I wanted to improve my voice so my dad got me the Ultimate Voice Coach dvd. I just wanted something that had some exercises to make my voice stronger because I can sing on key, it's just that my voice sounds weak, and becomes hoarse very quickly. Anyway I've been using the Gary Catona exercises and was wondering if they are safe. According to him, vocal chors aren't delecate, and will actually respond to strenious traing. Does this sound right to you?

I agree to an extent. I'm a vocal coach, and tell my students that it's just like an other muscle. You need to take care of it, but you need to work it at the same time. You should give yourself a frequent vocal workout (daily, even) and you will see improvement... Just have to do your homework if you can't afford a vocal coach daily or weekly.

antdamato said:

It is very easy however to overwork your voice. I would go and see a vocal tutor if the hoarseness persists or you feel soreness, as this would indicate that you're potentially causing damage to your voice and not singing properly (sounds to me like you're singing from the throat which is not a good thing).

well another reason I'm using the dvd is because my voice feels hoarse after talking for a while. I'm not even a loud loud speaker, but it still feels fatigued. Also everyone says that I don't sound hoarse so maybe I'm just being paranoid. Could I also be talking from my throat.

Thanks

antdamato said:

What would you recommend as a good warmup routine, before a gig or recording session?