The Power of Posture for Singers
Good posture matters more than you might think — not just during your next job interview, blind date, or performance review. Believe it or not, posture can significantly affect your singing voice and performance abilities, too.
Whether you have a major singing audition or are just trying to improve your voice and stage presence, taking some time to think about your posture is beneficial in many ways. Here are a few reasons why having a good singing posture matters when reaching for that high (or low) note!
Vocal Enhancement
Even though you might assume that voice lessons focus solely on your ability to carry a tune, this is actually untrue. Singing is just as much about breathing as it is about making noise, and your posture significantly affects your breathing ability. When you first begin private singing lessons, it’s not uncommon for your vocal coach to advise you on proper singing posture immediately. Here are some tips you might receive:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Remain in a balanced position without leaning to one side.
- Avoid locking your knees. This can cause some severe bodily tension — and ruin your audition.
- Keep your back straight, allowing room for the natural curve of your spine (don’t overcorrect).
- Rotate your shoulders back slightly to open up your chest position.
- Keep your arms naturally at your sides, moving them as needed. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets. These gestures “close” your body language, making you seem less confident and approachable.
- Position your head directly over your shoulders, with your chin parallel to the floor.
Volume & Projection
If you want to truly improve your singing voice, there are other factors to consider besides pitch and tonal quality. Volume control is an essential skill for professional and amateur singers alike, and posture and volume go hand in hand. Paying attention to your body alignment helps you project your singing voice more accurately. The further you open your diaphragm, the more volume you can produce. For instance, picture a woman belting out the final note of a grand opera. She isn’t bent over, turned away, or acting smaller than she is. She’s standing confidently in front of the audience, arms out, projecting her voice as loudly as possible so that it fills every inch of the room.
Psychological Benefits
Improving your posture improves your singing voice in yet another way: it makes you more confident, especially during auditions. There’s a reason that a person with their arms crossed or their head bowed low doesn’t seem like they’re about to put on a stellar performance. It’s because they’re signifying fear, anxiety, and standoffishness. By standing tall, keeping your body language open, and meeting the eyes of the judges, you’re indicating that you are relaxed yet attentive. You’re also showing off that you’ve mastered great singing techniques, which is something they’ll be looking for.
Improve Your Singing!
If you want to improve your posture for singing, work on your vocal range, or just experience personalized lessons with voice coaches passionate about music, get in touch with Singing Pro today! We always look for new students to connect with, so don’t wait to contact us. We hope to hear from you soon!
