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Hey singers! I'm Justin Stoney
the founder of New York Vocal Coaching
here with you for another episode of
Quick Singing Tips.
Today we're visiting the Washington Square Arch.
This famous New York site was built in 1892
to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of George Washington
becoming the first U.S. president.
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It's certainly a site that could take your breath away.
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But today, we're gonna see how it can give it back
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with a very kind question from Felipe N. in Santa Cruz, Chile.
Felipe writes, "Dear Justin, I've loved your
Voice Lessons To The World episodes on breathing.
Can you make some more breathing videos?"
Of course we can, Felipe!
Why else would somebody go and stand in front of
a freakin' huge arch!
"It has its own weather system!"
The Washington Square Arch was modeled after the
Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
So today, I want to tell you about the arch of
the breathing system.
Yes, the breath of triumph!
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In singing, we need breath support.
Breath support basically means don't let the air out too fast.
But instead, use your air in a small, steady, smooth way.
To succeed at this let's look at the arch.
[ ding ]
No, not that arch.
The arch of the breath!
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It runs across the abdomen.
Just like an arch.
At the base of the arch we have the oblique muscles.
On the sides of the arch we have the transverse abdominis.
And at the top of the arch we have the solar plexus.
Basically, what we wanna do when we sing is keep the arch
from squeezing inwards or collapsing.
Keeping the arch tall, open, and expansive
is good breathing technique.
Letting it fall down is poor breathing technique.
[ ding ]
[ buzzer ]
It's very easy to practice the breath of triumph.
Just use the fricatives, ss, ff, or sh
and press into various places along the arch.
Ss - Sh - Ff
If you're doing it right, you'll notice that these
areas open up a little bit as you breathe out.
You can practice this for short durations
or for very long ones-sssss.
This will simulate the exact sensation that we need
in the breathing system.
After you've tried it with the fricatives
try practicing it in your vocal exercises,
then later, in your songs.
If you can keep that arch relatively expansive
then you can expect your singing to sound
a whole lot more triumphant.
Here are some other ways that you and I can triumph
on the vocal journey together.
For voice lessons or Skype lessons with the NYVC staff
visit us at NewYorkVocalCoaching.com.
If you'd like a vocal course that you can do at home check out the
Voice Lessons To The World Vocal Course.
This twelve part program takes you on a singing journey from beginner
to master level vocal exercises.
You can find it at VoiceLessonsToTheWorld.com.
Or, if you'd like free vocal tips sent to you each day
sign up at DailyVocalTips.com.
And now, here's Justin with this week's vocal benediction.
The quote on the arch says,
"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair,
the event is in the hand of God".
In other words, do your very best in life
and let God do the rest.
George, I gotta tell ya, that's some pretty awesome advice.
So singers, keep practicing, working hard, and doing your
best every day.
But, stay open to a few surprises.
Your greatest triumphs will probably come when
you least suspect them.
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