This document provides instructions for learning how to sing, including proper breathing techniques, using the diaphragm, breathing exercises, singing scales and songs. It emphasizes the importance of deep breathing from the diaphragm, holding breath and relaxing the body. Exercises like hissing and singing scales are recommended. Group songs and selecting an individual song are also discussed. The overall goal is to help students discover their voice and enjoy the process of learning to sing.

1. Learning How to Sing! Discovering your voice!

2. The Foundation of Singing Breathing - Remember, we have to relearn the way we breath. Imagine that you are filling an imaginary air tube around your belly( or a balloon)– then, breath in deeply through your mouth( without raising your chest) and fill up the “balloon” with air!! Hold it and slowly let it out, remembering not to blow out too quickly for the candle will be blown out  Relax the jaw , the neck , and the body in general. Good posture - if your slouching, the air and sound will be affected.

3. The Diaphragm When learning to sing, it is very important to know the use of the diaphragm. Imagine that you are filling your lower abdomen with air, ( A glass, air tube, balloon, whatever vision works for you) and HOLD IT ! It shouldn’t be too much of a forced hold, but you are holding the breath to some degree for if not the air would just come out immediately. The muscle that is helping you hold the breath is called the diaphragm , which is just below your lungs. Here is some information about the diaphragm… the picture says that the chest expands, yes it does…but don’t raise it like a turkey  http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/36/92936-034-8881E781.jpg Here is an article that says a lot of the stuff that I have taught you guys  http://www.playmusicsing.com/page/1300377

4. Breathing Exercises Take 10 long and deep breaths. Do the process of inhaling, holding and releasing. Remember this can be very relaxing and meditative… so just enjoy it  The Hiss- Take a big breath and hiss like a snake--- if you can, count how long you can hold the breath sustained. Practice sustaining your breath for as long as you can. Give yourself the goal of holding it longer everyday, for example, today 15 seconds and tomorrow 20.

5. The Scales Music is composed of musical scales. We worked on the most widely used scale- the C Major Scale. I believe almost half of pop music is in this scale. I will help you all learn this scale. We worked on singing the pitches C, D, E , and F. The pitches are now recorded so you can practice at home. 

6. Group Songs! The two songs are produced by a project called: “Playing for Change”. You can read more about them on the internet if you are interested.  We will be singing: “ One Love ” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEW0BtFuj5I And “ Stand By Me ”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI_0Hyn57Lk For “Stand By Me” we will just let the soloists sing and we will join when the chorus comes in 

7. Individual Songs I asked you all to please select a song that you want to sing. Remember, you will eventually be singing this song in front of the others… so choose something you feel comfortable with. Please try to pick a song that is not too difficult, too long, or toofast  When you have selected it, please send a link to my email so that I can have hear and be familiar with the song when you sing it!

8. Enjoy the Music Never forget to just close your eyes and just feel the music in your body… Remember half of the time our minds are too busy judging ourselves and we miss out on the REAL fun which is this beautiful art!! Try to just enjoy and listen very carefully to how the pitches sound, how you sound…and begin to discover the beauty of your voice! No one else in the world has it… this is something very special! Till next time guys! 