Singing Analogy | Vocal Inhibition and Driving with Your Brakes On

Joe November 27, 2015

In this singing analogy we compare the sensation of singing to driving with the brakes on. When we sing, two things are happening at the same time.

First, we are attempting to express ourselves freely and emotionally. Second, due to a lifelong accumulation of inhibition, we feel a force trying to pull our sound back in the other direction, to dampen or dull the sound. This is like driving with one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake.

The main goal of vocal training is to replace inhibitory behavior with exhibitory behavior. We use vocal exercises and our attention to release unwanted muscle tension while, at the same time, training the muscles that need to be active and strong.

Find Your Vocal Range and Voice Type Test
Vocal Scales for Singing Scales for Mp3 Download
The Most Important Vocal Technique to Master
The Best Daily Vocal Exercise for Rapid Improvement
Why SOVT Exercises Train Vowels Better Than Open Mouth Vowel Exercises

Categories: Singing Analogies

Joe

Joe Naab is the founder of Vocal Nebula and an avid singer. He lives a contemplative life in the forested countryside of south Brazil. He grows most of what he eats. He enjoys helping others to sing better by offering courses, private lessons and song reviews.

How I Finally Solved My Greatest Vocal Problem

I’m going to share with you the worst singing problem I’ve had in my life, and how I solved it, once I decided to take the solution into my own hands. This is a very common problem for male singers.

Joe July 15, 2017

Why SOVT Exercises Train Vowels Better Than Open Mouth Vowel Exercises

Never one to shy from controversy, I’m promoting the radical idea that vowels improve faster with SOVT exercises than with open-mouth vowel exercises.

Joe January 20, 2020

Air Power and Siren Core Training Course

The Best Daily Vocal Exercise for All Singers

This one exercise, which has dozens of variations, has increased my rate of improvement ten-fold. This is the first of several posts regarding this exercise.

Joe January 12, 2020

4 Comments

How to Sing High Notes Without Straining for Guys in 3 Simple Steps

Probably the strongest desire and the greatest challenge for male singers is to sing high notes without straining. Here’s three simple steps to help get you there.

Joe October 22, 2016

The 3 Most Important Vocal Techniques to Master

I’m finally getting clear on where to best put my attention when training each day. Daily improvement with 3 techniques has transformed my singing for the better.

Joe January 20, 2020

2 Comments

You Might Also Like

Related Articles