Learning to sing is a journey of self discovery, a winding path through sun and shadow,sometimes smooth, sometimes stony. Like any journey it is the trip that is the most important, not necessarily the destination. Singing should be fun! Singing should give you the same thrill that climbing mountain gives, or listening to a symphony live, or having your first kiss. It is a rush! It is a pleasure, and a joy. But as all singers know, the learning never really ends. The journey can be powerful, affirming, difficult, pleasurable, joyful, inspirational, exhausting and sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding. Anything that is worth doing is worth investing your heart and soul into it. While you are on this path, I hope you will find some mantras with which to follow, and help you find your way.
My vocal meditations are designed to inspire you to relax and contemplate the path in a deliberate and thoughtful way.. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will your voice be. You will progress at your own pace, slow or fast. Be patient with yourself. Whether you begin this journey at 14, 40 or 80 years old, let this journey be thoughtful and calming for you. Try to focus on one practice meditation each day, or whenever you take the time, and think deeply on the little meditation. I like association-- For example, if you are working on your breath, find a comfortable position in your favorite place in your house or apartment, and explore the breathing exercises there. You will associate the breath with your happy place, and hopefully it will encourage you to remember to use the breath and locate those feelings whenever you sing. One of my students tells me that she practices music with a bowl of cinnamon in her hand. she says the lovely smell of cinnamon evokes a calming response in her, and she is able to absorb concepts and music better. Whatever works for you, try it.
Meditation #1: I will try to relax all tension my jaw, tongue, neck, shoulders arms and upper torso. In singing, the mouth must remain slack and open vertically at all times. If you have any tension in the jaw it will tell in your sound and is therefore a hindrance to a free voice. As you go ascend the scale, unhinge the jaw and let it drop freely. If you open your mouth the sound will be able to come out. If you don't, it won't. (It's that simple.) Make sure the tongue does not pull back into your throat. Notice if there is any tension in your neck and shoulders. If so, consciously release all the tension and take a slow, low breath. Release the tension into the breath. Now notice your arms and chest, Do you have tension? Again, consciously release that tension, and breathe deeply with a a low, slow breath. This is where you want to begin singing.
My vocal meditations are designed to inspire you to relax and contemplate the path in a deliberate and thoughtful way.. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will your voice be. You will progress at your own pace, slow or fast. Be patient with yourself. Whether you begin this journey at 14, 40 or 80 years old, let this journey be thoughtful and calming for you. Try to focus on one practice meditation each day, or whenever you take the time, and think deeply on the little meditation. I like association-- For example, if you are working on your breath, find a comfortable position in your favorite place in your house or apartment, and explore the breathing exercises there. You will associate the breath with your happy place, and hopefully it will encourage you to remember to use the breath and locate those feelings whenever you sing. One of my students tells me that she practices music with a bowl of cinnamon in her hand. she says the lovely smell of cinnamon evokes a calming response in her, and she is able to absorb concepts and music better. Whatever works for you, try it.
Meditation #1: I will try to relax all tension my jaw, tongue, neck, shoulders arms and upper torso. In singing, the mouth must remain slack and open vertically at all times. If you have any tension in the jaw it will tell in your sound and is therefore a hindrance to a free voice. As you go ascend the scale, unhinge the jaw and let it drop freely. If you open your mouth the sound will be able to come out. If you don't, it won't. (It's that simple.) Make sure the tongue does not pull back into your throat. Notice if there is any tension in your neck and shoulders. If so, consciously release all the tension and take a slow, low breath. Release the tension into the breath. Now notice your arms and chest, Do you have tension? Again, consciously release that tension, and breathe deeply with a a low, slow breath. This is where you want to begin singing.