What IS Cross-Training?
What actually IS Cross-Training for Voice?
You will hear many different definitions, all which are probably correct in some form or other.
Never hesitate to ask a teacher or coach what they mean but the language they use. It’s crucial for you to understand how to translate into your body and voice, and why it might matter in HOW you learn.
So what do I mean by cross-training?
I work with the idea of cross-training, athletically: Not in the idea of can I BE an opera singer? Can I BE a belter? Can I BE a legit singer? Rather, can I ACCESS the physical behavior and development to then work with that physical POSITION that particular genre would require?
Every genre & style, has a physicality. Only developing that particular physicality can often by-pass the necessary balance you may need to further embody that genre.
If you cross-train, it doesn’t mean you will necessarily use that genre, but what it does mean, is that you will be able to discover more ease, flexibility, fluidity, intensity and accessibility into what you DO do.
Look at sports athletes. They don’t just do the sport they excel at. They cross-train in the off-season or even during the season with other athletic endeavors. it doesn’t mean they become that other athleticism.
Here’s a great example:
Many a basketball player and tennis player takes tap dancing in the off season. Not to become a tap dancer! They do it to find more strength in their ankles and feet to move and shift and change direction so when they are on the court, the chance of injury is less and they become more facile in their movement.
As a singer, we want to develop the ENTIRE physicality. That doesn’t mean we are going to DO everything!
Discovering the cross-training can open up possibility, and it WILL continue to develop more balance so you find even more freedom in what you DO.
Don’t be afraid to explore and get messy and color outside the lines and not be “perfect”! It’s not about perfect, it’s about PROCESS.
If you are interested in finding out more of what this could mean for YOU in the genre you inhabit, check out my Cross-Training Series ON DEMAND. Each is a stand alone class that addresses specifics for specifics! Currently, 2 classes are available: Legit for Belters, and Belt for Opera Singers. A 3rd class will be coming in November called Belt for Legit Theatre Singers.
You can find that info HERE!
In the meantime, explore and get curious about your instrument and all the magnificent things it is capable of!
Always ask “why” you are doing what you are doing, and explore the reasons, the possibilities, and enjoy the journey!
with fondness & fierceness,
