How to scream powerfully yet safely?
Screaming in any circumstances is not safe at all. Many artists admit that doing it without preparation and control can cause many health issues. Using the scream during one show may be very detrimental. However, utilizing it during the whole tour can ultimately deprive us of our voice. This is why a lot of screamers seek help from a professional vocal coach. One of the best is Ron Anderson, a renowned vocal teacher to the stars. For decades, he works with the most famous rock stars and metalheads. Among his satisfied clients are Matt Heafy, Chris Cornell, Myles Kennedy, or Axl Rose. As a former classical singer, he is familiar with singing techniques and methods supporting shouting. Moreover, these methods can help you sing longer, without effort, and damaging your voice. A vocal teacher is, as usual, the best solution. However, you can start even without a coach. There are the most relevant things to begin screaming like gold.
What are the necessary prework and precautions associated with screaming?
The crucial thing in screaming is, of course, defending our vocal cords from damage. Singing is in second place. How to do it? Traditionally, you should start with a proper warm-up. Undoubtedly, it matters exceedingly for singing, let alone screaming. Accordingly, the appropriate start should include singing regular intervals from low in your range up to two octaves and back. Furthermore, a solid warm-up is also ‘the siren’ and singing trills. Remarkably, the siren has a useful influence on the vocal cords stretching. Observe your body and vocal box from the beginning. Any suspicious feeling or displeasing sensation is a sign that something goes wrong. Obviously, those symptoms always appear when you change the singing style or sing more powerfully. However, there are limits. If you feel any pain or irritation, give yourself some time, and do a longer break. Screaming is not for everybody. And, of course, stay hydrated, follow a diet, and do not force yourself.
A musical scream and its architecture inside your body. The roles of the selected parts
Before you start, you must be aware of how the scream is produced inside your body. There are a few crucial body elements involved in this process. They are a diaphragm, chest, throat, and mouth. A diaphragm is responsible for proper airflow control. It also produced the force and the sustaining for our voice. Following, the chest is a place adding distortion to our scream. It is also the element of our yelling machine that can be constricted because the windpipe here is the strongest. The next one is your throat. Directly, it creates the tone. While you scream, you should keep it as open as possible. However, the common bad habit is adding the distortion here. Wrong, it should come from the chest. Your mouth, finally. It releases the sound and transforms it into words. Exactly as your throat, you should keep the mouth wide open and avoid the distortion here.
Vocal coach Ron Anderson’s clients say:
Alicia Keys
She has sold over 40 million albums and 35 million singles worldwide and was named by Billboard the top R&B artist of the 2000s decade.
Hayley Williams
American singer-songwriter who is best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and keyboardist of the rock band Paramore.
Tom Cruise
American actor and producer. One of the highest-grossing box office stars of all time. Tom trained with Ron Anderson for his role as Stacee Jaxx and he couldn’t be happier for his transformation.