30 days Beginner Course(Jonathan Estabrooks) Day 9 Questions

Hello!

1. 6:10, 'Variables', what does that mean?

2. 6:34, 'Listening slower to feel all the detail elements', not sure what are the elements he was referring to, are those elements stated at 6:39(Tone Quality, Pitch, Text)?

3. 4:28, He told us to sing in a softer voice,with the same amount of air. I wonder what are the benefits of practice singing soft? I found that my tone became breathier and sometimes I tend to use my throat to sing resulting in throat muscles fatigue, will practice this.

4. 4:33, 'keeping the same amount of air movement and energizing that breath'. I'm assuming keeping the same amount of air means that I breath in as much as I normally would even though I know I'm going to sing soft. Is it correct? What does 'energizing that breath' means?

5. When we are singing on our own(not following any programs like 30days course), how do we decide when should we have a rest day?  I only sing the exercises he gave from day 1 to 9 everyday, it takes around 5 minutes. It wasn't hurting my body in any way.

TIA!

1. Variable: an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change.

"there are too many variables involved to make any meaningful predictions"

2. Sounds like it!

3. Sometimes a song will require a softer dynamic. Plus: if you can sing softly, that's a sign of vocal health, because it requires you to use the "thin edges" of your folds. 

4. Same idea as engaging your body. That's kind of "singer speak" for keeping your energy moving, not getting locked up or disengaged. 

5. You can sing every day! I certainly do (unless I'm sick or very tired). Rest days aren't completely necessary, but it's always a good idea to give yourself a break as a reward for your hard work. 

Thank You!

You're welcome!