The Basics: Step1

Good Posture releases your Singing Voice

• Proper posture is vital while singing because your body is your instrument

• 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)

• Your posture also effects your body’s breathing mechanisms and your supporting muscles

• 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…

• Shifting your weight to one side by ’sitting’ into one hip

• Do not lock your knees

• Do not over-tense your thighs

• Do not lift your chin so that the back of your neck shortens

• Do…

• Relax, be at ease yet, alert not collapsed

• Relax your shoulders back and down

• Lift your chest off your waist without straining (again – free your diaphragm)

• Lengthen the back of your neck and be sure that your neck and head can move freely and your throat feels open

• If you are in a situation where you will be seated while singing:

• 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…