Week 3 – Shoulders Relaxed
LESSON SUMMARY:
The video provides tips for maintaining relaxed shoulders during singing to avoid neck tension. Techniques include visualizing a friend’s hands on your shoulders and practicing low breath visualization to ensure relaxed support for the voice.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Lesson Focus: Releasing shoulder tension, avoiding neck strain, and reinforcing posture through breath support and muscle awareness.
Day 1: Watch & Feel the Difference
Activity:
Learn why your shoulders affect your singing, and try the “wrong way” to recognize what good posture feels like.
What You’ll Do:
- Watch the “Shoulders Relaxed” video.
- Follow the 3-step exercise: Scrunch shoulders > Let them drop > Breathe.
- Try both the tense version and the relaxed version—feel the contrast.
Goal: Become aware of shoulder tension and how it affects your breath and voice.
Day 2: Low Breath Visualization
Activity:
Let’s replace shoulder-lifting with something better — deep, low, supportive breath.
What You’ll Do:
- Stand tall and place one hand on your belly, one on your chest.
- Breathe in and try to move only the hand on your belly.
- Practice the 3-step shoulder drop after a few of these breaths.
Goal: Reinforce a breathing habit that keeps the shoulders naturally relaxed.
Day 3: Mirror Check + Friend Reminder
Activity:
Use a mirror or a “shoulder buddy” to check your posture and relaxation.
What You’ll Do:
- Stand or sit in front of a mirror and repeat the 3-step exercise from yesterdays practice 3 times.
- Imagine (or ask) a friend placing hands gently on your shoulders to keep them grounded.
- Breathe deeply and watch for shoulder movement in the mirror.
Goal: Build awareness using both visual feedback and mental imagery.
Day 4: Sing After Relaxing
Activity:
Time to test it in action — let’s try singing right after doing your relaxation exercise.
What You’ll Do:
- Scrunch, drop, and breathe as usual.
- Hum a 5-note scale (1-2-3-2-1 or Do Re Mi are Do).
- Ask: Did my neck feel tight? Were my shoulders trying to creep up again?
Goal: Apply posture and relaxation techniques directly to singing practice.
Day 5: Challenge Checkpoints
Activity:
Shoulder tension loves to sneak back in! Today’s all about noticing when it happens.
What You’ll Do:
- Pick 3 activities throughout your day (e.g., texting, standing in line, talking).
- Pause and check: Are your shoulders lifted?
- Reset with a quick scrunch-drop-breathe.
Goal: Build posture awareness outside of singing time.
Day 6: Shoulder Scan + Song Snippet
Activity:
Let’s prep your body, then try singing part of a favorite song.
What You’ll Do:
- Start with the 3-step shoulder release.
- Sing the first few lines of a song you like.
- Afterward, do a “shoulder scan”: Were they still relaxed? Did you stay grounded?
Goal: Strengthen the habit of checking and correcting your body during real singing.
Day 7: Reflection & Routine
Activity:
Think back on the week and notice what’s changed — physically and mentally.
What You’ll Do:
- Do the full exercise.
- Sing your scale or snippet from earlier in the week.
- Reflect: Has your posture or sound improved?
- Write or say one thing you want to keep doing from this practice.
Goal: Lock in the muscle memory and mindset that supports relaxed, powerful singing.
Welcome to “Shoulders Relaxed,” a fun and helpful guide to improve your singing posture!
What’s the Video About?
Have you ever noticed your shoulders creeping up when you sing, as if they have a mind of their own? This video explains why it’s important to keep your shoulders relaxed while singing. When your shoulders rise, it can make your neck tense, which isn’t good for your singing voice. This video teaches you how to avoid that tension and keep everything relaxed.
What Will You Learn?
In this video, you’ll learn three cool tips to help keep your shoulders relaxed while singing:
- Imagine a Friend’s Hands: Picture a friend’s hands gently resting on your shoulders to remind you to stay relaxed. If you have someone around, they can actually do this for you!
- Try the “Wrong Way” First: By scrunching your shoulders up to your ears, you’ll feel how tense it is. When you let them drop and take a soothing breath, you’ll notice how much better it feels.
- Visualize a Low Breath: Instead of lifting your shoulders, think about breathing into your stomach and lower ribs, like filling a balloon in your belly. This helps keep your shoulders relaxed and supports your voice.
Exercise Time!
The video also guides you through an easy exercise to practice these tips:
- Step 1: Scrunch your shoulders up.
- Step 2: Let them drop.
- Step 3: Take a deep, relaxed breath.
Repeat these steps a few times to feel the difference!
By watching this video, you’ll learn how to keep your shoulders relaxed and improve your singing.
Instructor: Meghan
Meghan McCall is an experienced singer-actor, who has been described by The Washington Post as having “bell-like clarity and fine control” and “a radiant full-bodied voice.”
She has performed all over the world, including performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and more. In addition, her film roles have been featured on major networks such as NBC, Discovery Channel, and Lifetime.
Throughout her performing career, Meghan has helped many clients find their voice – whether for public speaking, singing on stage, or just for recreation.