Neck stretch exercise

Welcome to Your First Lesson

Oh, oh, oh, oh, I'll be your alright.

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Importance of Posture

Welcome to your first lesson! For this one, it's best to be standing. We're going to cover something that is heavily overlooked when it comes to singing, yet it's extremely crucial for getting the most out of your voice: posture.

In today's world of excessive cell phone and computer use, many people suffer from chronic forward head posture. This condition puts strain on the entire vocal apparatus, which intensifies as they start singing, leading to even more pull and strain on those muscles.

Exercises for the Right Posture

So what can we do about this? We're going to go over a couple of exercises to help you achieve the right posture.

1. Back Against the Wall Exercise:
   • Find a wall and back up against it.
   • Ensure that three points of your body make contact with the wall:
     • Heels of your feet
     • Butt
     • Back of your head

You should notice a push-back feeling as you try to get all three points in contact with the wall simultaneously. This position will be referred to as your home base for singing.

Remember, we don't want to feel locked into this position, but rather that it is our neutral stance. Movement is actually very good and healthy for the voice, so you can always move around after finding this base.

Take a moment: Pause the video, give it a try, and then come back when you're done.

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Neck and Shoulder Alignment

The most important factor to focus on is obviously the neck, as this is the primary apparatus we use for singing.

• Neck Alignment:
  • Ensure your ear is in line with your shoulder.
  • Avoid the common forward head posture with rolled shoulders.
  • Roll your shoulders back and relax into that position.
  • Tuck your chin and relax.

This position should be your starting point for singing. Strive to maintain this neutral neck posture, avoiding any forward head pull or lifting of the head while singing.

Mental Check: Make it a habit to periodically check in with yourself to ensure you're keeping this neutral posture during your exercises or while singing.

Final Thoughts

Once you find this neutral head posture, and a neutral posture for your entire body while standing, it's beneficial to practice outdoors. The fresh air allows you to engage with your body more fully, unlike when you're sitting in a chair where you may not engage your support properly.

Now, that's the foundation for your posture! Keep practicing, and let's make sure we're setting ourselves up for success in singing!