Common Questions About The Program

Q – How do I know what level I should be working at and what is B.I.A.?

A – Because this program’s focus is physical strengthening to increase vocal abilities, the speed at which the singer progresses is less based on weights but instead focuses on form and function with various levels of vocal challenge. Each vocalist will be coming to this program with different physical strength levels for each muscle group based on life experience and growth. The goal is not to quickly advance to heavier weights. Instead, the singer might remain on lower weights an or reps for a while as they move through the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced (B.I.A.) vocal partnership with each exercise. The tracking sheet will help you remember what circuits you have done, and where you are in the B.I.A. process.

Q – Do all of the exercises have a vocal partner?

A – No. As a vocal athlete, breath management with increased physical ability while NOT singing is an important part of performance. The circuits are designed to focus on specific muscle group strength training, while intermittently increasing heart rate and respiration, and then requiring breath management and core stability while controlling breath. Not all activities should be partnered with singing, and keep in mind that there has yet to be a show choreographed that requires the performer to run, dance, play an instrument and sing all while carrying dumb bells or leg weights for the entire performance. 

Q – What is the goal for singers using this program?

A – If you are using this program, your goal most likely includes the ability to achieve high performance vocal ability WHILE also being required to maintain increased physical requirements. This program is not meant to focus on weight loss. This program is not meant to create bodybuilders or swimsuit models. This program is meant to target strength training on specific muscles that will increase the ability of the vocal athlete, without risking the vocal quality and function of the instrument.

Q – Can I do this program alone safely?

A – Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should, and the most important person you need to partner with is a voice teacher who is trained in vocal pedagogy (the study of teaching voice) and the science of how the voice works. This program assumes that anyone interested in increasing their athletic abilities as a vocalist, is also under the watchful care of a skilled voice teacher who understands voice function. Checking in with a voice specialist to make sure that you are maintaining strong vocal technique as you are increasing the requirements that you are placing on your instrument is of utmost importance. If you don’t have a voice teacher, monthly webinars are available for questions and check ins.

Q – Will this program bulk me up?

A – The goal of a bodybuilder is bulk. The goal of a vocalist is flexibility with strength. If we focus only on the exercises that shorten and bulk muscles, we are losing the important element of flexibility. The strength training exercises here are also partnered with muscle lengthening exercises during the extremely important cool down as well as pilates and yoga based routines that will help release excess tension and work to strengthen and lengthen the muscles needed while singing and dancing.

Q – How important are the specific cardio portions of the circuits?

A – The specific exercises that are included in the cardio circuits were selected because of the value that they offer to the performer who will also be required to be a dancer or a “mover” on stage. If your goal is to be a triple threat, you are probably studying dance technique too, but there aren’t many dance studios that partner singing with the choreography…unless they are musical theatre training grounds. Agility, control, and a strong grasp of proprioception are essential for “movers.” These cardio activities encourage all of that, while also focusing on physical form that is helpful in dance technique, but this is not a dance technique program. If you are a dancer, or you are working on specific choreography, once you get comfortable with the program feel free to swap out some of the more “dance like” moves with your dance combinations, but don’t use that as a way to completely abandon the agility training.

Q – How old should you be before you start a program like this?

According to Dr. Bradford Landry of the Mayo Clinic, it is safe for children as young as 7 years old to strength train “as long as the child is mature enough to follow direction and able to practice proper technique.” It is always recommended that prior to starting a new training routine, one should consult their physician to make sure they are healthy enough for this type of activity. And keep in mind that many of the exercises provided use body weight as resistance so weights are not required.