Singer's Tip #2 - RELAX

SINGER’S TIP #2 - RELAX!

To have your best sound vocally, your body needs to be relaxed and free of tension. To achieve that, we need to build the ability to relax our body in the moment- and counteract any anxiety and nerves that can creep up during performing. So, we need to with intention and focus- RELAX.

It sounds so simple doesn’t it? And maybe it doesn’t seem like it’s that important. Trust me- it’s really important. Most of us carry around tension that we are not even aware of. Have you ever had a massage and discovered places in your body that you didn’t know you had pain or tightness? Well, that’s what I’m talking about. Tightness and tension in the body will absorb your sound and compromise your ability to sing with freedom and openness. Whatever technique you are working on, you can’t really reap the full benefit of that technique without a relaxed body. So counteract that with INTENTIONALLY focusing on ways to relax your body, particularly before (and while) you sing.

Focus on relaxing and stretching these specific body parts that notoriously need special attention to help you have your best sound.

1. Do side stretches to loosen up and relax your rib cage muscles. Then do deep breathing exercises that expand the ribcage. We will talk a lot more about rib stretch breathing. It is foundational support for your voice for singing, AND a great way to relax your body before you sing (and will also help you deal with stress and tension in general).

2. Relax tension in your jaw & tongue. Wait-what? Yes, most people do have tension in one or both (it’s usually both!) and it will inhibit a beautiful relaxed and open vocal sound. Here are a few gentle ways to release tension in the jaw-

a. Massage the jaw hinge directly with smooth gentle but firm pressure pinch along the jaw line into the chin and push gently into the muscle right behind your chin.

b. Next, stick your tongue out repeatedly on a nasty obnoxious “aaahhh” sound.

c. Pretend you are chewing gum, keeping your lips closed and keeping everything loose & relaxed. Gentle humming while you do this exercise is great too!

d. Here’s a real tension buster for the tongue… Keeping your lips closed, sweep your tongue across every tooth in your mouth, starting with your most back molar on the top and sweeping across the front of your teeth to the opposite back molar. Repeat with the bottom teeth and do the whole exercise 2 times.

3. Gently stretch your neck taking your head and gently bringing it sideways toward your shoulder. Take your time and relax into the stretch and then repeat on the opposite side. Roll your shoulders going forward about five or six times and then backwards about five or six times. The shoulder and neck area are notorious for holding tension and can directly interfere with a relaxed open vocal sound.

4. If you are experiencing more than normal stress and tightness, try soaking in an epsom salt bath or try a heat wrap where your body is holding tension. This can really work wonders and help you deeply relax.

Following these tips will help ensure that relaxation becomes a habit and that way you will much more easily access that relaxation when you’re practicing and performing! Remember your body is your instrument- so self care is fundamental and you will be rewarded for your efforts! Enjoy!