THE IMPORTANT FUNDAMENTALS FOR SINGING

What are the basic fundamentals to a perfect vocal performance? There are four important components you need to master when you sing, in order to create a polished performance.

The first component is having good posture. Stand up straight, reach both hands into the air above your head, now let the slowly come down to your sides. This is good posture…do not slouch. A hunched back or slouching shoulders does not provide proper support (read 8/25/20 blog “Proper Posture”). Good posture can be defined as the proper stance for singers and properly seated position for a pianist. Good posture is actually very important in our daily lives.

The second component is diaphragm support, which is the power behind your breath. When you begin to sing, you will inhale causing the diaphragm muscles to constrict, which causes the lungs to expand and fill up with air. As you exhale, the diaphragm muscles contract causing increased pressure. Optimal support comes from using the abdominal, pelvic and lower back muscles. By using these muscles as you inhale and exhale activates the diaphragm, which creates the power (read blog 8/28/20 about the diaphragm “Singing With Power”). Vocal exercises are important for the development and strengthening of your singing voice.

The third component is proper breathing technique (read blog 4/25/21, ”How To Have Strong Breath Support When Singing”). Optimal support comes from using the abdominal, pelvic and lower back muscles. By using these muscles as you inhale and exhale activates the diaphragm. Proper breath support and diaphragm support work hand in hand. As a singer, you need to regulate (control) the inhaling and exhaling of air when you sing.

The fourth and final component is diction. Pronunciation is related to how each syllable is emphasized and how the letters in each word are sung. Enunciation refers to the clarity and the distinct sounds that make a word. So, whether you call it diction, enunciation or pronunciation it’s all about the clarity of the word and they way each syllable is shaped when singing; this is how you master vocalization. Practicing your enunciation is an easy way to improve your singing quickly (read blog 8/3/20 “Achieving Good Diction”).

Vocal training is accomplished by working with a professional vocal coach and daily vocal exercises. Using the four fundamental components will result in a more powerful singing voice and creating beautiful vocal tone.

JOKE FOR THE DAY:

What is a skeleton’s favorite instrument? The trombone.

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