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Many people who inspire to be a professional singer one day forget that there is a proper way to training your voice. While some people pick it up quickly, everyone needs to go through a process of learning and practicing. That’s why we brought in a veteran vocal instructor, Laurie Winckel, to provide some insight for people that are interested in taking courses or learning how to sing.
Laurie Winckel currently offers in-person lessons in the heart of Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown areas. Below, we asked her a few questions in regards to her background, experience, and tips for new singers thinking about taking some lessons.
Key: (LM) = Local Masters | (LW) = Laurie Winckel
(LM) How long have you been a professional vocal instructor?
(LW) I have been a professional vocal instructor for over 31 years. My vocal instruction includes, choral and solo singing. I have a degree in music from Southwest Texas State University (now known as Texas State University) and I have trained as a singer and teacher in the Institute of Vocal Advancement Technique for the past 13 years. I teach locally in Texas and internationally and I have experience teaching all ages, levels and styles of music: Classical, Pop, Rock, Jazz, R & B, Country & Musical Theater.
(LM) What first got you into singing and being a vocal coach?
(LW) I love to sing and I love to teach! I’m living my dream! I was inspired early on by wonderful teachers and choir directors and I wanted to be that voice of inspiration to others. I wasn’t always the best singer, so I’ve gone through years of research and study and have found a technique that has forever changed my singing habits and made me a much more stronger and more confident singer and teacher. I truly love to sing now and I love the way my students sound! Singing is my passion and learning to sing while teaching others to overcome fears and bad habits, so they could learn to love and enjoy their own voice, has been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life.
(LM) Do you have to be born with a voice for singing or script-reading for voiceovers?
(LW) It helps to have been born with a voice for singing, but I personally believe that (barring any physical injury or defect), anyone can learn to sing if they find the right teacher, are given the correct tools and have the desire to learn. Your voice is like any other part of your body that can be trained when exercised the correct way.
(LM) What general benefits do you see from taking an online course or an in-person lesson with an expert?
(LW) I encourage all singers to take in-person or even online lessons to get personalized attention and much needed feedback. Some things can only be heard and from a set of ears outside of your own head. Working consistently on proper balanced technique helps you bring out the very best out in your voice. Online lessons make it easy for those who can’t find a teacher nearby, or if singers travel and need to stay consistent with training. It is far better to learn from someone who can help you make the small, yet necessary adjustments for optimal singing and a beautiful sound.
(LM) Is there a certain food/liquid diet that you take in order to keep your voice optimal and clean?
(LW) Yes, personally, I stay away from foods that I’m allergic to or that can cause inflammation and mucus: nuts, wheat, dairy, sugar. etc. I mostly eat fruits, vegetables and lean meats. I am gluten intolerant so I stay away from breads, pastas and anything that could potentially cause congestion and irritate my throat when I sing. I am intentional about staying hydrated especially when I am singing and teaching long hours. I love drinking my Throat Coat Tea if my allergies are kicking in. There are some great natural throat sprays and remedies you can take to help heal a tired or sore throat.
(LM) Do you lose your voice for singing as you get older?
(LW) Your vocal folds will thicken as you age, but it doesn’t have to stop you from singing. You can vocalize and bring your voice into balance every day to keep your vocal folds as pliable as possible. Practicing good vocal habits can give you a voice that lasts a lifetime.
(LM) What are some basic tips in preparing your voice for recording a song?
(LW) Vocalizing and bringing your voice to balance on a daily basis builds muscle memory so when you perform live or in a recording studio, your voice is already in good shape so you don’t have to worry about it. You should be able to sing, perform and record in whatever style you want to sing without worrying about technique or if your voice will last through the session. Don’t wait until one week before you start recording to take your first voice lesson. Always warm up to balance before you enter the studio. I also like to tell my students to warm down afterwards so that if you do stylize your music or if you have sung all day and feel tired, you can bring your voice back “home” to restore proper muscle function. Make sure you are well rested, well hydrated and comfortable. You may have to practice how you sing using a microphone and headphones before you enter the studio, so you don’t change how you approach your singing, especially if you aren’t used to recording and hearing yourself in the headphones.
(LM) What are a few basic steps and tips you can share for people just starting out in their singing careers?
(LW) 1.Be passionate about singing and learning as much as you can.
2.Do your research to find the best person you can to train your voice to balance. Anyone these days can say they are a voice teacher. Make sure they can explain basic vocal function, their technique and can teach a healthy “balanced” or “mix” singing approach. Look for quality training! If a teacher charges more in an area, don’t discard them because of price. It could be they have greater knowledge to get you to where you want to be in a faster, more efficient way than those lesser priced, costing you less (financially and physically) in the long run. Ask questions and make sure they understand how the voice functions in a healthy manner while allowing you to sing the kind of music you want to sing.
3. Sign up for lessons and be consistent about learning and practicing good habits, then add your style.
4. Don’t stop, even if you get frustrated. Keep working your way, with feedback, through the process. You’ll be glad you did!
5. As soon as you are ready, get out there and start performing solo or with a group, if that is your desire.
6. Remember, perfection should never be the goal! It’s the journey that counts. You should always be about progress, building confidence, bringing out the best in your voice and fulfilling that part of you that so deeply desires to sing.
7. If you are serious about a career in singing, dream big, write down some goals and start doing your research now. Be preparing yourself physically, mentally, musically, vocally and relationally. You need to start collaborating, expanding your network, performing, developing yourself not only as a singer, but a musician and gaining as much experience as possible.
(LM) What are some of the biggest hurdles that singers have to overcome early on?
(LW) 1. Mental battles: telling yourself that you aren’t good enough. (Don’t listen!)
2. Strange new sounds and sensations your have never experienced before while learning a new technique. (Don’t let them scare you!)
3. Lack of confidence, stage fright, which can be overcome when you understand your voice and know how to use it and have felt or seen improvement!
4. Bad vocal habits – which can be addressed and corrected if you are using the right teacher and tools.
5. Making a consistent effort to practice, then being intentional about it so you build muscle memory and singing becomes easy.
(LM) Is it too late to learn how to sing professionally if you are a grown adult?
(LW) It’s never too late to learn to sing professionally but actually landing a professional gig may be a bit more challenging. If you are trying to “make it” at a world class level, it probably becomes more rare as you age, although not 100% impossible. (Thank you, Susan Boyle!) There are avenues for that today, however world class singers usually start out at a younger age. My adult singers tend to go further than they imagined when they started out at a beginner or amateur level. Most of my adult students sing at church or for enjoyment or to fulfill a “bucket list” item, but there are some who have the time and put effort into serious training. They sow into their music and end up singing in bands or at venues that pay to perform. Some are recording cd’s and others still love to perform perhaps even compete alongside the younger crowds. My motto is “he who works the hardest, wins”. You have to be willing to work for it, no matter what age you are. Also, to note, this all varies with each singer.
If you’re ready to take your first step in learning how to sing, make sure to sign-up today and get acquainted with a Local Master in your area.
