The Basics: Step1
Good Posture releases your Singing Voice
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Proper posture is vital while singing because your body is your instrument
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Your posture effects the position of your larynx (your larynx is your voicebox; your larynx houses your vocal folds/chords; sound is generated in your larynx, and it is also where pitch and volume are manipulated – strength of expiration from your lungs also contributes to loudness)
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Your posture also effects your body’s breathing mechanisms and your supporting muscles
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The best posture position for singing is standing so that you are sure that your diaphragm, which is the muscle for breathing, is free to function properly
- Stand with your feet flat on the floor, place your feet shoulder width apart and slightly turned out; balance your weight evenly over both feet and allow it to be somewhat forward toward the balls of your feet rather than your heels
- Avoid…
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Shifting your weight to one side by ’sitting’ into one hip
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Do not lock your knees
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Do not over-tense your thighs
- Do not lift your chin so that the back of your neck shortens
- Do…
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Relax, be at ease yet, alert not collapsed
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Relax your shoulders back and down
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Lift your chest off your waist without straining (again – free your diaphragm)
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Lengthen the back of your neck and be sure that your neck and head can move freely and your throat feels open
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If you are in a situation where you will be seated while singing:
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Sit with your hips higher than your knees so that your abdominal muscles can support your voice
- Maintaining a good posture makes you feel good about yourself; in turn this gives you confidence to be able to give a good performance
Next post I’ll cover Breathing for your Singing Voice…
