Singing is an amazing activity, but it requires lots of energy. Many of the best singers make it look as if it’s the easiest thing in the world, but in fact they are working hard underneath and recruiting lots of muscles to help with their breathing and ‘support’ systems.
Harry on the Swiss ball
I have some new equipment in my teaching room, including a Swiss ball and a resistance band. The ball is a great way to help pupils improve their posture for singing, and using the resistance band helps them recruit some of the strong torso muscles needed for high-intensity singing.
Hattie about to pull on the resistance band
A great way to think of this whole-body system is to imagine writing your name whilst holding your hand in mid-air and using only the finger muscles that are holding the pen to actually write on the paper. What happens when you write like this? The letters will probably be uneven and scrawled all over the page. But when you support your fingers with your hand, wrist, arm, and other hand, you can write your name with more control. The same is true for singing; the bigger, stronger muscles of the neck and torso take the pressure off the small muscles in the throat, and singing feels supported and even effortless.
Harry standing tall and engaging his back muscles
Healthy singing uses the whole body, and I hope the kids enjoy this extra feeling of ‘oomph’ as they sing!
Mr Ashwin
Stoneygate School 