Coach Nelle’s Voice Tip Series

Episode 1: 

Here are some mini mantras to train into your brain for the moment before a long phrase, to replace performance anxiety and tension build-up. You can write them into your music and memorize them—just like they’re dynamic or articulation markings! Experiment with the following mini mantras and see which ones work best for you.

1. “Heavy tailbone.”

Reminding yourself of this low, back point in your body will help relax the jaw and shoulders and deepen your breath. Both of these physical changes will also calm anxiety.

2. “Long spine.”

This reminds our brain of our back-body, which deepens our breath. It will also correct posture and activate confidence as we stand up taller!

3. “Inner smile.”

This one opens the nasal cavities and soft palate, which allows for easier vocal resonance, meaning that you’ll need less breath to get more volume!

4. “Suspend” or “Expand.”

This is a classic opera trick; imagine you are still inhaling while you are exhaling/singing! It sounds confusing, but what it really means is to keep the sensation of the ribs, lower stomach, and lower back expanding AS you sing, so that your breath support system maintains its structural integrity and doesn’t collapse before you’re done with the phrase.

Happy practicing!