<p>@Mods: I'm sorry if this isn't related but this is the only place I could think of to turn to.</p>
<p>So basically, I started classical voice lessons a couple of weeks ago. So far, the only thing I've got out of the lessons was "breathe from your diaphragm," which I already know about. Out of all the lessons I've attended, I've yet to learn proper projection technique, or ways to mitigate that use of the throat. I've done everything my teacher has asked me to do, but it only ends up in more vocal chord strain (my voice hasn't gotten raspier and the color/tone hasn't declined; the pain tends to disappear after an hour or so, but it comes back quickly when I start singing after an hour break). What I find rather ironic is previous to taking these voice lessons I could sing for as long as I wanted, without straining my vocals chords/etc. I've asked the teacher if we could go over techniques to prevent throat muscles from being over involved, but I was just told to breathe through the diaphragm again.</p>
<p>This is quite frustrating and I can't sing for 10~20 minutes without the pain returning in my larynx region. </p>
<p>Woo, I think the handwriting is on the wall…this teacher is just not working out well for you. You should NOT experience pain like that. Unfortunately since vocal teachers do not have have any sort of certification any one can teach voice. In this instance I can’t say what the teacher is or isn’t doing, but I can say that is isn’t working for you. Try going over on the New Forum For Classical Singers and ask around there, you may get some good advice. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Woo, agree. Not every singer can teach and not every one that can teach is a good fit for you. That is why we recommend things like sample lessons before committing to a course of study at a conservatory or university school of music when at all possible. </p>
<p>See if you can find another recommendation. Is there anyone you know taking lessons and progressing well? We found when DD was in HS that the really popular teacher in the area was NOT the right one for her. Everyone liked her and they sang nicely enough but the one that sent students to high level schools was quite different. He was a college music professor and it took a lot of asking around and research before we could find him. He auditioned her, too, and they had a honeymoon period where either could say it was not working. It took her a while to learn to work with him and understand everything he was trying to do with her. But he never caused her pain. That does not sound good at all.</p>
<p>My best guess is that your teacher is not addressing jaw or neck tension. How old are you? Male or female? Males tend to use more neck tension to reach the higher notes, especially during and after the voice shift. </p>