Voice 101 page 4
learning to sing better
THE PRIMARY FEATURES OF YOUR INSTRUMENT
POSTURE
Some instructors will tell you to only sing while standing, others prefer to sit. It's important to learn to sing well while either standing or sitting, so get some practice in both ways. I personally find that standing offers you the maximum ability to perform well and suggest you do most of your work in that manner.
Standing
Your stance is important while singing. Place your feet about shoulder width apart. This should be comfortable for you; if you feel like you are straddling you probably are - many people do this because they misjudge how wide their shoulders are. Make sure you are balanced on your feet - don't stand with your weight on either side of the foot. Your knees should be straight but not locked. Now imagine someone has attached a rope right out of the top of your head and they are pulling you towards the ceiling. Feel your spine stretch out gently, but don't push too far. Hold gently for a count of 10. Now imagine the rope has been released, and relax but do not collapse your body. Your spine has now been gently stretched and relaxed.
Sitting
Sit on a firm surface, preferably with a straight back support. Do not cross your legs or your feet. Instead, place both feet in front of you with your legs at a comfortable bend. Make sure your feet are pointed forward, not turned in or out at an angle. Rest fully but alertly on the seat. Do not collapse your back onto the back support, instead, sit with your torso erect and your lower back lightly resting on the back support. Unless you are holding sheet music or a mic, rest your hands lightly in your lap.
Holding Your Head
Be aware of how you hold your head while singing. Most of the time you'll want a comfortable head position, lightly balancing the ball of the skull on your spine. However, it's been proven through countless people that while attempting to sing a part that is in the high part of your range, rather than stretching your neck out (as if reaching for the note) it is better to duck your head in. The reverse is also true - if you're trying for a deep tone, stretch your neck out and reach for it rather than trying to duck your head and dig for it. This is contrary to what most people naturally do, but very important. When you sing a high note you are trying to vibrate a small section of your vocal cords. Therefore, ducking your head down to relax the vocal cords helps. When singing a low note you are trying to vibrate a much larger section of your vocal cords, and stretching the neck and your vocal cords helps.
BREATH SUPPORT
Adequate breath support will improve the tone of your voice, give you the ability to increase your range, and allow you to sing long phrases or notes. Your breath support system consists of your lungs and your abdominal and middle back muscles.
continued on page 5
