How to practice when you can't sing

What do you do when you want to practice your singing, but you can’t sing?!

There are several reasons why you might need voiceless practice options, from illness to environment, so let’s explore the options:

1. SONGWORK

Learning a song encompasses a whole heap of elements beyond the singing. You could consider:

• Lyrics

Yes, learning the lyrics. Working out the best places to breathe. But also, do you know what the lyrics mean? Are you clear on the story?

• Context

Further to understanding the story of the lyrics, you could research the context of the song. When was it written and for what purpose? If it was in a Musical Theatre show, what’s the show about, who is the character, what are their circumstances?

Are there any interviews with the artist/songwriter which give context and meaning to why they wrote the song? Were there any important cultural/historical movements happening at the time it was written?

• Emotion mapping and characterisation

How do you intend to take the information you’ve gathered about the lyrics and the context and create your version/performance of the song? Map out the emotions that you/your character will experience throughout the song - this includes the introduction and any instrumental sections/endings too!

• Comparing versions

As is about to be described, listening is a hugely beneficial exercise (regardless of whether you’re able to sing or not.) When working on a song, comparing versions, either from different artists or between live and studio-produced versions can teach you a lot, and give you some great ideas for your performance.

2. LISTENING/EVALUATING

In addition to listening to compare versions of the same song, you could:

• Listen to find new songs

This is a low-energy option. Make a playlist to revisit at a later stage when you’re in need of new songs to work on and perform. BONUS - this can be completely silent if you have headphones.

• Listen to find new artists

Similar to above, but with a slightly different focus: listening to find new artists/genres rather than individual songs. Try starting with someone you already know of and love, then find out who they cite as inspirations in interviews, or who they’ve collaborated with. You’ll end up with a beautiful web of related artists who probably all have aspects to their voice/musicianship you’ll enjoy listening to.

• Critically listen and analyse or evaluate

Make your listening more active by really concentrating on the information a recording can present. Think about the technical choices: the vocal tone, the registration, how breathy or not it is. The stylistic choices: slides, scoops, riffs, vibrato - are these common within the genre or are the “rules” being broken? (What are the rules? Do rules in singing even exist?) Also, musical choices: phrasing, rhythm, melody notes, dynamics…

The list is extensive, but you can learn SO MUCH - and you don’t need to open your mouth once! Think about how these elements contribute to the storytelling and emotion of the performance - evaluate their success and consider how you could apply the techniques, if applicable.

3. RESEARCH/LEARNING

Alongside the research suggested for learning the context of a song, or the influences of a favourite singer, you could also use your voiceless practice time to research vocal technique, vocal health, or vocal pedagogy. You could listen to podcasts, watch videos, read books, do some journal prompts: for suggestions on where to start, send me a message on Instagram!

4. MUSICIANSHIP

Another huge area that doesn’t require volume. You could practice:

• Ear Training

• Music Theory

• Songwriting

• Another instrument (assuming circumstances allow)

• Transcription

BONUS: MENTAL PRACTICE/VISUALISATION

Did you know that mental practice has been continually shown to enhance performance and be a beneficial substitute for the total absence of practice? Studies show that 20 minutes is an optimal amount of time for this kind of practice, meaning it is a great option if you want to practice but can’t use your voice.

Of course, these options are also hugely beneficial even when you are able to sing, so don’t forget to incorporate them into your general practice!

For more singing practice tips you can follow me on social media @TessaSmithMusic, or explore thesingersguide.com where there are resources all about optimising your singing practice.