What is a good way to strengthen your voice?

Question

What is a good way to strengthen your voice?
I can carry a tune ok, but when I try to really sing, I feel my vocal cords tighten and I start coughing. What are some good ways to warm up and get strength in your voice?

Answer

The reason you are having so much trouble is that you are simply trying too hard and no using your diaphram! You vocal cords should be like the bow on a violin it is why the music plays, but the sound comes from the instrument itself!brHere are some good tipsbrTry laying on your back on the floor and taking nice beep breaths from the mid section, between your chest and stomach. Feel the air rise in and out. Do this and practice it for a few minutes before trying to sing.brStart with simple stuff first, while still lying down Do Re Mi...brRemember that loud isnt always best and the more you practice, the better you will become and the more strength your vocal cords will get, just like exercising your muscles! brSounds like you are trying to be loud, but you need to focus on quality, no quantity. brTry drinking water with a very light touch of lemon in it between practicing. It helps clear out mucus and other things that could be effecting your voice. brBeware that even the most experienced singers lose thier voice from simply just singing too much. Dont overdo it! When you feel that you voice is scratching, take a break. Nothing wrong with it. A lot of singers do this.brRELAX!!! Dont try too hard. Feel the music inside of you. You can do this, it just takes practice and time. Dont try to hit notes that make you strain. If you are trying to sing like a certain artist, pick one that is close to your vocal range and keep in mind that it takes tons of practice to get where they are. Its not an overnight thing for most to be accomplished singers. If the natural ability is there, nothing can hold you back. Good Luck!