The Voice Straw & Cup Combo Kit; $62
As a seasoned voice teacher and busy working soprano, I am always on the lookout for effective training strategies and tools. I will admit that using props and tools are never at the top of my list. There is no substitute for training with a great voice teacher and working with top-notch vocal coaches. That said, I do believe there is a place in your singing training for tools that helps you self-correct. Singers and vocal Pedagogues have used straws for decades.When used properly, voice straws hep relieve tension and support balanced phonation. Much like using a mirror, the voice straw system has a place in your arsenal of training tools for singers.
If singers have been using straws for decades, why would I need to buy the Voice Straw system?
Anything that comes in a convenient travel pouch and is heavily branded can feel a bit silly. Why not just pop onto Amazon and get a basic set of Straws“>stainless steel straws to use in teaching group voice classes and private studio voice lessons. They work as well as the voice straw – for sure. But the cheaper Amazon gifted voice teacher. When a voice teacher is not in the room to help coach you, the Voice Straw System is a far superior option. It comes with a library of voice specific exercises that are actually pretty good. Much like using workout videos online, they have their place in keeping you fit. But they are not a substitute for individual training.
Is the Voice Straw good for all Singers?
This can be a fun gift for the beginner. That said, this system is best for seasoned singers who already have a foundation in vocal technique. The Voice Straw and accompanying cups are an excellent adjunct to your vocal training. They are NOT an adequate substitute for proper voice lessons. The system is literally like dumbbells with an exercise cheat sheet. They can be really useful for people who already understand the principals of training and already have excellent form. To develop form and technique, you have to do the hard work. There is no asynchronous substitute for working with a top-notch voice teacher. If that is what you are looking for with the Voice Straw System, you will be sorely disappointed. My suggestion, if you are buying a handful of voice lessons for a beginner, throw in a voice straw set as a physical gift to go along with the lessons.
Do I need to buy the Voice Cups or can I just get the Straws?
In my opinion, the value of the Voice Straw is the system – the straws, the cups and the training exercises WITH the ability to level up. I don’t see much benefit in just buying the straws. If you are going that direction, head to Voice Straw system gives you a training option that allows you to level up your practice. Adding variety and the possibility to level-up (without changing your repertoire) combats practice boredom. As someone who has been singing for decades and training singers for over 20 years, it’s easy to be bored with a training routine. Anything that adds some interest and variety to your practice sessions can be a great motivator. The voice straw system can inject some much needed variety into your practice.
The Voice Straw for Vocal Rehab
I love adding the Voice Straw system into a plan of vocal recovery. Singers find themselves in vocal recovery for many reasons over the course of their professional careers. Most recently, I have incorporated this system into a singers’ routine who was healing from covid-related laryngitis. Building the voice straw and cup into the singer’s practiced plan was a great way to insure she was building back strength in her singing without introducing tension. I have also used the Voice Straw system in lessons where we are training for strength and stamina in singing. It is a great tool to add diversity to the training environment.
A Bonus Feature…
The major bonus that I didn’t anticipate with the system was the reduction in noise. Using the straws and cups were a great way to bring the volume down on my singing WHILE maintaining the efficacy of my practicing. As a soprano, I sing lots of high notes. I sing high notes loudly. Having the ability to practice without annoying the people around me has been a real bonus. That is an especially good feature for people who live with close neighbors or housemates.
All in all, as a seasoned singer and master voice teacher, I am happy to endorse the Voice Straw. It’s a great tool for the seasoned professional singer. For the beginning singer, it’s not a substitute for one-on-one training, but it can be a great add-on tool.
If you are interested in purchasing the Voice Straw System, use the coupon code: masterYOURvoice for 10% off your purchase.
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If you are ready to start your vocal music journey, reach out to Heidi Vass and schedule a consultation lesson today. You can take lessons in her Southern California studio or Online from anywhere.