Posture sounds like a cold, technical word. But the posture a vocalist assumes makes a big difference in vocal ability and effectiveness. Here are some guidelines for posture during the live performance:
WHOSE —
- YOU DON’T LOOK HARD
- DO NOT LEAN FORWARD toward the audience so that your ribcage is pressed forward; this will also cause problems with support and breath control. If you lean forward, do so from the hips to keep your ribs wide open.
- DO NOT TIGHTEN YOUR RIB CAGE by slouching when you sing while playing the guitar, keyboard, drums, or other instrument.
DO —
- Stand or sit TALL and FLEXIBLE.
- Play your instrument with your CHEST OPEN! Move towards the microphone with your feet and body so you can lean back a bit, not forward!
- Stand or sit so that your weight is BALANCED ON YOUR BUTT.
- FEEL THE GROOVE: Allow a dance movement in your feet, legs and spine. This will also transfer energy to the hips and buttocks, resulting in more correct breath support (vocal force should come from the pelvic floor).
- Move TOWARD THE MICROPHONE STAND (causing it to lean back and open the chest) when using an articulating stand while standing, singing and playing. This advice is VERY important. If you’re using an upright position, make sure you get close enough that you don’t have to lean forward and close your ribs. Or take the stand in your hand and angle it towards YOU. Or better yet, pull out the mic and use it to help you balance. Don’t bow your head to follow the mic, bring the mic to you!
- Use CONFIDENT BODY LANGUAGE… This is not an arrogant posture. It’s a take care of business stance that tells your audience that you have something good to give them!
- Keep HEAD BACK, CHIN LEVEL, neck loose and when going for a high note, pull head level. slightly by the side.
- TALK TO YOUR HANDS!… they are connected to your arms, shoulders, spine, ribcage and eventually your diaphragm. This is a good stage presence, too. just make it show TRUE…make sure your hands are part of what you say or sing. Don’t let them become a dead weight pulling your ribs down and in.
The posture you assume says a lot. Make sure it communicates trust, courage, freedom, and connection. Your audience will not only see and hear the difference, but your voice will FEEL the difference.