8-15 December 2009

Finding your voice - top tips to help you sing like a star

What would you say if you were asked to stand up and sing in front of everyone you knew?  Unless you were auditioning for the latest reality TV talent show, chances are that you’d cringe, “I can’t sing!”.  To launch their fundraising event, ‘Sing for Your Heart’, national charity, Heart Research UK, has teamed up with singing facilitator, Jenny Kosmowsky, to prove that everyone (yes, we mean EVERYONE) can sing.

Singing from the heart  

Heart Research UK wants people around the UK to organise a singing event in the run up to Christmas (8-15 December).  Although December seems a long way off, you can order a free fundraising pack today to start planning your event and start warming up your vocal chords with a few top tips from a singing expert.

A matter of confidence

Singing Facilitator Jenny Kosmowsky says, “So many people have been told as a kid that they can’t sing and so they have absolutely no confidence about opening their mouths and singing in front of others. After all, how many people sing at the top of their voice in the shower or the car but wouldn’t dream of singing in public?  I believe that inside of us all there is a voice that is screaming to be heard.  I just help people let it out.”

Sing in memory of a loved one

Heart Research UK’s National Director, Barbara Harpham, said, “Singing is a great way of lifting your mood and you can really sing from the heart and show your support for Heart Research UK.  Most people know someone who has been affected by heart disease, for example, you might have a friend who has had a heart operation, high blood pressure could run in your family or you may have lost a loved one to a heart attack.  We’ll provide you with a free fundraising pack so you can organise a Sing for Your Heart event such as carol singing, karaoke at your Christmas party, a sponsored sing-a-long or a concert.”

Good for your heart

As well has helping to spread a bit of festive spirit, singing can also be good for you. A study at the University of California has reported higher levels of immune system proteins in the saliva of choristers after performing a complex Beethoven masterwork. Singing is an excellent way of relieving stress and generating positive feelings and, when combined with exercise, is a great way to get a cardiovascular work out.

Top tips to find your true singing voice from Jenny Kosmowsky

1. Breathe

Sit or stand in an open, comfortable position with your back straight. Bring your awareness down to your lower abdominals. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in from this place through your nose for 4 seconds then breathe out through the mouth for 4 seconds. Repeat this six times then return to normal breathing.

2. Hum

Start walking around, changing direction as you go. Notice your posture and if your shoulders roll forwards then pull them back. If you are stood too rigid with your shoulders raised too high near your ears then relax them down a little. Let your arms hang naturally by your side. Start walking and imagine that with each step your whole body becomes energised, including your legs, hands etc. Now you are feeling energised and relaxed, start humming a note. Relax the face and jaw and let the air from the lower abdominals circulate up until you can use it to hum. Notice how it feels to hum.

3. Experiment with sounds

Now open your mouth slightly and let the sound come out with an eee sound to it. You may need to be a little bit more energised. Any note will do. Play around with it. Say hello to the sounds that flow through you, don't restrict or censor the sound....experiment.         

4.  Sing your name

Sing your name...it may sound scary but it could be the first step for you to discover the amazing potential that flows through us, every single second of the day. Singing our names is just like speaking your name, which we do so often. This time, just allow the same air, posture and breathing as given in the previous 3 singing tips and apply them.

What do I need to do next?

Request your FREE fundraising pack full of ideas and tips for getting started.  We will give you posters, sponsor forms, stickers, song sheets and contact the local media for you.  This year, we'll also be sending you the words to our special Healthy Heart song.

Go on, have a heart and get singing!

Contact Heart Research on 0113 234 7474 or email info@heartresearch.org.uk for a Sing for Your Heart fundraising pack

Click here to visit Jenny's website