Practice & Posture

Note to students:

Regularity in practice is must. 20 to 30 minutes a day  is an achievable time for any age. Start slow and build your time. Practicing everyday is much better than skipping days and practicing for longer times another day. Regularity in practice does reflect on the learning curve. Make it a power practice with proper technique. Beginners must practice only what is advised...not all. Voice has to go through a process and must be given time to adhere to the technique.

Note to parents:

Create a practice routine. This can be done by designating an area/space for it and maintaining a set time. Using a 'timer' (available at the grocery store in the kitchen section) is a good idea for kids. When a child knows their starting and finishing time, their mind will be at ease and the completion of the practice will give them a sense of achievement.  Please praise them when they do finish their practice. Your confirmation is a big moral booster for them. They will feel confidant which will keep them motivated.

An electronic 'tanpura' and a 'tabla' can be very helpful.

How quickly one progresses depends on a natural talent to a small extent, but mostly upon right training, persistence, commitment, regularity in attending classes and proper practice at home. It has nothing to do with whether some one wants to be a professional singer or not.

Posture/practice

Correct posture is essential because it helps us to use our voice properly. It also has a positive effect on overall visual appearance. 

- Sit on a floor. Sitting on the floor carpeting or any area rug would be a good idea.

- Turn on 'tanpura' or 'shruti box'.

- Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.

- Calm yourself down and breathe in and out from the center of you chest. 

- Start singing the practice routine and breathe during natural pauses.