My Go-To Tools & Technology Every Vocalist Should Have
- Luke
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As singers, actors, teachers, and voice professionals, we spend countless hours thinking about how the voice works — but the tools we use to support that work matter just as much. Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of products, apps, and tech. Some were flashy. Some were gimmicky. And a few became absolute staples in my daily vocal life.
Below are the tools and technologies I genuinely recommend to every vocalist, whether you’re training, teaching, performing, or rehabbing the voice. These aren’t endorsements — they’re things I actually use because they make my work more effective, efficient, and informed.
1. Estill Voiceprint® (Browser-Based)
Real-time visual feedback — anywhere, on any device
The newest browser-based version of Estill Voiceprint® has been a game-changer for how I train and teach the voice.
What makes it powerful isn’t just the data — it’s the timing. Voiceprint gives real-time visual feedback, allowing singers to see what their voice is doing as they’re doing it. That immediate feedback loop accelerates learning, clarifies cause-and-effect, and takes a lot of the guesswork out of technical work.
Because it’s browser-based, you don’t need specialized hardware or software anymore. If you have a device and a microphone, you can train. That accessibility matters — especially for singers working remotely, students practicing between lessons, or teachers wanting consistent tools across studios.
For anyone serious about understanding their voice rather than just chasing sensations, this is one of the most powerful technologies available.
2. Vocal Mist® Portable Nebulizer
Science-backed hydration for the vocal folds
Hydration is one of the most misunderstood aspects of vocal health. Drinking water is essential — but it doesn’t directly hydrate the vocal folds.
That’s where Vocal Mist® comes in.
Unlike steam inhalation or DIY methods, Vocal Mist delivers isotonic saline particles at an optimal size designed to reach the larynx efficiently. The science behind particle size and delivery is what separates this from a wellness trend — it’s targeted, measurable, and supported by voice science.
I especially recommend it for:
Heavy rehearsal or performance periods
Travel (especially flights and dry environments)
Recovery days when the voice feels taxed or inflamed
It’s small, portable, and easy to integrate into a daily routine — which is exactly what vocal health tools should be.
3. Piano for Singers App
Connecting pitch, patterns, and the voice
Every singer needs access to a piano — but not every singer needs a full piano setup.
The Piano for Singers app is one of my favorite digital tools because it’s designed specifically with vocalists in mind. It bridges the gap between pitch, pattern recognition, and vocal execution in a clean, intuitive way.
What I love most is that it includes built-in vocal figures created by fellow Estill trainer, Nikita Haletsky (EFP). That means the patterns aren’t random — they’re pedagogically informed and immediately useful in technical work.
Whether you’re warming up, working on coordination, or teaching a lesson on the fly, this app keeps pitch connected to the body instead of abstract.
4. LAX VOX® Tube
SOVT that feels good — and works
If you’ve worked with me, you know I’m a big believer in semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises. They’re efficient, therapeutic, and incredibly effective when used correctly.
The LAX VOX® Tube is one of the best SOVT tools available because it’s intentionally designed — not improvised. The length, diameter, and resistance are calibrated to support balanced pressure above and below the vocal folds.
Beyond the science, though?It just feels amazing.
I use it for:
Warming up
Cooling down
Resetting after heavy singing
Supporting recovery during vocal fatigue
It was created by fellow Estill Master Trainer Stephanie A. Kruse (EMT), and it shows — this is a tool built by someone who understands both voice science and the lived experience of singers.
5. Sheet Music Direct Subscription
Repertoire access without friction
Finally — repertoire matters. A lot.
The Sheet Music Direct subscription is one of the most practical investments a vocalist can make. With access to a massive library of legally licensed sheet music, you can explore repertoire instantly without hunting, purchasing individual PDFs, or working from questionable sources.
For students, teachers, and working performers, this means:
Faster repertoire discovery
Better preparation
More flexibility in lessons and rehearsals
When the music is accessible, the work moves forward.
Final Thoughts
Great singing isn’t about gadgets — it’s about awareness, consistency, and informed practice. The right tools don’t replace technique or training; they support it, clarify it, and make the work more sustainable over time.
Every item on this list earns its place because it helps singers listen better, see more clearly, or care for their instrument more intelligently. If you’re building your vocal toolkit, these are places I’d start.
If you’re curious how I use any of these in lessons, workshops, or training programs, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to talk shop.
About the author:
Luke Steinhauer, MBA, is a premier Vocal Coach, Director of Operations @ Estill Voice International, a TEDx speaker, and Estill Master Trainer (EMT) based in New York City. Luke is a graduate of The University of Michigan and Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, CUNY.
Socials: @lukesteinhauervoice @estillvoice
Website: www.lukesteinhauer.com
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