Harmony in Body and Voice – The Alexander Technique Has Huge Benefits for Singers

Singing involves so much more than just your vocal cords.

Think about when you stand up on stage to perform.

Your whole body is involved – every aspect of your posture, your breathing, even your state of mind, can affect your voice.

The Alexander Technique is widely used to treat issues such as bad posture or back conditions arising from working at a desk for long hours, but this innovative technique also offers some amazing benefits for singers.

What Is the Alexander Technique?

Named after its creator, Frederick Mattias Alexander, this technique focuses on increasing awareness of our bodies and the tension we hold within.

Many of us are totally unaware that we are over-tensing our muscles.

Let’s try something… think about your shoulders right now.

Really focus on them, and now relax your shoulder muscles.

Do they sink a little?

You’ve just let go of the tension you didn’t even know was there.

Simply put, the Alexander Technique is all about becoming aware of our unconscious habits of holding tension in our bodies and learning how to change these habits so that all our tension is released.

A Closer Look at the Benefits for Singers:

Improved Posture for a More Natural Stage Presence

We all know good posture is important for singers, and so it’s in our minds that we need to stand up straight, but by doing this, we tend to become too rigid in our stance.

The Alexander Technique takes us beyond simply standing in that fixed position.

It teaches us to release tension and stand more naturally, in a way that feels more comfortable.

You’re not braced and tense, you’re grounded and free – you’re relaxed rather than stiff, allowing for more expressive movement, and this will show in your performance.

You’ll move more naturally on stage, and you’ll appear more confident and at ease with yourself and the audience.

Reduced Vocal Tension to Improve Range, Volume and Resonance

One of the key ways in which the Alexander Technique can benefit singers is by teaching us to release the tension we unknowingly hold in our shoulders, neck and jaw.

When you lose these unconscious habits, your voice will naturally be more open and flexible.

Many singers find that the Alexander Technique enables them to expand their range and develop a more effortless control over their voice, resulting in greater resonance and a richer sound.

Breathe More Naturally – Without Strain

Breathing is such a natural process, but it’s also very easy to force your breathing or hold your breath while singing, which can result in strained vocals.

By studying the Alexander Technique, you can learn to release tension in the chest to allow your breath to flow more freely.

You’ll find it easier to breathe while singing, taking more efficient and effective breaths.

Want to sustain that top note effortlessly?

The Alexander Technique could be the key to success.

Benefits Beyond Singing

The Alexander Technique is incredibly beneficial for your singing, but it will also bring other benefits across all aspects of your life.

Your coordination will improve, as will your overall posture and flexibility.

It can help reduce pain, particularly in your back, neck and joints, and it can protect your body from injury as you move without tension, reducing strain on your joints and muscles.

In addition to the physical benefits, there are also a wealth of benefits for the mind.

Stress levels are reduced, and the ability to concentrate and focus increases.

Are You Ready to Learn the Alexander Technique?

This valuable technique is not something that you can pick up instantly; it’s a process of understanding your own body and changing your habits accordingly.

It takes time, but it’s certainly time well spent, as you develop new habits that last a lifetime.

While it is an ongoing process, it is likely you will notice a difference fairly quickly, but just like learning to sing, you’ll get better over time.

With practice, being aware of your body and letting go of tension will become second nature.

If this is something you’d like to explore, your singing tutor will be able to advise you on the best approach to learn this technique – the perfect complement to your vocal lessons.

» To work with a qualified Alexander Technique practitioner, visit our experts page.