Are you sensing that there is nothing much to smile about right now? Or perhaps you have happy news and are blissfully enjoying life regardless of global events?
As I write this, it appears that the world is crumbling and going quite insane. So what is there to smile about, especially when it comes to singing?
Friends, it is vitally important that we DO continue to smile and improve on our singing. Allow me to travel back in time for a moment to explain why.
During my Bel Canto training I was in the thick of one of the world’s longest lockdowns in my city. It was one of the most depressing times, so smiling did not come easily; I just didn’t feel like it. I was locked out of my church and could not sing in choir or cantor there for what would turn out to be a very long time. It seemed that everything was collapsing around me. Frankly, I was miserable, but I had enrolled into my Bel Canto courses and was determined to continue singing until I could resume in public.
As the weeks and months rolled by I gradually found that the techniques I was being taught - to constantly lift and smile, combined with other exercises - was helping me a great deal, despite my feelings. Although my spirit felt like it was sagging, my voice, body, muscles, and brain were starting to adapt and respond to the new magical instructions I was consistently employing in my songs. Something was shifting mentally and spiritually, and my emotions began working with my physical body rather than against it.
Even though I still often did not feel like smiling, doing so while I was singing (“faking it until you make it”) was producing wonderful results in my voice. There was a strong correlation between what I was doing physically (in my face and body) and the emotional and spiritual transformation that ensued.
So why not try it for yourself? Just smile!
I notice when many people sing their faces look somewhere between terrified, bored, and disconnected from what they are doing. This does not mean you need to look like a psycho clown, grinning from ear to ear, but gently smiling while you sing can make a major difference to your sound.
Try this short exercise:
- Gently exhale all of your air.
- Pull in your belly and hold still.
- Smile (with teeth showing) and lift your upper face.
- Now gently inhale, pause, and then sing without dropping your face.
- Repeat this a few times.
How does your voice feel? Do you sound freer, clearer, and more resonant?
There is much more to this exercise, so why not take a look at the various affordable learning options I have on offer? Or you can register for a completely FREE Discovery Consultation today so we can talk privately before you begin. I am always looking for students and you would be warmly welcome!
Do you know about my Singer Showcase? I am seeking two more adults to receive two free lessons with me!
To see how I use this technique in my own singing, watch my performances on my YouTube and Rumble channels (and subscribe for more!). I also perform with a virtual choir so to close out this post please enjoy "When You're Smiling" (Arr. Gareth Reaks).
Until next time, thank you for reading and always remember to…
Be Free To Sing,
Be Free To Sing is a proud member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS) Limited.