May the Force (fourth) be with you?

I’m not a Star Wars mega fan, but I do have a chuckle every fourth of May when I hear the salutation: “May the 4th Be With You” (on what is more commonly known as “Star Wars Day.”)  I enjoy the clever play on words.

Given my experience with singing however, particularly my additional training in Bel Canto, this phrase has more meaning to me – but not how you might think! It got me wondering: Is the force with me? Am I using my singing power correctly or am I pushing my voice and my air too much? Am I excessively focused on singing somewhere out there? When I have strong singing energy or ability, how am I managing that so as not to hurt myself?

It is important to ask yourself questions like this to determine how the force is showing up in you as you sing. The upshot is that singers – especially beginners – use way too much force, even to the point of damaging themselves over time. It is not necessary to belt each and every song. Did you know that no force is required at all to sing well and be heard?

There are healthier ways to sing, activating natural resonance without relying on thrust, propulsion, yelling, or belting, and so avoid potentially injuring your voice. My Bel Canto teacher taught me the secret by looking within myself. I already have what I need within my body to sing in a more efficient, smart, and powerful way. And I don’t even have to do anything or make anything happen!

I sometimes play a game – I consciously sing a song without using Bel Canto mechanics, and then I gently reapply the mechanics so I can see, feel, and hear the difference in my sound and body. It feels magical because it is! You can hear a demonstration of this in my latest YouTube video.

If you want to know what I am doing in this video and how the Bel Canto approach can work wonders for your voice – without any force – why not have a look at the training I offer for adult singers? Come and learn with me!

• Registrations are open for my Beginner Singers Course: Part 1 and Part 2. Alternatively, you can first attend a Bel Canto Intro session for an overview of these courses.
• Perhaps you may prefer to meet online for a friendly, no-obligation chat about training options for you? Then a free Discovery Consultation is right up your alley!
• Or why not dive in and try short and sharp Bel Canto training for one hour or less? Bel Canto Bites covers several rotating topics incorporating Bel Canto solutions and broader discussions relevant to all singers, no matter if you have no, little, or much singing experience!

So you see, when it comes to support from me as your teacher, the force IS really with you (as long as it is kept out of your throat)!

As always, Be Free To Sing!

Yvonne