9 Things Singers Need To Know About Their Bodies - Total Vocal Freedom

11/14/2017 9 Things Singers Need to Know About Their Bodies - Total Vocal Freedom -
TOTAL VOCAL FREEDOM
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THEIR BODIES
9 Things Singers Need to Know About

Their Bodies
MAY 4, 2015 BY PETER JACOBSON — 49 COMMENTS
An image showing the top of the lungs in relation to the collarbone.
1.) Your whole body is your instrument, not just your

vocal mechanism.
http://www.totalvocalfreedom.com/9-things-singers-need-know-bodies/ 1/21
Your voice is part of a total system which includes your mind and your
entire body. Any method or technique of singing that doesn’t address
the total mind–body–voice system has limited applications to developing
one’s full potential as a singer.
To become a better singer, shift your emphasis from trying to sing well, to
using your entire mind-body-voice Self well. Once you discover your innate
natural coordination, you will notice a dramatic improvement in all that you
do.
2.) The poise of the head on the spine directly a ects the
quality of sound.
The larynx hangs from the hyoid bone which is slung from the mastoid
processes on the skull. If the head is pulled down into the spine, the
neck and throat muscles will be tense and the torso will become rigid.
Excess tension kills vibrations and will produce a sound that is tight and
strained.
Allow the head to move subtly up o the spine which lets the vocal
mechanism hang freely and the breathing and support muscles of the torso
work e ortlessly.
3.) Pain and discomfort is caused by chronic tightening

and shortening of muscles.
Muscles have only one function–to pull or contract. If a muscle remains

in a state of contraction and is not allowed to release into its full resting
length it will become chronically tense and in amed leading to pain and
discomfort.
By learning how to access the deep, support muscles in your body, you can
relieve pain and tension by allowing chronically tight super cial muscles to
release into greater length and exibility.
4.) The more you try to control your breathing, the less
control you have over it.
Breathing is automatic, re exive function that regulates itself. By

deliberately “taking” a breath we interfere with this natural function and
create undue tension causing the breath to work against us.
Investigate the habits that are getting in the way of your natural breathing
and learn how to undo those habits. Soon natural breathing will become a
powerful ally in your singing and you will discover that you can easily “allow”
for a natural, deep full breath that will give you enough fuel for even the
longest of phrases.
5.) Gasping for breath indicates tension in the throat and

false vocal folds.
The habit of creating a gasping sound on inhalation is an almost

universal habit among voice users. Listen to almost any professional
recording and you’ll most likely hear the singer make an audible sound
on the inhalation. This is a sign of undue tension. Over time this habit
will cause sti ness and rigidity leading to a dramatic decrease in vocal
function.
Avoid this harmful habit of gasping for breath by allowing the musculature
of the neck and torso to release into greater length and width.
6.) We have 24 ribs (12 on each side) and they are

designed for movement.
Our ribs are spring loaded and designed for movement. They are
attached to the spine via moveable joints. The ribs naturally rise and fall
like pail handles if the rest of the torso is not held rigid, as is common in
many singers. When we speak the ribs naturally fall at a faster rate than
when we sing.
Good ‘support’ in singing relies on not allowing the rib cage to collapse
during exhalation.
7.) The lungs are in the upper torso and the diaphragm

sits right below them.
The lungs go as high as the collarbone and down to about the fth rib.
There is more lung tissue in the back than the front and the two-lobed
left lung is slightly smaller than the right lung, which has three lobes, to
accommodate the heart. Right beneath the lungs sits the diaphragm.
Many singing teachers ask their students to imagine breathing deep into

their belly. This can be useful but singers should not be fooled about where
the air is actually going when they breathe. It’s much higher than you think!
8.) It is impossible to directly control the diaphragm.
The diaphragm has no proprioceptive nerve endings. Additionally, the

diaphragm is primarily a muscle of inspiration and consequently plays
very little role in exhalation rendering the idea of ‘diaphragmatic
support’ to be without basis in scienti c fact.
It is impossible to exert any direct control over diaphragmatic movement

except through the natural act of re exive breathing and the the controlled
exhalation of singing.
9.) By cooperating with your design you can nd

freedom and ease in your singing.
If you are aware, you’re halfway there! Heightening self-awareness in

combination with learning about the body’s natural design can lead to
dramatic improvements in vocal production and performance.
Getting clear on the architecture of the total mind-body-voice mechanism

can eliminate tension, free your body and liberate your voice.
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Comments
Elisabeth Franklin says
February 27, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Excellent!! Every last point.
Reply
peter jacobson says

Thanks Elisabeth! I’m glad you liked the article.
Reply
Aliki Dourmazer says

I am a performer and voice teacher from Greece, having studied and

researched voice and movement in England. Just nished my weekend
workshop ‘ Voice is the Body’ and your article totally re ects my
teachings in a carefully articulated way. I will share this with my
students. Thank you!!
Reply
Sita Milchev says

February 27, 2016 at 4:51 PM
I am a singer since I was 15…I’m now 72. I only use my stomach muscle
to ‘support’ and it still works. Your suggestions are right on the money!
Thank you. I’m going to pass this on to the choir.
Reply
peter jacobson says

Hi Sita – thanks for sharing with your choir!
Reply
Megan Myers says

Loved this article. Wonderful tips and things to think about.
Reply
peter jacobson says

Thanks Megan!
Reply
Valerie Wyco says

You raise so many good points – Yes! Your whole body sings. I’d like to
add that the diaphragm action can be a ected by other than inhaling
and exhaling. Eg – as in “see-saw breathing” changing the shape of the
rib cage and belly while holding breath, or while exhaling. There are
many Feldenkrais Method lessons which use this pattern of movement
as an aid to moving (and breathing) more easily.
Reply
Lauren Fisher says

Spot on!
Reply
peter jacobson says

Thanks Lauren!
Reply
Philomena Breslin says

Excellent.
Reply
Debbie Mielke says

I work with young singers frequently …this will be shared with them!
Thanks
Reply
peter jacobson says

Thanks for sharing with your singers Debbie!
Reply
Carla says
Excellent article! I am a singing teacher and I’ll de nitely use this for my
students. Thanks!!
Reply
Prof. Carlos Montané (Jacobs School of Music), Indiana Univ.

says
I made my professional debut in 1961 and performed in world opera

stages for 35 years. I have been teaching at I.U. for the last 30 years -and
still active as a teacher and performer-. Last month sang a full recital, at
age 78. I’m very grateful you have presented everything 100% correct.
Not only I will send it to my students, but I will printed and keep copies
in my studio at Indiana University. Again, thank you very much.
Carlos Montané
Reply
Roy Rashbrook says

A beautifully presented and clear dismantling of many myths

surrounding basic vocal technique. Thank you.
Reply
Diana McCullough says

I’m in good collegial company! Ditto to all—–
Reply
Francese Brooks says

As a long time singer and a recently graduated massage therapist, this

article provides the perfect nexus between these two disciplines. Thanks
so much for sharing the knowledge. I’ll be paying it forward, not only
with the singers with whom I’ll be partnering from here on out, but also
with those who’ll be on my massage table in the near future. Thanks
again
Reply
Priti Coles says

March 1, 2016 at 4:10 AM
Great stu very clearly and simply explained! Thanks.
Reply
Irma Pingol says

March 2, 2016 at 9:43 PM
So nice!
Reply
Gennaro Sica says

March 7, 2016 at 12:14 PM
Congratulations on the TVF article which I appreciated very much.

It demonstrates, once again, that the Old Italian School of Singing’s
empirical principles and precepts were indeed correct.
To this I’d add what Beniamino Gigli said at a London conference in
1946: “As soon as I begin to sing I forget all about the diaphragm and
the ribs, all about the breathing machinery and its action and sing on
the air accumulated right underneath the larynx” concluding “think
more and do less”. Gennaro Sica Tenor and Singing Teacher. Firenze
http://www.arteaudizione.com
Reply
peter jacobson says

March 10, 2016 at 2:07 PM
Thank you Gennaro! Love that quote from Gigli. Cheers!
Reply
Adi says
March 8, 2016 at 7:39 AM
That makes so much sense even though I’m not a singer but since
everything is connected body-mind-spirit, it totally resonates with me.
Reply
Mariam says
March 9, 2016 at 4:10 AM
Concise & Precise!

Reply
peter jacobson says

March 10, 2016 at 2:07 PM
Thanks Mariam!
Reply
Sue says
April 17, 2016 at 5:34 PM
I’ve learn something here that we allow me to be a better singer .. Ty
Reply
Ed Taylor says
May 27, 2016 at 9:21 PM
Singers seem to think that the sounds that we make come from the
throat. Most don’t knowwhat it takes to be a good singer. Luciano
Pavarotti one of the top tenors of our time said that early in his career I
think it was Joan Sutherland had him place his hand on her stomach and
that helped him understand the relationship between breathing and the
reproduction of sound.
Reply
Helen Aun says

May 29, 2016 at 2:03 PM
Nice one, Peter! Good article!
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

May 30, 2016 at 2:40 PM
Thanks Helen!
Reply
Darshana Zaveri says

May 31, 2016 at 5:55 PM
I am a music teacher and have been teaching and performing for many
years. I completely agree with every word written. Will share with my
students. Thanks!
Reply
Dr. Betty Devine says

March 10, 2017 at 11:47 AM
This understanding of WHICH parts of our body control the breath and
learning how to use those parts, has given me GREATLY increased
stamina, vocal strength, health and athleticism. At 79 years old, I have
more athleticism, endurance, health and ability than I have ever had. I
did not retire from choral work until this year. I Have been so BLESSED
to stand in front of singers all these years!

“Getting old is not for sissies” as the saying goes!! Taking care of our
bodies and minds insures a LONG AND JOYFUL life!
Dr. Betty Devine
Reply
Stewart Harding says

March 19, 2017 at 6:32 PM
Great blog my friend
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

March 23, 2017 at 4:20 PM
Thank you Stewart!
Reply
Kim Rhindress says

March 20, 2017 at 9:04 PM
Thank you for this wonderfully concise piece of valuable information! I

nd that breath is very much tied to the posture and overall life force of
a student.
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

March 23, 2017 at 4:20 PM
You’re welcome Kim! Thanks for stopping by.
Reply
Tedirenio Hipol says

March 30, 2017 at 6:37 AM
Mr. Peter Jacobson,

Thank you for sharing your article. It is concise with all points well
presented. It certainly opens new awareness to singing and vocal
treatment. I will share your post to others.
Ty, Ted Hipol
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

April 7, 2017 at 11:34 AM
Thanks Ted!
Reply
diane says
April 21, 2017 at 1:37 PM
these are spectacular…especially having the head oat o the spinal

column. every once in awhile i hear my natural voice when i sing and it’s
so much easier and prettier than my “study” voice. thanks for this!
Reply
Michael says
May 7, 2017 at 4:08 PM
Wonderful article, I agree with every word.
Reply
Richard Go n-Lecar says

July 13, 2017 at 8:29 AM
I would say that much of this applies to woodwind players too. Good
advice!
Reply
Colleen Philp says

August 20, 2017 at 4:19 AM
Great to see some correct teaching! Thank you. So many charlatans out
there. My book on “A Practical Guide to the Bel Canto Technique” is
being edited at present and hope to publish through UKZN Press. I was
taught in the line of Manuel Garcia; Mathilda Marchesi; Mario Basiola
and Joyce Barker. Have sung professionally for 30 years and still
teaching. Joyce always said “Drop and Fill” when breathing in. i.e. Relax
the stomach and allow the breath to feel as if it is lling you up from the
root muscle upwards which allows one to sing freely with the whole
mind, soul and body.
Reply
Nomi Teplow says

August 22, 2017 at 3:07 AM
Excellent article. I am a singer, voice teacher and choral conductor in

Israel. I am a college lecturer and direct a center for choral singing. You
have expressed precisely what I teach. Unfortunately, not enough
teachers are aware of the whole picture and end up limiting voices and
promiting stress rather than opening them up to achieve their full
potential. I will share this with my English-speaking students.
Reply
Nomi Teplow says

August 22, 2017 at 3:08 AM
Promoting
Reply
Gerrit says
October 25, 2017 at 9:38 AM
Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

October 25, 2017 at 10:06 AM
You’re welcome Gerrit!
Reply
Sue E Hinshaw says

October 26, 2017 at 12:11 PM
Excellent article. I would add “never suck in the air.” Just expanding the
midri drops the diaphragm which expands the lungs, and air simply
falls into the lungs.
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

October 27, 2017 at 3:09 PM
Thanks Sue!
Reply
Anna Christofaro says

Fantastic article! And great reminders of things to keep in mind for in my

singing! Thank you, Peter!
Reply
Peter Jacobson says

Thanks Anna! Hope you’re doing well.
Reply
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11/14/2017 9 Things Singers Need to Know About Their Bodies - Total Vocal Freedom -

TOTAL VOCAL FREEDOM

9 Things Singers Need to Know About

An image showing the top of the lungs in relation to the collarbone.

1.) Your whole body is your instrument, not just your

3.) Pain and discomfort is caused by chronic tightening

Muscles have only one function–to pull or contract. If a muscle remains

Breathing is automatic, re exive function that regulates itself. By

5.) Gasping for breath indicates tension in the throat and

The habit of creating a gasping sound on inhalation is an almost

6.) We have 24 ribs (12 on each side) and they are

7.) The lungs are in the upper torso and the diaphragm

Many singing teachers ask their students to imagine breathing deep into

8.) It is impossible to directly control the diaphragm.

The diaphragm has no proprioceptive nerve endings. Additionally, the

It is impossible to exert any direct control over diaphragmatic movement

9.) By cooperating with your design you can nd

If you are aware, you’re halfway there! Heightening self-awareness in

Getting clear on the architecture of the total mind-body-voice mechanism

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS FOR

FILED UNDER: ANATOMY, BREATHING

TAGGED WITH: ANATOMY, BREATHING

FREE 7-PART COURSE

Excellent!! Every last point.

peter jacobson says

Thanks Elisabeth! I’m glad you liked the article.

Aliki Dourmazer says

I am a performer and voice teacher from Greece, having studied and

Sita Milchev says

peter jacobson says

Hi Sita – thanks for sharing with your choir!

Megan Myers says

Loved this article. Wonderful tips and things to think about.

peter jacobson says

Valerie Wyco says

Lauren Fisher says

peter jacobson says

Philomena Breslin says

February 28, 2016 at 8:55 AM

Debbie Mielke says

peter jacobson says

Thanks for sharing with your singers Debbie!

Prof. Carlos Montané (Jacobs School of Music), Indiana Univ.

I made my professional debut in 1961 and performed in world opera

Roy Rashbrook says

A beautifully presented and clear dismantling of many myths

Diana McCullough says

I’m in good collegial company! Ditto to all—–

Francese Brooks says

As a long time singer and a recently graduated massage therapist, this

Priti Coles says

Great stu very clearly and simply explained! Thanks.

Irma Pingol says

Gennaro Sica says

Congratulations on the TVF article which I appreciated very much.

peter jacobson says

Thank you Gennaro! Love that quote from Gigli. Cheers!

Concise & Precise!

peter jacobson says

I’ve learn something here that we allow me to be a better singer .. Ty

Helen Aun says

May 29, 2016 at 2:03 PM

Nice one, Peter! Good article!