PAYOFFS FOR BAD VOCAL TECHNIQUE Part 1.
Payoffs for bad vocal technique
We do things for reasons. Singing badly is no exception to this psychological fact.
A useful tool in changing a behavior habit is to discover the "payoff" bad behavior is getting you, and then finding a better way to get that payoff met.
Take cigarette smoking.
We don't do it to give ourselves lung cancer. We do it for positively perceived payoffs. One big one: it seems to take stress away. But here's the truth: Cigarettes are ultimately counter-productive for minimizing stress. In effect, it lies to us. The stress and worry caused by range and tone-limiting changes in your voice, the weak immune system that allows you to get sick for that career gig, and your growing lack of stamina for reaching your life goals the ultimate shortening of life itself- far outweigh the addictive fix of a cancer stick.
Ok we identified a major payoff for smoking, now let's find some stress relieving substitutes:
Some great nutrition (simple protein, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplimentation that de-acidify you also calm nerves), and consider getting tested to discover your individual needs,
some breathing exercises (a proven calming tactic),
possibly some interim drugs (no, not cocaine, such as nicotine "patch" to deal with cravings,
some oxygenating physical exercise (also stress-diminishing),
some wise human counseling (talking with a therapist and/or wise friend who can offer you encouragement, incentive and accountability).
some knowledge- about what smoking does, how it is really possible to quit no matter how "hooked" you seem to be.
Before you know it, you're chewing on carrots, washing all your stinky clothes and wondering how on earth anyone could ever want to light those horrible sticks up anyway, (there's nothing like a reformed smoker:)
So what are some payoffs for bad vocal technique?
Let's identify a few:
To hit that high note
To hit a low note
To carry a long note
To hit pitch more accurately (a big payoff for session singers)
To communicate passion
To sing over the live band volume
To talk so you're heard in a noisy club
To please the studio producer who keeps asking for "more, more, more"
To please the judges who want so see something over the top.
Get the picture?
These are all worthy payoffs. But here's the truth: Bad vocal technique will make every one of these problems worse and if they do momentarily seem get you to a goal, the limitations and damage they will cause your voice will far outweigh the momentary strain-fix. A vocal career can and frequently is cut short by the wrong solutions to these payoffs.
