Vocal Pyramid

Learn to sing in tune with Pyramid of singing?

The Singing Pyramid is an educational method for learning to sing. It was developed by the German singer and singing teacher, Richard Miller. This method is based on the idea that singing is built on a pyramid of skills, each of which is essential to reaching the next level. The Pyramid of Singing has five levels:

1. La nuit breathing : the base of the pyramid, which represents the ability to control breathing and develop deep and regular breathing.
2. La nuit speaking : the next level, which represents the ability to produce sound with the vocal cords.
3. Resonance: the next level, which represents the ability to project sound into space.
4. The joint : the next level, which represents the ability to produce clear and precise vowels and consonants.
5. Interpretation: the highest level, which represents the ability to communicate the emotion and intention of the text.

The Singing Pyramid is used by many singing teachers to structure their teaching and help singers develop their vocal technique in a progressive and effective way. However, as you can see, where can we place the posture in the singing pyramid?

Singing pyramid and addition of posture

The Singing Pyramid is a method of learning to sing that includes five levels: breathing, phonation, resonance, articulation and interpretation. Although this method is very useful for structuring singing teaching and helping singers develop their vocal technique, it is missing one crucial element: posture.

Indeed, posture is a crucial element for optimal vocal technique, because it has a direct impact on vocal anatomy. Correct posture helps release body tension and optimize breathing, which facilitates the production of quality sound. However, if the posture is incorrect, it can lead to improper use of the vocal apparatus and unnecessary strain, which can affect sound quality and even cause long-term damage.

Posture should therefore be added to the Singing Pyramid as an additional level, located just below breathing. Correct posture involves a straight and aligned spine, relaxed shoulders, an open chest, an expanded rib cage and a slightly forward-tilted pelvis. It is also important to maintain a stable and balanced posture throughout the singing, without leaning forward or backward.

Posture is the foundation of your vocal technique. Without proper posture, other areas of your singing will be negatively affected. It is therefore important to take the time to understand the correct posture for singing.

Good posture for singing starts with your body position. Whether you are standing or sitting, make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. Avoid leaning your head forward or back. Keep your head aligned with your chest. If you are singing while standing, make sure your weight is distributed equally on both feet, with your knees slightly bent. If you're singing while seated, place your feet flat on the floor and keep your knees at a right angle.

Breathing is the second step of the Pyramid of Singing. To sing well, it is important to breathe correctly. This means taking deep, slow breaths to allow your lungs to fill with air. Effective breathing should be done through the nose and exhaled through the mouth. Make sure your shoulders don't rise when you take a breath, but that your diaphragm expands to create space in your lungs.

The intonation is the third step of the Pyramid of Singing. It's about hitting the right note. To do this, you need to train your ear to recognize different notes and produce the right note when you sing. Intonation is crucial to singing in tune.

The resonance of sound is the fourth stage of the Pyramid of Singing. This means that you must learn to use the resonance of your body to project your voice. When you sing, the sound should come from your diaphragm and resonate in your chest. This will give your voice more depth and power.

Articulation is the fifth and final step of the Singing Pyramid. To be understood when you sing, it is important to clearly articulate the words. To do this, you need to open your mouth enough so that sounds can be pronounced correctly.

Singing Posture Diagram

Here is an overview of the Pyramid of Singing.
The Singing Pyramid is a visual representation of the different elements necessary to improve your vocal technique. This pyramid is divided into six levels, each representing an essential foundation for singing in tune.

The lowest level is posture, followed by breathing, intonation and resonance, articulation and finally expression. By working on each of these elements, singers can improve their vocal technique and overall performance. Starting at the base and working through each level progressively, the Singing Pyramid offers a structured method to help singers reach their full vocal potential.

1-Posture

2-Breathing

3-Intonation (play the right note if you prefer)

4-Sound resonance

5-The joint