Originally, Inuit throat singing was a form of entertainment among Inuit women while the men were away on hunting trips. It was an activity that was primarily done by Inuit women although there have been some men doing it as well. In the Inuit language Inuktitut, throat singing is called katajjaq, pirkusirtuk or nipaquhiit depending on the Canadian Arctic region. It was regarded more as a type of vocal or breathing game in the Inuit culture rather than a form of music.
Inuit throat singing is generally done by two individuals but can involve four or more people together as well. In Inuit throat singing, two Inuit women would face each other either standing or crouching down while holding each other’s arms. One would lead with short deep rhythmic sounds while the other would respond. The leader would repeat sounds with short gaps in between. The follower would fill in these gaps with her own rhythmic sounds. Sometimes both Inuit women would be doing a dance like movement like rocking from left to right while throat singing.more
Sounds produced can be voiced or unvoiced and produced by inhalation or exhalation. Both Inuktitut words and meaningless syllables are used in Inuit throat singing songs. However, when words are used in throat singing, no particular meaning is placed on them for a song. When meaningless syllables are used, they are often portrayals of sounds the Inuit hear in their natural environment such as animal sounds or even water running down a creek. Popular Inuit throat singing songs are usually identified by the first word or sound that is produced in each song.

Inuit throat singing is a skill that has to be taught and developed. Inuit throat singers try to show their vocal abilities in a fun competitive manner and the first one to either run out of breath, stop or laugh is declared the loser of the game.

Each game usually lasts from one to three minutes. In a group of Inuit women, the overall winner is the one who beats the largest number of her competitors in this fun filled activity.

Unfortunately, there is no written record of when the Inuit first developed their form of throat singing which differs from the type found in Mongolia and other parts of the world that has some form of throat singing. The Inuit did not keep any written records and history was simply passed down from generation to generation orally.

It was reported that at one point in time, Inuit women would actually have their lips almost touching while using each other’s mouth cavity as a sound resonator. This technique is not used anymore.

Inuit throat singing was actually forbidden by Christian priests for almost 100 years but since this religious ban was lifted, there has been a resurfacing of this traditional activity in the Inuit communities during the last 20 to 30 years. Interestingly enough, there has been a lot of interest among the younger Inuit generations in this revival in addition to the Inuit elders who are trying to bring throat singing back as part of present Inuit culture. Many of the young Inuit women who have taken up throat singing claim that it is a way for them to express their Inuit identities in the modern world where many Inuit traditions have already been lost.

The revival of Inuit throat singing has been so popular that in September of 2001, the first throat singing conference was held in Puvurnituq, Nunavik where different types of Inuit throat singing from different Arctic regions of Canada were demonstrated and shared. There has even been a small number of Inuit throat singing CDs produced

Aspiring to become an entertainer everyone knows that it is tough to break into the business. This goes for all types of entertainers including singers. Many singers have the talent, the dedication and the drive to succeed, but what is the best way of getting started in the music industry. These are some methods that other entertainers used to get exposure.

Don’t waste time going after the dream of becoming a singer, follow your dream. The next step might be to consider some type of lessons to analyze what your strengths and weakness are. Holding a music degree or getting an education in music is sometimes helpful but not necessary. A great method of getting exposure is to join a chorus, choir or a community production.more

Community organizations and theatre groups are a great way to get experience and exposure. Performing in local talent shows could easily give you a big break. It isn’t unheard of for talent scouts to attend talent shows looking for just the right person.

Another advantage to joining these groups is the contacts you will make within the industry. Choir directors and lead singers often know other people in the industry and can potentially open doors for you.

Having a good self esteem really helps in the industry. Everyone by this time has seen “American Idol”, kindness from judges doesn’t really exist, you need to take criticism well and use it to your advantage. Many people say this but it is so true, you need to believe in yourself.

When auditioning the criticism always seems worse than it really is, and sometimes they will tell the artist they don’t have talent. The only thing that really counts is your inner voice, this will be your strength to get through it. When hearing these negative critiques, the artists needs away to overcome them.

Singing is obviously a passion for you. Use that to your advantage. Go to clubs and scout out the local music scene. There are some amazing talents in this group and you could learn a lot from them. Who knows? One of these bands may be looking for a new singer. Check out open mic night. You might find it helpful to just watch the first few times to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t.

After that, jump in with two feet and see what happens. Either way it is excellent practice for your singing future. Odds are good that you have good friends who are interested in this profession as well. Consider performing together. You may find better success and less stage fright performing with others. The important things are to get experience and stay positive.

Never give up on the dream of becoming a singer or starting a music career. By using all the resources around the community, talent shows and now YouTube the dream of becoming a singer can be realized, never stop believing and the dream will come true.

Have you ever had your voice lock up as you’re singing a song? Do you hear singers who sing easily through their full range and wonder what is holding your voice back? Have you ever felt your voice getting tired and scratchy after a night of singing? Most people have the same problems with singing, but don’t have the right information and training to fix them. I have developed a simple, effective technique for improving your singing that will keep your voice healthy and strong for the rest of your life. It’s the JDSMethod of Singing. more

In this vocal method, you’ll learn the secrets that allow your voice to flow freely with maximum range and power. I’ve been training singers and voice instructors for the last 18 years, and studied under some of the best teachers in the world. I’d like to share my secrets with you, to show you how you can begin improving your voice right away with these simple principles.

The Most Common Problem With Singing

Most people have the same problems with singing. You’re fine for some parts of the song, then comes the high note. You see it coming, feel nervous, leap for it, and then boom–your voice cracks. You try again, push a little harder, lunging up with hope for a good result, and it’s even worse. After a few more tries, you have less range than when you started, and the next day, you dont want to practice because your voice is scratchy and tired. What happened?

What I just described to you is called constriction, which is your body’s attempt to sing notes using the wrong muscles. When this happens, muscles around your larnynx squeeze in, and your vocal cords get tired and begin to feel scratchy and weak. The common problem that everyone has is the weak link of the vocal cord in the system of singing. With weight lifting, you push your muscles to the limit and they grow back stronger. With your vocal cords, if you push them to their limit they swell up, and don’;t resist air effectively.

Think of your as a five speed car, with some basic controls that affect the gears: gas, clutch, steering, and some signals With constriction, it’s like you’re stuck in second gear trying to get onto the freeway! When it comes time to sing to the high note, it’s essential that you’re able to change gears, and activate the small unique muscles that allow the voice to go into the very highest notes with ease and freedom. Many singers are not able to access all the gears of their vehicle, or even know that they exist.

Chest Voice and Head Voice

Put your hand on your chest and say “Wow”. Now sing “Woow” in your head voice. Notice the difference between these registers. There are three approaches to deal with the break between chest voice and head voice:

1.Pull up the chest voice

This is the most common pitfall, and the most damaging to your voice. Even ten minutes singing while you’re pushing hard at the top of your chest voice range can tire your voice and leave you feeling scratchy and hoarse.

2. Flip into falsetto

Falsetto is a state where your vocal cords have blown apart, and your voice sounds airy and “false”. It doesn’t really hurt your voice, but it sure sounds odd to you and everyone else.

3. Blend your chest voice and head voice, and sing at the Balance Point.

When you sing at the Balance Point, there is no break between the chest voice and the head voice. There are already some popular programs that teach you how to sing in your mix, mainly by Seth Riggs and Brett Manning. I know those teachers and their methods. I believe my method is unique, in that it reveals some common pitfalls that students of those methods encounter, namely tension in the jaw and tongue that prevents key muscle groups from activating.

Back to the car analogy, if you’re hoping to change gears as you get onto the freeway, you’d better know how to work the clutch and the gas at the same time, and know where the gears are. In the JDSMethod, I show you how to balance your head voice and chest voice by awakening you to the control elements that allow your voice to function at it’s fullest. Did you know that hidden tension in your jaw can inhibit the small but powerful muscles that allow your voice to transition smoothly from chest voice to head voice? Did you know that a little coordination of your nose can multiply your power by three or four times? Many singers study voice for years without becoming aware of the secrets that I will share with you in this vocal method. In it, I outline the major control elements of the voice:

Vocal Cords
Larynx
Air Control
Outer Muscle
Pharynx

Social singing is the act of singing in an informal setting with others. It can be one person performing karaoke at a local bar or it can be a large group of people singing the national anthem at a ball game. In either case, singing can be a very enjoyable pastime.
Social Singing is a creative outlet that allows us to join together with others and engage in camaraderie with our fellow peers. It can relieve tension from a hard day and remind us that we are part of a harmonious group. more
Harmony
Harmony is the key to social singing. I believe it is this harmony that we find while engaging in social singing that is the strong draw for many people to engage in the act of social singing. Through harmonious singing we can all join together regardless of age, sex, religion, nationality, or preferences. The pure joy of social singing is universal.
In this time where we find ourselves becoming more and more alienated from our fellow man, it is the joy and fulfillment that we find in creating a bond with others through the act of social singing that is so appealing.
Where can you join in social singing?
Finding social singing opportunities are not hard to find. Just look around, the opportunities are everywhere that are both formal and informal in nature. There are community choruses, church choirs, barbershop singing groups and musical theatre groups. For informal social singing, there are karaoke nights, ball games, private parties, and of course, birthday parties.
Not sure if you’re ready to sing in public?
Although we all have the necessary equipment for social singing, some people are more comfortable singing that others. Sometimes it has to do with your background. Were you exposed to music as a child and did you engage in social singing in your younger years? If you do not feel comfortable, there are tools to help you gain confidence in social singing. There are books, software, and private lessons available to assist you in gaining confidence in social singing.
Whatever you choose, I strongly recommend that you engage in social singing. It is great fun and a good way to socialize with others. They do call it ’social’ singing for a reason.

Women of my generation are at an interesting and challenging point in our evolution. We find ourselves in a phase of our lives historically referred to as “middle-aged.” Yet for many of us our brains, attitudes and mental energies feel much too young for this distinction. We don’t care too much what society has to say about middle-age, because it doesn’t feel like it applies to us. However, we DO care about making sure our bodies feel as energetic and young as our minds, since we plan to continue to grown, learn and experience life for several more decades.
For myself, I want to follow in the footsteps of my voice teacher – master coach Lois Hartzell – who led a full and interesting career as a singer then turned to teaching, writing, producing and directing until she was 92 years old. She was definitely never a ‘normal’ woman of her generation. She never married, never drove a car, and never took on the burden of running household and managing children – definitely things that can wear a woman down over time. Instead, she lived her passion to sing and perform and finally to teach. Yet although she lived a singular life, there are many things to be learned from the manner in which she lived her life. more
Over the many years that I studied with Lois, one of the critical lessons she taught me was the health benefits of “real singing.” I’ve added the emphasis because real singing is not singing in the shower or in the car. Real Singing is the art of singing developed and used by professionals over the last two centuries – and available to anyone who has a passion for music and for expressing themselves through song. Now, as I find myself “of a certain age,” I look back on her life and realize that real singing offers real health benefits to help us – me and my sister boomers – age well.
Here are the 10 health and anti-aging benefits from learning to sing:
Breathing/circulation
Singing, like nothing else, requires opening your throat and lungs and breathing deeply. Breathing for singing goes beyond taking a simple breath. Singers learn to drop their stomach muscles, expand the muscles around their ribs and fill their lungs to capacity. Then they vigorously hold the breath in as they sing because holding these muscles in tension helps to sing longer and higher. The physical act of holding your breath while you sing causes more oxygen to be absorbed into your blood cells to energize the body and increase circulation. Increased blood circulation, of course, brings nutrients to your cells and removes waste byproducts. And I can attest to feeling more energized and light on my feet after a good healthy singing session!
Recover from colds more quickly
Here’s another benefit – you can recover from colds more quickly. Many people think they can’t sing with a cold, But in fact you can. The problematic phase of a cold is when the mucus settles down onto your vocal chords and keeps you from being able to bring the chords together strongly – something that is required for singing a strong tone. If you continue to sing through the head cold phase of your illness, the vibration of singing helps prevent mucus build-up on your chords. And singing helps the body recover faster. Increased blood circulation helps your body fight off the virus more quickly! So really the cure for the common cold seems to be – sing!
Gently strengthens muscles – legs/torso/back/face
Nothing beats singing for a subtle total body work out. Correct singing requires a balance of tensions in the body including the muscles in your legs, bottoms, ribs, back, and even the muscles around your lips and jaws. Your core is strengthened through the gentle, non-jarring holding tension we use to sing and adds to overall health of the body without jeopardizing the joints because there is no aerobic activity.
Brain activity from learning new things
Learning music sets up new pathways in the brain that keeps the brain alert, active and utilized. Creative musical learning also requires activity on both sides of the brain. Your left brain reads the music, keeps track of the tempo and dynamic markings while your right brain enjoys the intuitive and creative process of interpreting the printed page in a musical way. Thus your mind is really engaged in a healthy holistic fashion.
Improves memory
I always recommend memorizing your song, because only when we have learned the song completely can we really work on the finer details of shaping the musical phrases and exploring the poetic meaning of the lyrics. The practice of putting music and words to memory stimulates the pathways in your brain that use memory – making them more accessible in your daily life. I see this as a huge benefit as we seem to be in an age where memory is harder to hold on to because we are over stimulated by technology.
Focuses and quiets your mind
Another benefit to both the mind and the body is a reduction of stress. If you approach singing by setting aside time to practice each day, it has a meditational aspect. Singing is a single-minded, focused activity and needs to be done in a private environment where you spend time looking at your music, thinking about singing, and creating sound. No cell phones, no computers, no electronic devices to distract you or raise your blood pressure! The body and mind is focused on a single activity without distraction and interruption and engaged in a pursuit that gives you joy. The body is flooded with oxygen and the mind is quiet. Yes – I think you can reach a state of bliss from singing!
Emotional release
There is nothing like music to reach you on an emotional level. The emotions can be joy, regret, fear, excitement, love, anger, and more. Singing is very cathartic and helps you connect with emotions from experiences you may have buried or forgotten, or help you relate to an emotion from someone else’s experience. In any case, music gives you an emotional release and is also a gift to others because it provides the same for those who listen to your songs.
Positive activity – lifts depression
Regardless of whether you sing a happy or sad song, the act of singing is positive because it is proactive and if pursued long enough, offers satisfying personal growth. When you endeavor to acquire a skill and put the time and effort into achieving that goal, you gain the self confidence and personal gratification from your accomplishment. Regardless of struggles in other areas of your life, you have something very positive to refer back to.
Gets you out of the house
Here is a benefit that might not be apparent at first. We aren’t usually drawn to singing because we want to get out of the house, but singing is very often a community experience. We sing in choirs, bands, on stage, with our family and friends, in karaoke bars, in religious ceremonies. When you learn to sing it may propel you into some kind of performing, either in a group or as a soloist. In any case, singing will connect you to others and help you avoid feeling isolated and lonely.
Avenue for new relationships
If you do find yourself joining some type of group for community singing, then new opportunities for friendships open up. Friendship and community, especially as you get older, is critical for staying healthy and having a healthy attitude towards your life. Regardless of other stresses, aches and pains or challenges in your life, all of these are better handled when you feel supported by your community.
Now you see why everyone in the world should be inspired to study singing! On top of these health benefits, women who have reached “that certain age” will be shocked and delighted to discover that due to hormonal and chemical changes in your body, you are more prone to having a voluptuous, dark, and warm tone – rich in expression and depth! And I must also add that life experience and wisdom make learning to sing in your middle years more satisfying. You have more patience than your younger sisters and understand that learning a new skill is a process which takes time and persistence. Yet once gained it is very enjoyable and satisfying.
Finally, some say that the harmonic vibrations of singing and music have anti-aging benefits. While I can’t site any scientific evidence to back this belief I did see through my teacher, Lois, who always looked and acted about 20 years younger than her real age, that singing and living your passion can have a real impact on how you age. I intend to follow her footsteps by singing, teaching and living my passion to help me age well and have a full and adventurous life in the process. I hope you will too.
If you love to sing I encourage you to seek out a qualified teacher and join a group of other women to sing with. For your health and your pleasure!