What is tension?

Not all tension is bad! In fact the reason you're able to sit upright in front of computer right now and read this is due to muscular tension. This is helpful tension. However, some types of tension interfere or are not productive for the task you're trying to perform. This is unhelpful tension. Unhelpful tension in singing may be defined as anything that interfers with free and efficient vocal function.

Singing involves an integration of many processes - posture, respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation and expression. Unhelpful tension in one part of the body (or process) can easily interfere with others. For example, a tight jaw will affect you ability to communicate text (articulation) AND your ability to produce beautiful vowels (resonance). Similarly, tension in the abdominals will alomost always lead to squeezing or tightness in the throat.

Every year on April 16, voice professionals worldwide join together to recognise World Voice Day. This annual initiative aims to increase public awareness of the value and importance of human voice and remind individuals how to look after this extremely valuable commodity and prevent injury and damage.

The theme for World Voice Day 2011 is We Share a Voice, which reminds us that the voice is at the core of what connects us and defines us as humans.

For a short history and further information on World Voice Day

• Aus Voice Association History
• American Academy Fact Sheet

We all breathe every minute of our lives! It seems crazy that someone has to learn to breath all over again when they learn to sing. While it may share some similarities, breathing for singing is not the same as breathing for living! Singing places demands on our breath that are not encountered in day to day life. A normal breath cycle lasts between 4 and 5 seconds, but singing requires us to extend (prolong) the breath cycle (sometimes for as long as 20 seconds) and to manage the outward flow of air. To do this skilfully requires practice and that a singer develops their body-awareness.