What Does True Vocal Control Feel Like?

Have you been chasing the wrong sensation?

[@theomaung2461]

You're one of the best coaches I've ever seen. Hope to be your student one day. :)

[@CPTdrawer22]

Mark Baxter - "My" voice instructor and Director, an Angel whom I greatly respect, sent this video to me. Being an ol' biker (not a "bicyclist!"), it all made perfect sense, and I hearkened back to when practicing principles learned in AiKiDo while riding hands-free on an Interstate at 70+ mph (Kids, don't try this at home!): Direct one's thoughts (and thereby, energy/energies) to where I wanted to go - and the bike will follow, as long as one doesn't emphasize the thinking, but more the intended direction of travel! (You explain that concept far better than I!) "Be the bike" seems to be the same as "being the sound," if I have that correctly. De Oppresso Liber

[@voicelessondotcom]

You have that absolutely correct! Ride on!

[@CPTdrawer22]

@@voicelessondotcom - Thanks for the confirmation, Mark. De Oppresso Liber

[@voicelessondotcom]

I feel very honored that I inspired you to make a comment Romeo! So honored that it didn't hurt so much when you stated that I was not very intelligent! (joke)

[@UrbanPettersson]

Very interesting point of view. It aligns with my personal journey where I am now. Started singing this year (2020) and have come to the point where I stop forcing the notes, particularly in belting, and just imagine the note in my brain and let my body find it. Thanks for your amazing work Mark!

[@voicelessondotcom]

You've discovered the best way to sing!

[@romeosipos1324]

it's the first time i make a comment on youtube you should feel honored (joke) i did'it because i feel a great desire to tell you how much i like how you simplify things. You are not very inteligent but very wise and i think that wisdom is not something you can learn even if you read all the books in the world! i think it's a gift and i love that you're sharing your gift with us. Thank you!!

[@WENNTERTAINMENT]

Thanks Mark. It is as if you sent us on a vocal quest. Gratitude Maestro

[@gonzalo4348]

Hi. Here is the thing. After many years developing perception you definetly develop the necessary perception on some specific larynx activity. The main reason why you do not have too much feedback is because the larynx is the one in control and as long you provide the right environment and respect its movements and required space, it will do all the magic for you. All ans organs know what to do and do not want you to interphere. Love your tips.

[@materpia]

So interesting and such a unique perspective always. Thank you!

[@voicelessondotcom]

Hope it helps!

[@voicelessondotcom]

If you're thinking you need to push out air you will contract your throat in anticipation of that air. Your previous voice teacher was suggesting pressure in your abs in order to create a classical sound. If you do not sing opera that behavior will hamper you more then help. Laying on your back is good for releasing muscle but no book is needed on your tummy. Watch my video "Singer's Posture Solution" and "Breathing Basics for Singers."

[@MiinaMarie]

Voice Lesson.com wait. this comment just blew my mind!! I was trained as this other person was...with using my abs to help support...my teacher would have me sings show tunes, some contemporary - which in particular scared me sometimes. because I always felt I sounded too "pretty". not the sound I wanted at all for that style of music, but it was how she trained me...and I've always wanted to be a rock singer, since I was little and made that clear to her, and finally after so many years of me asking to expand my chest voice instead of just my head voice, she wasn't capable because that's not what she knew (herself or how to teach)...anyway to now read your response here...oh my god please elaborate. I've held myself back so much because of what I always thought to be right support not providing me with the sound I want. and when I do create the sound I want..I wonder what I'm doing differently and if it's doing any harm...so far so good? maybe just fatigued after about an hour of rock singing? honestly mark, mind completely blown at this! thanks. doing the 100 day challenge so I know I'm late to the party :)

[@voicelessondotcom]

Yes - it does align with what I'm saying in the video. And minimizing how much flex sensation you feel when singing will maximize vocal control. You don't need to tell the larynx what to do. You need only to ask for the sound you want.

[@NoEconomyForSomeJen]

Wu wei

[@carleenmejzastrumunderthes4130]

Another cool lesson…I am internalizing your tips well…I can visualize your tips when I practice.

[@bluesrockchannel6293]

Bloody Brilliant!

[@romeosipos1324]

I'm sure you understand what i meant! You are more then just another very good teacher (their are so many) and you're not just different, i see wisdom in your teaching and i know i'm right! I can not wait to see your next video!

[@the0v0man]

Real nice explanation man. I'm currently training up my voice to where I want it and your excersises and explainations are really helping me. Thanks very much for posting your knowledge.When I realised I want light, effortless sound and then I experienced it... It was a lovely experience

[@voicelessondotcom]

Glad to help! Continue to "ask" for the sounds you want rather than the behavior you think necessary.

[@valycaramel]

I adore your videos, I like the way you explain!

[@RekhaKaula]

Thank you for this teaching. Really helpful.

[@johnforeau6581]

Wow!!! Just wow!! Your teaching is so effortless and just amazing. Thank you so much ❤️

[@voicelessondotcom]

Welcome to my channel!

[@michelemelemusic]

you are so brilliant...but we already know that!!...getting closer and closer to weightless!! had a gift of easy singing today and am a total believer!!

[@sherreebmusic]

Great video here Mark!

[@voicelessondotcom]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mrcabasa5507]

That's outstanding info. The fog has slightly dissipated in the valley of what happened in there.

[@voicelessondotcom]

Click on more videos until fog has completely cleared. Amazing what that will do to your voice!

[@voicelessondotcom]

We'll take the gifts whenever they come!!

[@flachlandbraut]

🙏🏻💜

[@Delta1Tango]

Super cool to know! Thanks Mark!!! :)

[@cwehden]

Really interesting, I don't 'feel' the muscles in my arm when they contract to lift something but I do have an intimate relationship with how much force they are exerting at any given moment. Personally I feel the coordination of the folds in exactly the same way when my voice is free especially as I move into head voice the only way to float there is to feel that flexing sensation of the internal muscles stretching out the vocal cords, does this in anyway mold with your ideas Mark?

[@Dekyiful]

Always innovative & informative! Thanks again!

[@sacredwomensbusiness6799]

Ok that’s really fascinating!!! I didn’t realise the brain doesn’t allow feeling in those areas! So, what is it that feels like a lump in the throat when you get anxious or nervous? Tight surrounding muscles that are tense? Thanks Mark!

[@voicelessondotcom]

Yes - that's exactly what you're feeling. What's important to remember is those muscles don't sing - they stop singing! So we certainly don't want to promote their involvement.

[@sacredwomensbusiness6799]

Ok. Many thanks my brilliant friend & maestro!! 🤣🥰👏💥👉🖖Live Long & Prosper! 🖖🏾👈

[@texholliday]

hi Mark - just revisited this Vid - Excellent as always - been working constantly on all u taught me ... ' Getting better all the time .... Hope to see u again in Newyear. happy hollidays to you .....

[@voicelessondotcom]

Same to you Kenny!

[@jennakim5784]

Hi Mark! I have 2 questions~ 1. I have been working on relaxing my throat and not push as much air out. I was wondering if laying on the ground and putting heavy books on my abdomen would help... is that an exercise? 2. When you sing, should you have pressure in your lower abs? Because I once had a vocal teacher to put pressure there, as if you were going to the bathroom...

[@kingoftrolls]

another great video!

[@intalik]

Mind blown again!

[@cuthbertgeorge]

you rock Baxter.

[@Snackay]

I noticed the no physical sensation a while ago, but didn't know why.

[@dessertray]

Just jumping in to say I totally agree w/Romeo except that Mark is not only generous and wise, but also intelligent (no joke)! I secretly think of him as the bionic man.

[@voicelessondotcom]

I hope so too Theo! :)

[@voicelessondotcom]

[@mhinephoenix22]

Great video.!

[@Endrit719]

Hey Mark, nice video, as I've been watching lots of videos, I heard that when you sing high the vocal cords become thinner and shorter, while lower is the opposite, I was wondering how can I control to make my vocal cords thinner and shorter but that means that we can't do it directly right?

[@voicelessondotcom]

What you heard was incorrect: To sing higher the vocal cords are stretched longer and therefore become thinner - and lower is the opposite (shorter/thicker). Singing the pitches means you are controlling your vocal cords. Just like focusing your eyes on different things means your controlling the muscles in your eyes (even though we don't think of it that way). Ask for the sounds you want!

[@Endrit719]

@@voicelessondotcom yea right! I think I didn't remember it correctly, I have a lot of trouble to engage my diaphragm support and my voice is very light, if I try to sing with full voice I cant control my pitch, any suggestion?

[@voicelessondotcom]

@@Endrit719 My suggestion is that you stop trying to engage your diaphragm. Because those muscles are not your diaphragm! INstead - do this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imiweKian9J9jac

[@Endrit719]

@@voicelessondotcom I dont understand because sometimes when I sing after taking a 1 or 2 weeks break, it naturally happens but next day when I sing its not happening and actually I can feel below the belly button on the right side a sensation as if my muscles are exhausted, maybe I am breathing improperly, or I am jumping into singing without enough warm up

[@voicelessondotcom]

@@Endrit719 Yes - your muscles are exhausted - because those muscles below your belly button are not your diaphragm - yet you are engaging them as if they are vital to drive your voice. If you squeeze a pencil too tightly when writing you shouldn't blame writing for your arm getting tired.

[@nectariosgeorgiou]

it makes sense!!! but how can we control vocalisation if its not associated with any feeling?

[@voicelessondotcom]

How did you watch the video without sensation of the muscles in the eyes? They allowed you to focus and adjust for light - and then they allowed you to scan back and forth to write your question - all without feeling them working.

[@nectariosgeorgiou]

Voice Lesson.com well yes , but i was aware of their work. Just like the eyes , i can tell weather i am vocalizing or not . What i am trying to say, is that the feeling associated with vocalizing might be something nice and easy and smooth but there is a certain level of (allow me to say) tension which is the result of your awareness that your are producing sound and you are not on idle mode. I am a big fan of yours and i love your videos , i just want to know your opinion :)

[@voicelessondotcom]

You're right on point with your observation! It's the route of most vocal issues. We TRUST our eyes. As you write - we're well aware that the eyes are working so we leave them be. We strain our eyes and squint with tension (just like with the voice) but never question their ability to operate reflexively. We simply guide our eyes by intention - not instruction. Those with vocal issues do not trust their voices. We question whether the sound we imagine will come out as imagined. In that split-second of hesitation - doubt floods in and disrupts the flow of communication between brain and larynx. When the result is NOT the sound we intended and we use the unintended result as evidence that we need to think and feel MORE about singing when singing. So we literally invent sensations and create extra muscle activity that has nothing to do with producing a sound but has everything to do with providing a physical feedback that confirms what we're about to sing should sound like the last time we felt that way. If what you were looking at were somehow broadcast on a giant screen for all to see - you would be a lot less trusting of your eyes. Instead - what your eyes take in is viewed only by you. But the sounds we create with our voices are heard (and analyzed) by all within earshot. So it makes lots of people hesitant to let things flow from inspiration to phonation without sensor. Great point - thanks for raising the issue! :)

[@adammockler]

greetings mr. baxter, what’s your favorite way to build strong balance in the diaphragm so my breathe support is better? I have been practicing the Farinelli exercise daily, will that be enough to see results in my support?

[@voicelessondotcom]

If you sing classical music - Farinelli exercises will be fine. But if you sing contemporary styles watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6u2XohtZ9GEaK8

[@adammockler]

@@voicelessondotcom thank you, the analogies in that video make a lot of sense. so is there any way to train/improve upon breathe support for contemporary singing? i’ve learned know how to breath properly into my lower back and that i need to keep my diaphragm down, but i feel like i still have a lot of tensions that come from not having fully developed support. how do develop stronger support over time?

[@voicelessondotcom]

@@adammockler You're "thinking" for a very natural behavior - and that's the problem! Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqaXdHqHf82Kf9U

[@jennakim5784]

*teacher who told me

[@tylerharrison8830]

Very interesting

[@sscoty1990]

Hi mark!! Talking about voice control, whenever i hear my own voice while singing either in headpho es or a landline phone receiver (maybe a wierd way but it works for me) i feel that i have got a magic wand and i can have full control over my voice. But as i remove them, i feel i am back to that area of uncertainty. How to have control over my voice even if i dont have a feedback.

[@voicelessondotcom]

You ALWAYS have feedback regarding your voice. What you're responding to with the phone and headphones is an amplified and artificially affected feedback. The less you sound like you the more you relax. That's common. The solution is simple. Practice more without any devices. It's hard to break the habit at first but you will ultimately gain a much better sense of your voice (in all situations) if you develop a relationship with your unaffected sound.

[@Olibaby12]

@@voicelessondotcom Your comment has helped me a lot, thank you! It's obvious that when I'm only practicing singing alongside songs, I'm only going to be comfortable to sing when a song is playing. If I want to be good at singing without accompaniment, I have to practice exactly that.

[@tyrone.terreiro]

3:09

[@keondreprice6502]

So nobody see the weewee

[@romeosipos1324]

Anyway i wanted to say that you're not just smart!