
Welcome to the course!
What is stress?
In this lesson, we will:
learn the difference between the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
understand stress as constant low-level SNS arousal
discuss stress-related inflammation and the immune system response
understand how stress impacts the quality of life
explore causes of stress (emotional, physical, busyness)
What stresses out singers?
In this lesson, we will:
discuss vocal health concerns
explore vocal responsiveness and adaptability
relate concerns about career, finances, and stability
talk about performance anxiety
How does stress affect the voice?
In this lesson, we will:
understand how stress causes inflammation which affects the voice
learn how stress cause misalign the entire body and the vocal instrument
discuss how stress affects sleep which impacts the voice
discuss how stress affects lifestyle and vocal health habits—coffee vs. water, eating, exercise
Intro to body warmups
In this lesson, we will:
talk about the causes of body tension in singers
learn how to untense the body before singing
Neck stretches
In this lesson, we will:
learn neck stretches for singers
Head, Neck, and Jaw
In this lesson, we will:
learn quick massage techniques for the head, neck, and jaw
Torso and Back
In this lesson, we will:
learn how to release the ribs and spine before signing
Spinal Alignment
In this lesson, we will:
learn how to align the head and spine for singing
Intro to vocal warmups
In this lesson, we will:
talk about easy vocalizing
learn why slides, legato, and loose friendly exercises are so good for a stressed-out singer
Slides
In this lesson, we will:
move through easy slides to stretch and soothe the vocal instrument
Legato
In this lesson, we will:
sing through some gooey connected exercises
The magic “m”
In this lesson, we will:
explore some humming, chanting, and vocalizing using "m"
Hydration, Nutrition, and Sleep
In this lesson, we will:
talk about simple health necessities
define systemic hydration
understand energizing, nourishing foods
discuss the importance of a consistent schedule
Self-soothing
In this lesson, we will:
suggest beverages that are warm and hydrating
understand why warm water and steam are beneficial
discuss recuperative activities
Space and simplicity
In this lesson, we will:
explore the concept of simplifying
understand the benefits of space and quiet to process
discuss open and natural spaces (nature)
discuss open and simple mind (mindfulness)
"Let us learn the art of resting and allow our body and our mind to restore themselves. Not thinking and not doing anything is an art of resting and healing." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Targeted exercise
In this lesson, we will:
understand the relationship between stress and release (SNS and PNS)
explore the concepts of somatic release through dance, cross-body/cross-plane motion, shaking, yoga
Yoga for singers: discussion
In this lesson, we will:
talk about yoga and the SNS/PNS
explore yoga's benefits of stretching and strengthening
discuss yoga's integration of mind/body/spirit union
Yoga for singers: practice
In this lesson, we will:
move through a vinyasa yoga practice for singers
Meditation for singers: discussion
In this lesson, we will:
learn the benefits of meditation and why it is so helpful for singers
Meditation for singers: practice
In this lesson, we will:
practice a short mindfulness meditation for singers
Chanting for singers: discussion
In this lesson, we will:
explore the health benefits of chanting and why this practice is beneficial for singers
Chanting for singers: practice
In this lesson, we will:
practice a simple chant using "Om"
Your vocal instrument is part of your body, and is affected by your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Learn stress-management strategies from vocal pedagogy, yoga, Alexander Technique, holistic wellness, neuroscience, and more.
Relieve your stress and free your voice.
Stress management strategies that will improve your singing
In this course, we'll learn...
How stress affects the voice
Body and vocal warmups that relieve stress before singing
Performance anxiety strategies
Holistic wellness practices that enhance vocal health
How the nervous system relates to stress and singing
Yoga and meditation for singers
There is relief ahead...
As singers, we work for years to sculpt and hone our voice, and then walk on stage to bear our heart and soul to the audience... perhaps night after night, show after show, gig after gig. Or perhaps with long lulls in between, while we try to carve out the next performance opportunity, chasing the dream.
In between, we train, we hustle, we schedule, maybe we work a side job, maybe we shuttle our kids to soccer practice.
The life of the vocal performance artist is stressful, demanding vocal health and stamina, skill and technical prowess, expressiveness and dedication to the craft. As singers, it's necessary to find a source of resilience and balance that will sustain us.
"Stress Relief for Singers" provides mind and body stress-management strategies so you can relax your way to better singing.
Are overwhelm and stress affecting your performance?
Learn ways to soothe your nervous system and give your best performance
Is muscle tension affecting your singing?
Learn ways to release the body and let the vocal instrument sing freely
Are you mentally and physically exhausted?
Learn mindfulness and yoga practices that will provide balance and stamina