5 Mistakes Singers Make That Plateau Their Singing Voice and the Solutions

1. Settling for the voice you have

The biggest mistake I see singers make is settling for the voice they have.

When it comes to voices, talent is inherent—born. But it’s not the whole truth.

Because while talent IS born, achievements are built. Just like an athlete, the vocal instrument needs the right movements to excel. Plus, you need to be able to keep singing without losing your voice.
So whether you sing for a living and are starting to feel your voice is not holding up like it used to, or you want to experience more vocal stamina and endurance, or to develop better sound and control, the key is vocal technique training.

Every great voice trains at some point. Training is how you build a strong and healthy voice that can deliver on command. It’s also how you reach new levels with your vocal skills.

Don’t hold yourself back by thinking you are stuck with the voice you have!

A singer who trains their voice has a great advantage over singers who don’t.

• They’ll outlast other singers on stage.
• They’ll retain longevity way past their prime.
• They’ll stand out because they sound better.

Singers who train sound great on their worst day.
Imagine what is possible for your voice?

2. Singing with compensatory muscles

Singing with the wrong muscles will burn the voice out faster than anything else. These muscles, called the “compensatory muscles” are the muscles that compensate for a weakness in the core vocal strength.

The main compensatory muscles of the singing voice are:

• Tongue
• Jaw
• Neck muscles
• Throat muscles (laryngeals)

When these muscles are “over-functioning” they will constrict the voice and cause limitations with range, tone and overall sound. Over time, this will erode the voice and cause more serious vocal problems.

This can be avoided by training with the right movements that strip away the compensatory muscles and strengthen the core vocal muscles, proper support and right coordination and balance between air and muscle.

Learn more about The Cole Vocal Method here.
Learn the Cole Vocal Method inside The Vocal Freedom Circle here.

3. Lack of a solid vocal technique

Let’s face it, free YouTube videos can help, but they are not how you build a solid voice.

The reason is, there are so many components and movements that need to be automatic at the moment of performance, the only way to achieve that is to study and train with a solid vocal technique.

I just did a Masterclass on Building a World Class Voice and one of the attendees asked “what makes us use the compensatory muscles”. My response was “a lack of good technique training.” Until you learn how to use the voice correctly, the compensatory muscles will naturally dominate in singing.

Once you go through the process of stripping them away by practicing the right movements in vocal technique, they will stop interfering and you will start to sing from real vocal strength and tone.

Start by identifying which compensatory muscles are over-functioning:

Try this:

a. Stand in front of a mirror and watch as you sing looking to identify what muscles are engaging.
b. Sing AH-AH-AH-AH-AH (1-2-3-4-3-2-1)  in front of the mirror.
c. Now let’s sing this scale again and notice any subtle movements. What muscles are engaging.
d. Do you see your neck muscles tightening as you sing? This signifies the over-functioning of the neck muscles.
e. Is the jaw clenching or closing when you sing? This signifies the over-functioning of the jaw muscles.
f. Sing the scale again. What more do you notice?
g. Is your head or chin jutting forward as you sing? This signifies the over-functioning of the back of the neck muscles in singing.
h. Is your chest caving in – even slightly? This signifies pushing air and the lack of breath control.
i. Is your tongue reaching forward when you sing? This signifies the over-functioning of the front of the tongue.
j. Are your eyebrows raising when you sing higher? This signifies the over-functioning of facial muscles.
k. Jot down what you notice.
l. Try singing while disengaging one muscle group that is over-functioning. The muscles and movements mentioned above are considered “compensatory” muscles that compensate for a weakness in the primary muscles we use in healthy vocal technique.

Within a short time of practicing the right vocal technique your voice will sound and feel freer and more resonant. Overtime you develop real vocal strength at the core muscles and can build a world-class level singing voice.

Learn the Cole Vocal Method inside The Vocal Freedom Circle here.

4. A consistent daily vocal technique practice + regimen

The foundation of a strong and healthy voice that can hold up to the demands of singing night after night is a strong consistent daily vocal technique practice. The benefits are extraordinary in building a strong and healthy voice.

Try this:

• Start a 20-minute minimum vocal technique practice, five days a week. Be sure to give yourself 2 days off.
• Schedule it right on your calendar and make it non-negotiable.
• Think of your daily practice as a “devotional practice” to give your voice wings to fly. As Luciano Pavarotti (the famous tenor) said “People think I’m disciplined. It’s not discipline, it’s devotion. There is a big difference.”
• As you proceed with your practice, you’ll notice significant improvements in your tone, range, strength and power. Our proven method will get you these results faster. The Cole Vocal Method is based in over 40 years of vocal science.

Start your daily practice with my Singers Gift Vocal Warmups 20 minute warmup videos here.

5. Regular lessons or check-ins with a skilled vocal technique teacher

Once you develop a consistent daily vocal technique practice + regimen with a solid vocal technique like my Cole Vocal Method, you’ll want to either schedule regular vocal technique lessons or check-ins with a skilled vocal technique teacher.

The reason for this is that when you practice on your own without any feedback, it’s easy to develop the wrong movements or habits without realizing it. It’s hard to observe your own voice, or know when bad habits or movements are creeping in and your vocal teacher will keep you on track moving forward with the right techniques and habits.

Start your practice with my Singers Gift Vocal Warmups here. 
Learn the full Cole Vocal Method here. 
Schedule a Vocal Analysis check-in with me here.