So you want to sing better?  You want it to appear that you sing effortlessly?  When singers appear effortless, it is because they have mastered the mind-body connection in release.  If you don’t take things too seriously, the release will be easier.  To be successful you have to lighten up and relax.

You may be saying, “But I am nervous about the upcoming performance?  That is not a setting for me to relax!  I have to be on my game….”
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So here is our technique for you to release your mind, and free your singing in turn. 

AWARENESS:  Take stock in how you are feeling.  Are you feeling tense or worried?  Not sure about the key of the music?  Couldn’t pay your rent this month?  Not enough cash to pay your Singing Teacher?  These things can affect your singing in a negative way.  First be aware that we all have tensions and they will still be there AFTER your singing session.  So for the time you are singing, try to go in your mind to a safe and calm place.  (For me, that place would be right in my own studio, playing my drums.)  Think about and feel what your body feels like when you go to that place.  FEEL IT.

RELEASE:  Now that your body is calm, relax your abdomen and open your mouth - let your breath become very calm and regular.  Feel your body relax into this calm, even more.  Let the movement of your body naturally release any remaining tension.

INTENTION:    Try to consciously feel how your body will behave as you sing with this new released energy.  Think about releasing your body into your song.
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ACTIVATE:    Sing and move naturally as you sing.  TIP:  Release your abdomen completely after every phrase of music.  (Easier said than done).
Be prepared to hear this comment!   “Look how free that singer seems!”
 
Steven Flam is the developer of the groundbreaking teaching technique called BreathingRx For Singers which includes diaphragm target training. For more information or to debate the content of this article please contact him at [email protected] or check out our website at:  www.breathingrx.com

I LIKE MY WASHBOARD ABS, BUT MY SINGING TEACHER TOLD ME TO LAY OFF EXERCISE. WHAT SHOULD I DO? 

​Exercise done correctly will support your singing, and maybe your emotional health. I think your singing teacher is worrying that you might tighten your abs too much.

Remember that the diaphragm is part of a system. When you are building the lego truck and you put too tight a rubber band around the wheels, it becomes difficult for the other parts to move. Likewise, as you tighten the muscles around your diaphragm with too many ab crunches, it may take more work to loosen the muscles around the diaphragm so it has proper space to move. (I imagine you are breathing a sigh of relief to take a break from your crunches). Keep breathing – passively!

So, my advice would be to stay away from core (abdominal) workouts within 2 days of a performance or important audition. I am NOT recommending that you let you become a “nerf person” – soft around the middle, but there are lots of exercises that are great regardless of your performance schedule.

For example, aerobic exercise is great, strength training is terrific – but not body building. Try combination intervals with low weights and high reps. That will lengthen your muscles, instead of bulking you up – and the stress on your body will be moderate so you have plenty of physical energy and strength for singing.

Yoga is also okay if you do not hold or control your breath while you are holding your postures. The key with singing is to let the diaphragm operate organically and passively. Often yoga teachers ask their students to monitor and control their breath. This is contrary to the requirements your singing body has. Try to do the yoga postures but let your breath be completely free and passive.

Steven Flam is the developer of the groundbreaking teaching technique called BreathingRx For Singers which includes diaphragm target training. For more information or to debate the content of this article please contact him at [email protected] or check out our website at: www.breathingrx.com