Relaxation:

         Relaxation is a vital part of singing.  Unnecessary tension is hazardous to the singer.  When the muscles are relaxed, the body is free to accomplish what it needs to do.  Tension in the arms, legs, neck, face, etc. will eventually create tension at the larynx, where the sound is produced, and the sound will suffer.
          Relaxation will put the audience at ease, and they will be able to concentrate on listing rather than watching a clenched fist or shaking legs.
          Here are some relaxation techniques to try.  They are most helpful at the beginning of the practice session, but will be useful at any time.  If you find that, while practicing, you begin to feel tension, take a break and try some of these.  You may also find them helpful to alleviate performance anxiety.  Please keep you physical health in mind.  Gentle stretching is good, anything that causes pain should be stopped immediately.  Don't strain yourself.

          1. Place your hands above your head and stretch, standing on your toes.  Bend over slowly, vertebrae by vertebrae, allowing your hands to hang infront of you.  This will strech your calvs and hamstrings.  It also ofers a gentle strecth for your back.
          2.  Clasp your hands behind your back.  Gently bring your clasped hands up behind your back.  Don't strain.  You can accomplish the same thing by trying to touch your backbones together and then relaxing.  The back is a large source of tension that can affect the intake of air.  Tension here can affect your posture.
          3. Roll your shoulders forward, backward, alternate directions.
          4. Hang your arms to your sides and shake them.
          5. Move your head genly towards your right shoulder, then your left, then towards your chest.  Repeat it the places of most tension.
          6. Move your lower jaw up and down.  Don't allow lower jaw to jut forward on the downward movement.  Try gently massaging your jaw.
          7. Stick your tongue out as far as you can.
          8. On a comfortable pitch, buzz your lips or trill an r. 

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