Ep. 82 "How To Not Strain Your Voice (Or Your Soul)"

Many singers complain of vocal strain or are told they are straining their voices. This can lead to limitations, problems, and even damage. In Episode 82, Justin Stoney of New York Vocal Coaching discusses the specifics of strain in singing and what can be done to fix this. Unburden your voice and also your soul! Enjoy Voice Lessons To The World!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Today's Question
1:13 Why We Don't Want Vocal Strain
2:15 Factors That Cause Vocal Strain
4:30 What Is Vocal Strain?
4:53 Areas of Strain #1: The Neck
5:43 Areas of Strain #2: Breathing
6:15 Areas of Strain #3: The Larynx
7:13 Areas of Strain #4: Alignment
7:50 Areas of Strain #5: Vocal Cords
8:27 Areas of Strain #6: Jaw & Tongue
9:09 Areas of Strain #7: The Soul
10:01 Justin Stoney's Vocal Benediction, Resources, & Information
11:11 Manny Cooner
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New York Vocal Coaching in Midtown Manhattan is NYC’s leading Vocal Studio founded by internationally-recognized Voice Teacher, Justin Stoney and home to some of the best Voice Teachers and Vocal Coaches in the world.
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Our KZbin shows were created with a heart to offer free singing tips, vocal technique exercises, and vocal pedagogy information online to those who may not otherwise have the means to afford them or access them. Join Justin each episode for another fresh opportunity to “Make A Joyful Noise”!
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#NewYorkVocalCoaching #SingingLessons #VocalStrain

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

The new book by Justin Stoney "Sing Like Never Before" is now available! 🎶📖🎤 A vocal pedagogy book like none you've ever seen! Learn more at singlikeneverbefore.com or get your copy on Amazon ➡ www.amazon.com/Sing-Like-Never-Before-Technique/dp/1950659755/

[@larryalexander9214]

Hi Justin my SCM muscle is overused and strained when I sing higher is there any specific exercises for this?

[@santoventura8002]

@@larryalexander9214 from here of d r thes INGlish lisen bery good

[@asstroeongdong-min1709]

seeing him talk is an instant mood lifter

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

How sweet! He does have a very kind soul. -NYVC

[@friendlydinosaur6646]

Couldn't agree more. He's super kind.

[@miguelbritton1463]

That's true...really would love to have a session with him but I'm having life so difficult financially

[@rosmill1]

True

[@mehmehmeh6130]

I feel so protected whenever I see his vids lol he never discourages or bash on the bad technique that I was doing and just encourages better technique

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Awesome we have Justin to set the record straight and in such a kind and caring way. Thanks for noticing! -NYVC

[@agentjackstone3543]

@@NewYorkVocalCoaching Justin is Christlike. I could learn from that as well.

[@fauwazms]

He is lowkey a doctor

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Fun point Mohd! :) - NYVC

[@genahebert4]

He’s like the singing doctor..lightheartedly and funny lol

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Haha!😁 -NYVC

[@Stucrompton1]

you are amazing justin and your hair looks great mate

[@seamusodonnell5272]

+stu crompton lol...

[@rollingapples6579]

+Seamus O'Donnell a looking? Don't you mean GOOD looking? Haha

[@PS-sg4er]

Totally hot. Have you heard Justin's range and how different he can make his voice sound. You got see this. Amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp-2hKNph56Kmpqqe

[@owenathanael]

Best biology teacher ever!

[@MaytaneVideos]

Justin is so alive, that's what it looks like to live your dreams and do what you wanted to do when you were 8! Awesome man

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Justin loves what he does!! -NYVC

[@DianaBelliniOficial]

Love your spirit... Love your communication, sense of humor and professionalism... Really.... I admire you

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We all admire him here, too. Thanks for the comment! -NYVC

[@Arijit-BS7274]

@@NewYorkVocalCoaching can't we sing more than 2 ocatives? In Open thorated voice

[@tearyowl6075]

I'll affirm this once again: you're the BEST VOCAL COACH in this platform, Coach Justin! More power to you and your incredible cannel!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Mr. Stoney appreciates your kind words, Teary Owl! -NYVC

[@ninae5290]

This is what all singing teachers should be like! Thanks so much Justin :)

[@UzairKhan-qd3xu]

A message for whoever manages the channel please make justin see these comments of massive appreciation......also not just sing like him i also wanna be as kind as him too...thanks justin

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Aw! You're very sweet Uzair! Justin reads ALL the comments. :) He is very grateful for all of them! -NYVC

[@rickysword3945]

it's strange to see a good vocal coach online, after all these years, but Justin, let me tell you: you are ****in' good, thanks for existing! xD

[@rva]

Brilliant sir

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thanks so much for your support for Justin. -NYVC

[@LenisMercy]

Such poetic, rhythmic speaking, interest grasping indeed

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

😄🙏🏼 -NYVC

[@shoddyworkmanship4934]

Thank you so much for this video; I love your in-depth, yet easy to understand, explanations. I've heard many great singers ruin their voices, so I have always been abnormally afraid of vocal damage/strain.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

+Shoddy Workmanship Thanks Mr. Workmanship! ;) No more fearing strain! Just good ol' fashioned Vocal Technique! Thanks for your support!

[@geneveramusic]

I love your videos! What a great joie de vivre, intellect, and sense of humor you have. Thank you!!!

[@fatscotsgal]

How come all those body parts sound so much like dinosaurs? The visualizations I'm getting here are epic

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

HA! -NYVC

[@MrDogonjon]

It's all science!

[@suuuiiii]

When you talk my good mood activates. Your voice so soothing it helps relaxing my mind. Thank you sir.

[@GiorgiandHorses]

9:24 : me✌️😂, you are so good and hilarious

[@moniquewrites9046]

It is well with my soul!

[@mochijr.4464]

Felicia Ingram Bethel reference?

[@aorchiesiddiqui1947]

His videos are the BEST on vocal training. The concepts are explained so well. Just two days of his videos on mix voice and I already my voice feels more open. Thank you Justin.

[@gaijin134]

Thanks for sharing Justin! Sound advice as always.

[@GemmaLouiseDoyle]

Gosh there are so many areas of possible strain we need to avoid! Thank you Justin

[@Ewonder78]

I want to bake a light cake to this guy. He is so enlighting.

[@CoolWinter]

It's so strange to feel so connected with an online vocal coach who I have never met irl Justin you're a blessing for singers of this generation

[@CheMaLi94]

It's magical how i just feel better while watching these videos! I feel really supported and understood by you, Justin! Thanks a lot and keep going!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

This is amazing Chema! We're so happy to hear that! -NYVC

[@DesireeStamat]

Strain on the soul. "It is well in my soul" I need to give my self more grace in this area. I think personal stress and tension is causing some vocal issues and vocal strain. It is good that you mentioned this. Blessings

[@abbied.]

I like the last bit a lot. I’ve been singing for years and taking lessons as well as watching videos. I still have a lot of strain and lately I haven’t been feeling any happiness while I sing because I’m too distracted by the fact I can’t seem to get this. Nice encouragement. It is well with my soul 🎶🎵

[@samtheexplorer4737]

this leonardo beta is so fun and giving so much gift xD

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Hi Chen! Thank you so much for your support for Justin! We hope you enjoy VLTTW :)

[@maudthemoth]

Loooool

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Yes, so great whether it's teaching us something new or refreshing what we often forget. Thanks Justin.

[@Mechum22]

“It is well with my soul.” Amen! Thanks for this video. :-)

[@LJMadrigalMusic]

I swear he is the most amusing vocal coach to watch here on KZbin. I feel relaxed everytime I hear him talk.. Plus the educational side for my vocal health too!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Mr. Stoney is super grateful for all your kind words LJ! -NYVC

Thanks so much for sharing your musical knowledge with the world!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank you for your kind words! We at New York Vocal Coaching always want to share as many free resources with all you dedicated singers as we can! Don't forget to check out our free daily vocal tips too by visiting dailyvocaltips.com! :)

[@Viralityoflife]

You’re the most positive person I’ve ever seen. Thank you for these videos. You’re a blessing sir!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thanks for watching, Mike! We're truly grateful! -NYVC

[@aadamy]

I love the way you explain things! Sooooo helpful. Thank you for talking about the soul!

[@ricardosiahaan5287]

this video is really helping me thanks Justin..

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank YOU Ricardo for your wonderful support and feedback! We are so glad VLTTW are helping you on your vocal development, stay tuned :)

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Justin, you cover all the topics I want to learn more about. As a singer, your instruction and energy give me hope to be a better singer. Thanks for your work.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Many thanks to you from Mr. Stoney! We are so glad to be with you on your vocal journey! -NYVC

[@jessyca9833]

Wow. This video is so extensive. Thank you so much.

[@alexperez4788]

Hello Justin Stoney I'm still listening and watching your videos! 💖💖💖💖

[@myroslavadanilova771]

Your lessons are amazing.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Many thanks to you Myroslava! -NYVC

[@yingke_zhao]

thanks justin for saving all our souls!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Lol! Thank you so much for watching, Alice! -NYVC

[@matt10342]

😍😍😍 This is my favorite video ever🙌 Justin you are an angel and singlehandedly a vocal life-saver

[@Tieg]

Best vocal coach on the planet!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

+Tieg Johnson You are so generous and kind Tieg! Blessings!

[@mariannanewman6108]

you are so WELL READ!!!! your anatomy knowledge really blew me away- i have a lot of strain because I can get nervous! Thank you for your help! EMI and you are teaching me!!!!!

[@rfmapleleafs]

Great as usual!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

+Richard Finn Thank you Richard! Keep up the great work with your singing!

[@rfmapleleafs]

+New York Vocal Coaching Thanks so much!

[@joburnette1660]

This guy is amazing!

[@PS-sg4er]

Way amazing! Have you heard Justin's range and how different he can make his voice sound. You got see this. Amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp-2hKNph56Kmpqqe

[@neglectedurchin]

i love your mannerisms, great teach.

[@DarlaBaltazar]

The soul bit hit home for me. You’re right. It is well with my soul and I ought to sing with a bigger purpose. God bless you man :)

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

YEAH!! -NYVC

[@aidenmalacaria3086]

This really helped me! As an extremely untrained singer myself your videos are absolutely life changing to my vocal practice! I WANT MORE! :p

[@shellyadams1548]

This is an excellent video. I am an elementary music teacher spending 7+ hours a day singing and speaking. Spend all of last year dealing with extreme vocal strain and had to re-learn how to use my voice effectively. You have covered every aspect so well! My favorite is #7! Thank you!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank you so much Shelly for your amazing support and feedback! Justin is so glad VLTTW have been helpful and is wishing you well this holiday season!

[@filakyle3663]

That is always so nice to listen to you and learn. And i loved "soul" part. It was so nice to hear it.

[@jjimi6216]

I never knew a vocal lesson can make me cry. The last part 'Don't strain your soul' hit my heart 😭

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We’re so glad this touched your heart J.! 💙 -NYVC

[@mikew1956]

Television pushes the people they feel, or, want us to view as stars. KZbin allows us to find our own. This guy is a rock star. Such a great teacher and personality!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Justin appreciates your thoughtful words, Mike! -NYVC

[@angalmeida29]

You have a wonderful heart and that shows thru every video U make Justin . Thank u for this wonderful lesson

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank you for your wonderful feedback and kind words Angela! -NYVC

[@user-gm2ub7kf8t]

Dear Justin, Mr. stoney, Your videos on every topic have such a wide serround of information, that builds such awareness, happiness & sweetness & a feel of triomphe. Big thank you. God bless you:))

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

God bless you too! We're so happy you like the show and find it helpful! -NYVC

[@tnvalleyyoga7122]

The best info I've ever gotten on KZbin voice training.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We're doing our best! We're super glad you like it 😄 -NYVC

[@Danything123]

his videos are the most helpful ones online

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We're so glad you think so Danny! -NYVC

[@stellabandante2727]

You are a sparkling person. Thanks for putting out these videos. I learn a lot from you, and I love that you really know what you're talking about. I love to try out your suggestions, and usually find they help me know my voice better and hear the gradual improvement that comes with steady practice.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Mr. Stoney is so grateful for your kind words, Stella! And, we're so glad to hear this! -NYVC

[@archmichaels]

THANK YOU SO MUCH JUSTIN.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thanks for watching Akouma! -NYVC

[@suuuiiii]

Whenever i see him and hear him teaching it calms me immediately. 👍

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Aw! Justin appreciates this I'm sure! -NYVC

[@nataliescovermusicswitzerland]

Firework of excellence!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

🎇🎆🌠 -NYVC

[@ghafarqaheri]

Excellent video Justin. You are detailed and excellent with examples ! This is my first video of you and I have now subscribed! Looking forward to seeing all your other videos. You should have a lot of more subscribers and views than these other “vocal coaches” ! Keep up the amazing work and

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We appreciate your kind words, Ghafar! Thanks for watching! -NYVC

[@napolitano2728]

Awesome teaching, as always!

[@gonzremodelingandwindows6571]

So far best teacher i found on you tube Thank you!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We're so glad you like the show! Thank you! :D -NYVC

[@NeptunianAstroStars]

He is one of the most uplifting teachers online.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Mr. Stoney is super grateful for your kind words Faiza! We're glad to have your support! -NYVC

[@dapunkof1975]

Great stuff man, so far favorite KZbin teacher and great voice!

[@synchronicity67]

Point 7. 😄👍🙏🎵 . end of day that's wat keeps all musicians going ! Thanks again 🙏

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Amen!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 -NYVC

[@Sacrifice13]

I love your style of teaching and the information is awesome! Thank you very much!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

So happy that you enjoyed it Sacrifice! - NYVC

[@stevezink9302]

Awesome Justin thanks!

[@soundseeker4643]

Thank you for all that you do and share

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank for being a part of the community Kailea! :) -NYVC

[@donaldd5387]

Really enjoy and learn from your explanations.

[@rodmitchell831]

Thanks Justine.....very helpful

[@allyjk]

I thought I'd be the first Bangladeshi to send a question to your show :) great to see I've some fellow . Really amazing! Thanks dear brother for all your support & inspiration , help & guidance!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

+Sami Yusufs Ally As always, thank you for your amazing support! :)

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

4:50 what is vocal strain 6:05 don’t want upper abs to get tight when singing, it’s a muscle pair to the larynx 6:25 vocal folds are house in larynx, don’t want larynx to be the pitch changer only a stylistic sound modifier 8:30 jaw and tongue

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

You're really on fire with these helpful tags! -NYVC

[@owenathanael]

Finally a new video!!!

[@cathygracecatubay3207]

Thank you so much jastin i’ve learn a lot from you🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@milkycloud.]

I LOVE YOU JUSTIN!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Mr. Stoney appreciates your kind words, Unicorn! -NYVC

[@goldenehorde]

love this so much

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

So glad!! Thanks for watching, Jan! -NYVC

[@leonardomelgoza7865]

i really love this guy!

[@amysorinio6661]

Great coaching. Thanks.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank you for the feedback Amy! -NYVC

[@TravelNP]

Wow I love this! So beautiful a message at the end! Thank you for Being

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

💙 -NYVC

[@heidirauhanen1951]

Oh loved that Soul thing. No ego needed when singing

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Yeah!!! 🎶 -NYVC

[@MariaDiamez2016]

I always look forward to that few seconds he'd snatch that piece of paper to read questions.You can tell he's excited to teach.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Aw! Mr. Stoney appreciates that, Pinay! -NYVC

[@davidr007]

Just found your channel and really love your way of teaching! You are amazing!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

We're so glad to hear it! Keep up the awesome work, David! We're happy to do what we can to help your Vocal Journey along. -NYVC

[@libardomm.trasimaco]

Amazing teache. Thanks Justin.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

So glad this helped! Thanks Libardomm! -NYVC

[@leanhquoc3109]

best teacher ever

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Best student ever! -NYVC

[@bernardifilms6084]

Your videos make me happy

[@AleksandraSavic21]

Ahhh..!! This is great! :) You re the best!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

No you're the best! :) -NYVC

[@teamlionsclaw9352]

I try to sing Skid Row songs and I'm a tenor my range is from B2 to G4,I know it will take a lot of time to get even a little close to Sebastian,sometimes I just dont believe in myself that I can improve my range that much,but your videos always show me that there is hope,thank you Justin!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Justin is so glad to be a part of your vocal journey! We encourage you to work hard and stay confident in your voice, for every path is different! Thank you for your support and we wish you happy days and happy singing! Stay tuned :)

[@PS-sg4er]

Love Skid Row. Sebastian uses a lot of twang. That will really help your high notes.

[@Aaliel]

You really seem like an absolutely amazing person

[@Frootsnax473]

This is so helpful thank you! I definitely feel strain when I sing high notes, and I think it’s a combination of a few of the areas you listed in the video. Now off to work on it!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Awesome! So glad this helped! -NYVC

[@mohdhusein4510]

This man really knows what he is talking about.tq for the valuable information

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Hi Mohd! Thank you for your kind words! They are so appreciated! -NYVC

[@mohdhusein4510]

@@NewYorkVocalCoaching most welcome sir u know since 1990 ive lost my high range due to time and lately I can only sing low.very difficult to sing at head voice anymore.can u pls give me some ways or advice how to get that high register again.tq man

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Hi Mohd! You can stretch your range! Challenge your voice with notes that are a tad bit too high! Check out Episode 87 and Episode 89! -NYVC

[@Jade-fo1wc]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! It was really helpful 🌞

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

YAY! :) -NYVC

[@dr.maheshdixit8851]

Wonderful teaching

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank you for watching, Dr. Mahesh! -NYVC

[@vidhyareddyn2714]

You are amazing.. thank you so much!!!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thanks for watching, Vidhya! -NYVC

[@clarafrancesca1823]

Such a great tip!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Many thanks to you, Clara! -NYVC

[@spin196]

You are the best, Justin!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All your videos are so helpul!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much!!

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thank YOU so much Sara for your incredible support! Justin is so glad you enjoy VLTTW, happy singing!

[@vulpesvulpes7373]

Thanks man you are really inspiring! luv your videos.

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Thanks for your kind comment! -NYVC

[@muzyshayk8006]

No. 1 vocal coach !😍 Love from India. Keep inspiring people :)

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

Mr. Stoney appreciates your generous words! 💙 -NYVC

[@muzyshayk8006]

New York Vocal Coaching ♥️☺️