The power of vulnerability in singing
Being vulnerable is often associated with a negative state. But vulnerability in singing can actually be quite useful when it comes to using your voice freely and expressively. Which helps not only your singing but also your general wellbeing!
Vulnerability in singing means being willing to feel. When this is not the case, the body responds by blocking and shortening the breathing. When this happens regularly, you can be prone to developing a posture that restricts your breathing regularly. And your body needs oxygen!
Usually, when our breathing is shortened, it is because we have developed a certain posture over the years, or because we are feeling something that is unpleasant. We don’t want to feel it so we block our breathing (for example, by tensing the abs), so that we don’t feel the pain as much.
In my opinion, we should always try to be willing to feel – not only when singing. After all, the body gets sick when emotions are blocked instead of being acknowledged and felt (in a safe way, of course).
But, coming back to singing: when we sing, what we are trying to do is to express emotions through our voice. If we are able to express freely and genuinely (note that expressing an emotion and reacting to an emotion are two very different things!), then the listener can get the message clearly. If instead, we block the emotions, then there is no way the listener can connect with us.
Most of the time this is something that we don’t do on purpose, of course! It is an instinctive response. But, think about it: generally, when we have to sing in front of people, we get nervous. The body responds by shortening the breath because feeling nervous is not a pleasant emotion at all! By shortening the breath and adopting a nervous posture, it is really hard to connect with what we are trying to express in the song. Ironically, if you were willing to feel nervous without trying to fight it to death, you would feel better and you would have a much more pleasant experience. Plus you would be able to move on from feeling nervous to whatever message you want to express with your music!
Vulnerability in singing: how to practice at home
Of course, just relaxing and letting the body flow is not easy work. It does take practice. You can practice this, even right now: every time you are feeling an unpleasant emotion, observe how the body reacts to this and how your posture and breathing pattern change.
Or – for example, when you are watching a sad or highly emotional video and there are people around, so you don’t want to cry – observe how the body changes to contain that emotion instead of releasing it. Observe how different it feels and sounds in the voice, being able to express what we are really feeling as opposed to having to contain the emotion.
Most of the time, you can start changing this by just allowing yourself to breath slowly and deeply, letting the air go to the lower part of your lungs (“belly” breathing).
Vulnerability in singing gives you the opportunity to connect deeply with what you are saying. This will give you a much more sincere and genuine voice, it will help your technique and it will also allow you to connect with your audience very easily.
In Auckland Singing School we have options for anyone willing to learn the art of singing:
- Singing lessons for adults in Auckland – North Shore (NZ)
- Singing lessons online
- Singing lessons for teenagers and kids – option to exam preparation (Rockschool)
- Group singing classes for adults in Auckland (North Shore)
Looking for holistic vocal classes and programs online? Check out our Online singing Academy HERE
Image by laerte
I help people to develop their voice and singing from a holistic approach. I teach vocal lessons in person in Auckland, NZ, and online. Also stay tuned for my new online singing programs!❤️
My greatest passion has always been the voice, music and energy arts.
My personal and artistic journey has led me to understand that the voice and the body are fully connected, and that includes not only the physical body but also the mental, emotional and spiritual body.
Through holistic vocal training you not only learn to become a great singer while taking care of your voice, but you also improve your mental and physical wellbeing❤️
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