStraw]

Hey! Yes, the Singing / Straw can help with that! Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3LCiWWsqq-JiMk

[@nikhilkatnour1749]

Generally how much time it's gonna take to get rid of the pulled larynx? ( i am doing this regularly for about 45 mins - 1 hr)

[@SingingStraw]

It really depends on how ingrained your pulled larynx is in your singing. I'd actually recommend shorter but more frequent practice sessions - say 10 min 2x/day for a couple weeks - and you should be noticing improvement! I'm going to be putting on a Bootcamp in January that might help if you'd like to work with me, here's the waitlist: www.becomeabettersinger.com/

[@nikhilkatnour1749]

@@SingingStraw Thankyou mam for this information

[@98R0791]

I can't seem to use my upper register. I think I'm still using my chest voice in the siren. Do you have any suggestions?

[@SingingStraw]

Lower your volume, try getting a little light and breathy - and play around with ooh and eeh vowels, then add straw. Good luck!

[@propergunjah8726]

I have a problem with an A vowel in my head register. It sounds breathy and hoarse.

[@pameliemusic]

At the beginning is better to work w a starbucks large straw i guess...at least I feel a difference ! XD

[@SingingStraw]

That's great!! Do what is best for your voice and keep up the great work :). If you have the Singing / Straw we even recommend using 2 or 3 of our 3mm straws at once if you're just getting started with straw phonation and then you can start to work your way down to just one 3mm straw.

[@pameliemusic]

@@SingingStraw THANK YOU SOO MUCH!

[@ronmellen2601]

I have a very low register yet also i wide rang. How can I extend my rang to reach higher notes?

[@SingingStraw]

Have you seen our Better High Notes warmup? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pInbYY1po75qhsk

[@SingingStraw]

We also have this exercise: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYqrhKqGr6yVsKc

[@tyronejayacodi5972]

IMG pleSe get to the Point what are you trying to explain over and over again sorry Just boring