The Alexander Technique and Singing

by Sally Porter Munro

 

Many singing teachers are able to sense that students, while singing, incorporate excess tension (tight jaw, stiff neck, locked ribs, etc.). Unfortunately, other than bring it to their attention, not all teachers are able to help students overcome these habits. In my singing teaching practice I integrate the principles of the Alexander Technique to encourage and teach us to be more aware of the use of the body. This is so vital for singers because, after all, the body is the singer's instrument.

 

The first step is to become aware of the physical habits that are interfering with the freedom to make a beautiful, unforced sound. We then must learn how to undo these habits and replace them with new positive and useful ones. Often a chronic technical problem can be solved with the help of the Alexander Technique by bringing the student's attention to an area of the body he or she had never before linked with vocal production, such as hips and lower back. If the student is a beginner and has not yet developed bad habits, including Alexander lessons alongside voice lessons can accelerate the learning process.

 

Clearly, if singing teachers were to experience the body awareness gained from the Alexander Technique, they would be better equipped to help their students.

When a singer knows how to use his or her whole body to create proper conditions for vocal production, there follows a security that leads to consistent, healthy singing and gives great pleasure to the singer and the audience.