Vocal energy vs. vocal tension

Abstract

As both a professional singer and a teacher of singers, I have experienced voice lessons in a great variety of settings worldwide, and it has been my observation that one regularly hears the same concepts and ideas addressed and discussed in many ways. These concepts include breathing technique (diaphragmatic vs. abdominal), position of the soft palate (high and lifted vs. vowel dependent), body posture, relaxation, etc. It is as critically important for singers to avoid tension in their bodies as it is to avoid an overly relaxed body—one which is devoid of the energy necessary to produce a sound that is rich with harmonics and capable of projecting in ensembles or over an orchestra in a large hall.