Three Essential Rules for Vocal Singers
Posted on March 3, 2025
At Performance Academy of Music, vocal instructor Oksana Kowcz believes that every singer should master three fundamental rules to achieve a powerful, controlled, and expressive voice. These principles—breath control, vocal positioning (yawning technique), and diction—are essential for developing a strong and sustainable singing technique.
Mastering Breath Control 🌬️🎶
Proper breath support is the foundation of every great vocal performance. Without it, singers struggle with pitch stability, vocal endurance, and tone quality. Breath control allows singers to produce a full, resonant sound without strain and helps them sustain long phrases effortlessly.
Key Tips:
✅ Breathe from your diaphragm. Instead of shallow chest breathing, engage your lower lungs by allowing your stomach to expand as you inhale. ✅ Control your airflow. Release air slowly and evenly while singing to maintain steady pitch and tone. ✅ Avoid tension. Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed to prevent vocal strain.
💡 Practice Exercise: Take a deep breath and exhale on a hissing sound (sss) for as long as possible. Try to extend the time gradually while maintaining steady airflow.
Vocal Positioning: The Yawning Technique 😮🎤
Many singers struggle with tightness and strain in their throats, which limits their vocal power. The yawning technique helps to create a resonant, open, and relaxed vocal tone by positioning the voice correctly.
Key Tips:
✅ Imagine yawning while singing. This naturally lifts the soft palate, creating more space for sound resonance and preventing nasal or strained tones. ✅ Keep the throat open. Avoid squeezing or tightening your vocal cords. A relaxed throat allows for richer and more powerful sound production. ✅ Use proper mouth shape. Open your mouth slightly wider for vowels to enhance projection and clarity.
💡 Practice Exercise: Pretend to yawn and observe how your throat naturally opens. Now, sing a sustained “Ahh” while keeping that same open feeling.
The Power of Diction 🗣️🎶
Good diction ensures that every lyric is clear and expressive. If a singer’s words are unclear, the emotional message of the song is lost. Proper articulation and pronunciation help the audience connect with the performance.
Key Tips:
✅ Enunciate consonants. Pay attention to T, D, P, B, and K sounds, ensuring they are crisp and clear. ✅ Balance vowels and consonants. Overemphasizing consonants can make singing choppy, while weak vowel formation can lead to a lack of projection. Find a smooth, natural balance. ✅ Practice slow-to-fast articulation. Start singing lyrics slowly with exaggerated clarity, then gradually speed up while maintaining precision.
💡 Practice Exercise: Try singing tongue twisters or phrases from a song very slowly, focusing on each sound. Then, gradually increase speed while keeping the words clear.
Develop Your Best Voice at Performance Academy of Music!
By focusing on breath control, proper vocal positioning, and clear diction, singers can develop a powerful, expressive, and strain-free voice. At Performance Academy of Music, instructor Oksana Kowcz helps students refine their technique and grow into confident performers.
📞 Interested in vocal lessons? Call us at (980) 446-8195 or email performanceacademyofmusic@gmail.com to start your journey today! 🎶
