Stop, breath and check in on self-awareness. These are the reminders that ring in my mind on the daily! Where is my head at – How am I breathing – Am I aligned? What is the source of my motivation today? … The check-in that keeps me humble, refreshes my focus and allows me to stay calm.
I ask for this check-in of all my students who study Voice with me and ask that they create a daily practice too. Check-in on a few things: Become self-aware of the breath, the focus, what’s resonating easily, areas of tension, how much energy do I truly have today?
I used to count to ten backwards to manage anxiety which was really more of a band aid than treating the source. I NEVER had the time to (what literally takes less than 5 minutes out of a 24 hour day) to slow down and check in with myself, I just kept running! That nasty anxiety always caught up eventually, and when I would least expect it no less.
The great turn of events in my own life was the commitment to the daily practice. I’ve seen the most sweeping developments in the singers who also find space to be more mindful on a daily basis. Not only does this check-in affect their focus, but it also effects vocal quality. I love to share this because I have seen it manifest in my students and it is incredible! And I have found much success too in my own music and in my daily life.
For me, and hopefully for you if you are reading this, that working from the outside in, the physical to the mental may be a great way to acces these questions without too much mental strain.
No judgement here, ok? It’s just a check-in people!
As singers we share our words and music with nothing more than ourselves. We are the instrument and it’s all out there on the table! Whilst it is important to study and practice vocal technique, one of the first steps to great singing is understanding our instrument. Take time throughout your day to recognize:
- How am I breathing? Shallow? Deep? Slow?
- How is my alignment?
- Where are areas of stress right now through my body and how can I alleviate them?
- Are my ribs expanding before my shoulders rise when I breath?
Awareness is a huge building block to becoming a great singer. You are on your way!
