Shoulders up…<\/h2>\n
This is another side effect of us \u2018trying\u2019 to breathe in. For some reason, when we think about getting as much air in as possible one thing our bodies do naturally is to raise our shoulders up towards our ears. This causes tension through the shoulders and upper back, and ultimately is not good for the breathing process. We want all these muscles to be as relaxed as possible so that what is happening underneath them can happen without any restriction.<\/p>\n
Top Tip <\/strong>– Get someone to sit or stand behind you with their hands placed gently on your shoulders as you breathe. As you breathe in, if raise your shoulders get them to counter your movement by putting a bit of pressure on them. You probably don\u2019t even know you\u2019re doing it. After a few reps, as you become aware of your movement, you\u2019ll be able to put a stop to it.<\/p>\n As we breathe, our lungs are restricted by the packaging they are inside, namely our torso. In order for our lungs to be as free as possible, we need to ensure that they are permitted to move in all directions. When we tense a certain muscle area we are restricting that movement in our lungs. Imagine a balloon being blown up inside a small box. If the box is made of steel, the balloon doesn\u2019t stand much chance of reaching its full capacity as it is limited by the box. However, if the box is made of spandex, the balloon can continue to grow, not limited by the confines of its surroundings. By tensing muscles as we breathe (common culprits are the abdominals and the pectorals) we aren\u2019t allowing our breathing apparatus to work to their potential. Even holding your breath is easier when you\u2019re not tensing all your muscles (trust me – try holding your breath as you normally would. Red faces and watering eyes will quickly follow with all the pressure you\u2019re putting your body under. Then try just taking a properly deep breath and hold it feeling completely relaxed, not pushing or tensing anything. More air, less stress.)<\/p>\n Top Tip<\/strong> – Try breathing in as normal, and then once you have finished your inhale, try and take in some extra air. Feel the areas of tension and try to relax them and try again. Our lungs are usually working well under their capacity, and you will find that by allowing your muscles to relax and your diaphragm to work properly you can increase your air intake by surprisingly large amounts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It can take time to correct the things that we do without thinking about them. Ultimately you want to get to a stage where what comes naturally to you are deep, supported breaths.<\/p>\n If you want to analyse your breathing, watch yourself breathing in a mirror. Notice the movements, big or small of each part of your body. The only area you want to be seeing an obvious movement is in your abdomen. Any other areas that move show points of tension, which you will want to work on. Take note of where your problem areas are and make a point of paying attention to these. You can do it on the bus, in the car, at work- just be aware of your breathing and you\u2019ll hopefully find that soon all these new habits will become second nature.<\/p>\n The Musicademy Worship Vocals Course<\/a> is a full years’ vocals programme in a single DVD box set. It covers all the basics of breathing and posture before taking you through warm-up exercises and finally getting into a variety of singing techniques – all with a worship-focus and outworked with contemporary worship songs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you would be interested in either private vocals coaching from Catherine, or a day’s workshop for your worship team, plese contact the Musicademy office info@musicademy.com<\/a>. Catherine is based in Walthamstowe, East London but can travel.<\/p>\n Good microphone technique can make all the difference<\/a><\/p>\n Making the most of your voice<\/a><\/p>\n Vocal warm-up exercises explained<\/a><\/p>\nHold it…<\/h2>\n
Further help…<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/drc0fhsrp02et.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Catherine-Nicole-White-Vocals-Coach.jpg\" "\\"Catherine")
<\/a>Catherine Mayne is what she likes to call \u2018a creative type\u2019. Working freelance as a singer, actress and vocal coach she likes a bit of variety to life, be it appearing on film, treading the boards in London, in the recording studio, or teaching others to sing in her lounge. She has worked extensively with vocal groups, providing coaching and instruction for choirs, and workshops for contemporary vocal groups on microphone technique, blending and harmony work amongst many other things. Catherine offers coaching to singers of all levels, individuals and groups, and across all genres, believing that a good fundamental knowledge of your instrument is the first step to success, no matter which route you plan on taking.<\/p>\nOther posts you might like:<\/h2>\n
\nWhy you really, really need singing lessons<\/a><\/p>\n