Lander UniversityVoice Class I

Dr. Chuck Neufeld

What Is Good Singing

Posture?

AlertBalancedBuoyantErectExpansiveFlexibleFree-to-moveHappyLoosePoisedVibrant

Good Singing Posture Is

How does good posture operate?

FeetLegsHipsAbdomenBackChestShouldersArms and HandsHeadSeated Posture

How does good posture operate?

FeetLegsHipsAbdomenBackChestShouldersArms and HandsHeadSeated Posture

Feet

Shoulder width apartWeight evenly distributedOne foot slightly aheadPlant feet like tree roots

Legs

FlexibleAble to move at all timesNot fully relaxedVertical line from heels to trunk to headKnees slightly bent

Hips

Not “cocked” to one sideTuck buttocks under and forward (as if straightening lower back)

How does good posture operate?

FeetLegsHipsAbdomenBackChestShouldersArms and HandsHeadSeated Posture

Abdomen

Lower AbdomenHeld in comfortably, gentlyNot released all the way (pregnant look)

Upper AbdomenFree to move at all timesNot pulled in or out too strongly

Back

Lift and stretch the spine upward (tall spine)As broad and wide as possibleThink of straightening the small of the back

Chest

Comfortably highStable (little rise and fall)Comfortably high (use Garcia position)Not forced up--let thoughts hold it up

How does good posture operate?

FeetLegsHipsAbdomenBackChestShouldersArms and HandsHeadSeated Posture

Shoulders

Rolled back and dropped gentlyStable during breathing/singingStability leads to comfortably high chestNot forced down or tightReleased from tension

Arms and Hands

Arms hang freelyHands are extensions of armsHands calmHands in front of body is OK (but without tension)Touching piano, music stand, or lectern is OK (but must look natural)Support music with palm of hand (or get a famous “black folder”)

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How does good posture operate?

FeetLegsHipsAbdomenBackChestShouldersArms and HandsHeadSeated Posture

Head

In line and centered with body (from any viewpoint)On top of stretched, tall spineEyes levelChin only slightly tucked inStretch back of neck upwardAvoid raising chin

How does good posture operate?

FeetLegsHipsAbdomenBackChestShouldersArms and HandsHeadSeated Posture

Seated Posture

Trunk and head in line (as in standing)Hips well back into chairHips above kneesFoot position same as standing

Always Remember How Good Posture

Operates

Lander UniversityVoice Class I

Dr. Chuck Neufeld