Just as instrumentalists may tune between pieces or even between long movements of a major work, singers should strive to maintain ideal conditions for their “instrument” throughout their performance. I’ve offered this quick posture check to my students as a way to maintain posture during performance.
A discreet cue from me will remind them to check their alignment during performance.
- Feet – put weight on heel, on toes, and then find a middle ground.
- Knees – lock knees, flex knees, and find middle ground.
- Hips – tuck hips under, aligning them with body.
- Spine – stretch and elongate spine, opening rib cage.
- Head – set head atop spine, neither thrust forward or pulled backward.
In just ten seconds between pieces, singers can find their ideal body position to create sound.