Sing For Life with HSC » vocal health http://harmonyshowcase.com Antelope Valley's #1 Singing Group Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:05:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Health Benefits of Singing http://harmonyshowcase.com/2009/12/health-benefits-of-singing/ http://harmonyshowcase.com/2009/12/health-benefits-of-singing/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:05:27 +0000 admin http://harmonyshowcase.com/?p=373 Sing yourself happy and fit! If you have ever wondered why choral singers look to be on a high, here are some of the reasons. The health benefits of singing are well documented:
  • Singing is very effective as a stress reliever and improves sleep
  • Singing releases pain-relieving endorphins, helping you to forget that painful tooth/knee/whatever
  • Singing improves your posture
  • Your posture improves
  • Singing improves mental alertness
  • Singing tones your facial and stomach muscles
  • Singing boosts your immune system, helping to fight disease and prolonging life expectancy
  • Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energized and uplifted.
  • Singing tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation.
  • Singing makes you breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.
  • Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
  • Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
  • Singing broadens expressive communication.
  • Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.
  • Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.
  • Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.
  • Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old
]]> http://harmonyshowcase.com/2009/12/health-benefits-of-singing/feed/ 1 Vocal Health http://harmonyshowcase.com/2009/12/vocal-health/ http://harmonyshowcase.com/2009/12/vocal-health/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:03:20 +0000 admin http://harmonyshowcase.com/?p=370
  • Lots of water (at least 8-9 glasses a day–more if you drink caffeine and/or alcohol)
  • Don’t Smoke
  • Elevate head for sleeping if you eat late at night
  • Listen to your body – avoid “numbing” sprays
  • Consider carefully before the use of Beta Blockers
  • Use medications wisely
  • Both singers and speakers benefit from starting their day with vocal warm-up’s
  • Use the same support for speaking as you would for singing
  • Whispering is not a beneficial vocal practice
  • Give yourself time to working up to singing extended periods at the extremes of your range
  • Expand your range in BOTH directions
  • Avoid coughing and clearing your throat (try swallowing)
  • The ideal weight for singing is the ideal weight for any vital activity
  • A high-protine diet is always advisable for heightened physical activity
  • A full stomach inhibits proper diaphragmatic descent
  • Mental Attitude can make or break a singer
  • The longer the session or the more tired the voice, go back to basics
  • Fatigue is usually caused by improper techniques
  • Volume disturbances are often hormonal or cyclic
  • Travel is a challenge for singers–5% humidity in airplanes–need to drink more water — ditto with hotels
  • Consider the use of a portable vaporizer
  • Breathing steam is helpful
  • When in doubt check your posture and your breathing space
  • Have a mirror handy at all times for immediate feedback on your facial posturing
  • Keep the body fluid at all times – remember the Jello commercial and give yourself some wiggle room
  • Find and use your optimal pitch
  • Exercises to reduce tension in the voice
    1. yawning
    2. relaxation of the head
    3. stand, bend at the waist and count to ten
    4. breathe through the vocal folds gently and deeply
    5. release the jaw
    6. count to ten with the tongue in a forward, relaxed position
    7. chewing

    • Recipe for gargle:

    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon white Karo or Honey
    • 8 oz warm water
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