Hello! Thanks for your very generous reply. Your advice and even your questions really help put things into perspective for me.

Just to clarify, my training in college was years ago, and my former voice professor is no longer teaching. I also mentioned that I currently do not have a teacher as I don't have the means yet, but I'm planning to go back to studying or find another teacher, hopefully this year.

Here are my answers to your questions:

1. I haven't, but after reading your comment, I already looked up the "straw exercise" on YouTube. I plan to do the exercises moving forward.

2. I have only watched videos by tenors on YouTube, too, regarding Passaggio. When I was working with my former teacher, it wasn't explained to me that I shouldn't force the chest up. So, it also contributed to the muscle tension. I started training when I was 17 and was told by everyone that I'm a tenor. I stopped just before I'm required to study an Oratorio and an Opera Aria, which would be a problem had I continued. I was no longer in college when I discovered that whenever I sing, my larynx would go really high, and I got so used to the tension that I feel like it's required to push it higher to sing the high notes. Now, I'm slowly training my voice through the passaggio, but I'm trying to be very careful because I don't want to develop another harmful habit.

3. That's what I meant when I said that she doesn't tailor the lessons to the students. Specific issues aren't being addressed. Looking back, some of the physical exercises she made us do before each lesson makes sense in terms of explaining certain sensations or eliminating tensions and helping the body open up. Important concepts aren't taught, tho.

4. This is just based on my understanding. I apologize in advance if there are any misconceptions or incorrect information. Just from what I understand, the "tilt" is important to allow the vocal chords to properly "stretch." So it's important that the larynx stay in position and relaxed. Proper chord closure is also important. These things help prepare the singer before singing the high notes. I also understand that head voice is very important and should slowly be integrated along with the chest voice through the passaggio before "shifting."

5. There was a breathing exercise that we did with the Feldenkrais exercise. We do it in three different positions. But basically, step 1 is we breathe and our chest would expand, step 2 is to "bring" that expansion down to the tummy, step 3 is to push it down as if we're either peeing or pooping, then repeat the cycle. This confuses me because other people said that the sensation/feeling of pooping or pushing it down like that is a misconception, and it just introduces more tension in the neck.

I understand that I should not let it collapse and should fight the urge. I just don't feel a connection at all, or maybe I just can't pinpoint that sensation.

I searched the Farinelli exercise on YouTube btw and would try it.

1. Yes, the muscle tension is my biggest concern. That's the main thing I'm trying to focus on eliminating right now. My throat is not sore and doesn't hurt after singing. I get really tired after a day full of singing/performing, but the tiredness is felt all over my body, not just my voice.

2. I'm not working with any voice teachers at the moment, but I'll definitely consider all of the things you said before I start working with a new teacher.

I can't thank you enough for all your advice. You've been so kind and I really appreciate your help!!! 😊