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Hi singers!
I'm Justin Stoney
the founder of New York Vocal Coaching
here with you for another episode of
Quick Singing Tips.
Today we're taking a ride together
on the New York City subway.
In New York, things can be bumpy.
It can be hard to balance your work life,
your social life, and your vocal life.
But it can also be flat-out hard to keep
your balance as you ride the train.
Which leads us to today's question from
Rob B. in Pierre, South Dakota.
Rob writes, "Dear Justin, my singing teacher
always tells me to feel the ground
beneath my feet when I sing.
What's that about?"
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Awesome question, Rob.
Well, what your voice teacher is telling you
is pretty great advice.
How we stand when we sing can really make a difference
in the freedom of our vocal production.
Now obviously there are times when we need to
sit down or move around when we sing.
But, the majority of times, when we practice,
take a voice lesson, perform, or go into the recording studio,
we're standing!
So, how we stand really matters.
In the future we're going to talk more
about posture overall.
But, today we're just going to look at the feet
and how they balance.
When you stand to sing you want to think of
your feet as a tripod.
With the first two points being at the front of your foot
and the other point
being at your heel.
We want to stand with the weight distributed
in a two-thirds one-third relationship.
Two thirds toward the front
and one-third to the back.
So, ideally your weight should feel slightly
more forward than backward.
Why?
Well, your spine aligns a lot better when you're
not sinking back into your heels.
This affects your breathing.
Are you skeptical?
Well it's not that hard to prove.
Let's try it.
Stand with the weight totally back in your heels
and take a breath.
Good job.
Now, stand with the weight more towards the front
and take a breath.
Great!
Did you feel that difference?
[ Applause ]
Not only does distributing your weight like this
help with breathing and alignment
but it also puts your feet in a position where
you're ready to move at any time.
I suppose a great rule of thumb is that
you should stand like you're riding
on a moving subway train.
Ready for any starts and stops,
ready to get where you're going,
ready for an exciting day in New York,
ready to breathe, ready to move,
ready to sing, ready for action.
Here are some other ways that you can take action
on your vocal journey.
For voice lessons or Skype lessons with the NYVC staff
visit us at NewYorkVocalCoaching.com.
If you'd like a vocal course that you can do at home check out the
Voice Lessons To The World Vocal Course.
This twelve part program takes you on a singing journey
from beginner to master level vocal exercises.
You can find it at VoiceLessonsToTheWorld.com.
Or, if you'd like free vocal tips sent to you each day
sign up at DailyVocalTips.com.
And now, here's Justin with this week's vocal benediction.
Singing is really the great art of balance.
Balancing your posture, balancing your breath.
Balancing your registers.
Today, as you feel your feet
firmly planted into the ground,
ask yourself a question.
Is there anything out of balance in my life right now?
If there is, remember you don't need to clutch on so tight.
Sometimes all it takes is a little shift.
Well, here's my stop.
We'll see you next time!
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