Singing 101: Body Mapping

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The goal of this video is to help you understand better what sensations happen as a result of making some different sounds. Through body mapping you can cultivate a more accurate perception of what your body is doing while you sing. Knowing what people generally feel can help you learn where to observe in your own body.
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Go to www.vocalease.net to sign up for lessons with Sam through video chat!
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[@Dawn_Hannah]

Sam’s neighbours: “Honey...that dude is ‘woo woo-ing’ again!” 😁

[@koreyk.2002]

I can't make that sound my voice doesn't go that high

[@RacingPepe]

I think with the amount of sound isolation on his walls there is no way they'd hear it.

[@gumbii5]

"Did he break out the didgeridoo?!?!" :)

[@susyhicks3165]

As a teacher, I need to say: You are a marvelous teacher, your demonstrations are spot on in relation to what you are explaining. Gosh, I could listen to you talking about singing all day long! Edit: Thanks for the likes 😁

[@55Porter]

Yep, Sam is a good one! This guy, Ken Tamplin, and a few others I consider the cream of the crop of KZbin vocal teachers.

[@susyhicks3165]

@Nightingale99 An entire year IS a long time, it is great you found him at last!

[@23hojojo]

@Nightingale99 what about keegan bohemian

[@kayboards]

This was SO helpful! So many times you hear someone talk about these various parts, but don’t really know where they are or understand how they work with other muscles. A Singing 101: Vibrato would be amazing!!! Like pop vibrato vs broadway or classical

[@luiegarcia6396]

vibrato is the same across the board, its just how you use it and speed.... i find when it comes to different genres its more about "placement", vowel shapes and modifications.

[@anbar]

This video taught me so many new things. Thanks Sam.

[@eo4419]

Right? I learned how to open my throat more. Thanks Sam!

[@innanurr4773]

2

[@RaylinRecords]

This is extremely helpful. As a singer and teacher, I'm always looking for quality content, and you are AMAZING. I especially like how many times you say "notice" (instead of critique) and "feel" (instead of listen). Singing is such a complex craft that needs to be handled with care and presence. Body mapping is so important, and how you feel when you're singing is especially important to healthy vocal production. I really enjoyed how you explained high tongue (it was very visually clear).

[@RaylinRecords]

Also, I would love you to do a reaction to a lyric coloratura soprano please!!

[@Kayd2111]

I’m over here sounding like a drunk parrot 😭 I wish I could sing lol music is life. Looove your videos!! 💜

[@ChrisPhoenixMusic]

Don't give up! It took me years to find my voice. I'm still working to get a stronger voice, but once you find yours you can start to really get creative and learn so much about what it's capable of.

[@Kayd2111]

My friends/family know that’s my therapy and thank God for them cause I know their ears must be bleeding everytime I try to sing lol. But thank you so much I definitely won’t stop and who knows mayyyybe I’ll get close to a niceish voice. 💜

[@susankrulikowski1732]

This!!!!!! Music is life!! I can belt out in the car, shower, living room, grocery store! You name it! Dont care how i sound. I always thought people with talent were crazy for being nervous or shy to sing lol. I could give a concert with ease, but lotsa hurting eardrums!

[@Jt-oy9dw]

Couldn’t describe it better 😂

[@carsonford9601]

You can absolutely sing ☺

[@hollyeatsgravel]

This is wonderful. I trained as a classical singer for a decade, but my teacher was very against the terms "chest voice" and "head voice", so I guessed, but I never really got a full understanding of how to utilise them. Your explanation is spectacular, and really made things clear. Thanks so much, Sam x

[@adfmo2195]

harliemc would you believe me if I said my teacher was THE SAME WAY?! I love her, but given my learning style I really needed her to delve into the topics of head and chest voice so that I could develop a visual and go from there. She would just say “keep it consistent” and I get why, but like you I guessed because I needed to “see” something. I still have questions about registers 7 years out of undergrad and 5 years out of grad which is why I’m watching this lol.

[@kp1830]

Interesting, because that is what they’re called- chest and head registers. Anyone who has studied voice and vocal pedagogy should know this. What did your teacher call these registers, then? I’m super curious.

[@FlarkeFiasco]

Wow, please do more of these. This INSTANTLY helped my singing. I went and did a song I've always been good at singing, and everything was so much easier and sounded so much better. I can always feeling the cooling sensation in the right spot, and my tongue is almost falling out the front of my mouth lol. It's amazing 👅

[@Oh_its_Mike]

The way you explain all these little mechanisms and techniques is extremely helpful! My biggest problem seems to be consistency of technique. I've been taking my singing seriously for a little over 3 years now and i'm able to mess around with all these muscles and movements you talk about here but i don't always know the "how and the why" of what im doing. Like Occasionally I'll hit some crazy note effortlessly with perfect technique with the distortion and tone that i want and then i'll try to take notice of what i did then ill go to try and replicate it and it doesnt come out the same! It's crazy how many little things you can do to produce different sounds....AND it seems like you have to be constantly mindful of what you're doing. Ive played guitar for 15 years before i took up vocals and I gotta give it to professional singers man, singing is super complicated! So thanks again Sam. You've helped me so so much this past year watching your videos!

[@KelseyLynnMusic]

loved the overtones that came through at 15:45 😂 loved this! Pulls out the stuff somewhere in my subconscience from school lol

[@angelicsailor1st]

Took legitimate notes and am following along. Even made a crude throat diagram.

[@PheonxD]

Great explanation about the openness! Most people in my choir when told to 'open throat' put the tongue very deep in the back and make a 'dumb' sound. I only figured out what 'forward' and 'bright' means after a few months and only very recently discovered what sensation people call a 'head voice' and 'falsetto' and that I am physically able to connect registers. And that's thanks to videos like this one, thanks! Btw maybe we'd have more tenors if guys were taught how to remove the break, develop head voice, that it's not unmanly and that power isn't everything. What do you think?

[@imagoodbug4609]

THIS! I've always known my unpleasant tone is a product of only having been taught to sing choir but until I saw this comment, and later heard Sam & his friend speak of David Phelps as having a bit of the "knurdle," I had no idea exactly what I was doing wrong or how to fix it. I appreciate your comment very much. At least I'll know how to teach my children to avoid it before it's the only way they know to do.

[@russia1516]

Thank you for another interesting technical video. I’ll love to learn how can I stop pulling my tongue back when singing.

[@jameslynch1577]

Best KZbin vocal coach out there, I absolutely love all of your videos Sam!

[@SingingSimply]

Absolutely love the remapping of the open throat! You open your throat by relaxing most of the muscles and getting your tongue out of the way. I've had many students come to me because their previous teachers had them 'open their throat' OR rather pull their tongue back! Can cause more problems than help the voice!

[@dignature123]

SAM! OMG! Finding the back of my throat is one of my main issue. My vocal teacher (I'm sending this to her) says I sing breathy in the back of my throat and I get this more HOOTIE sound which I understand but visualizing in between my ears and the tongue as the front is actually helping SO MUCH!! There's less tension...dude like it's clicking!

[@AllieApperson]

"Giving it a job, just keeps it out of trouble." I just laughed way too hard at that lol

[@Fumpel90]

At first, I was lost. But then I tried the tounge thing and I got it. I love these series. My teacher gets annoyed because I only know the english words and not the german ones:D

[@marcosgmunoz1]

instructions unclear, tongue stuck inside nose but for real this is awesome, please do more whenever ya feel like it. I mean I still suck but now I can see a lil bit of the road towards not sucking instead of just banging my throat against a wall

[@hoaxheaux]

Could you create a warm up series?

[@nollange]

The video we've all been waiting for! I'm so glad you popped into my recommended videos back when your videos had less than 5000 views!

[@joannasaadati8810]

Wasn't even that long ago and look at Sam now 🙌

[@ChrisPhoenixMusic]

Let's hear it for Sam's ghost editor! Great video for new singers and professionals alike! Thank you so much!!!

[@alvisplacebo]

I don't sing at all (unless you count when showering), but I've been following your channel for a while! Now I can finally understand all the terms you use when describing the performances :D Thank you!

[@Thegraceofpets]

This is helping me out so much. I never really noticed the changes between head and chest voice. I always tend to push and hurt my voice in the process. Thank you!!

[@hudlepie953]

the "nngg" rlly helps with getting a nice healthy buzz from my experience

[@beloved5505]

Knowledge, articulate, confident, passionate, and funny....Sam Johnson's channel for the win.

[@julietreynolds-midgley1240]

Love your explanation of tongue placement. I teach this position for the tongue but this is a really clear way of describing the benefits of the higher tongue position.

[@qwe10poi]

Omg! More 101 vids! Your really good at it!

[@bluelambo5]

This is the exact video I was looking for back when I started singing in like 2016 lol

[@BD_13_88]

I find your videos to be helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@trinaoctoberclover8551]

I feel like this info is way too valuable to give away for free. So thanks! Sam you’re a real benefit to the world, you can tell you’re working with your gift! I love it ❤️

[@jessieheartart]

This is so helpful! I've taken voice lessons a few times and never had this taught. Thx for teaching in such an accessible way!

[@JessMeetsW0rld1983]

Oh my! I’ve been watching your videos for months and I’m a native French speaker, and I’ve only just understood the name of your website. Derp! My mom was talking about doing a ”vocalise” and that's when I put two and two together. Clever name! Love the videos! Thanks!

[@nami9684]

I’m loving these constant uploads 😭

[@jeffsguitarwork]

Excellent video! I've been singing casually for years, but I'm looking to take it to the next level and eventually start singing covers on KZbin. This video alone has already done SO MUCH for my technique! Thank you!!

[@kenzgraves8437]

I sing mostly classical music, that saying, I dont have much more knowledge besides the basics (pitches, tone, head, chest, mix etc.) BUUUUUUUT because of you, im learning and its not daunting. So, yes . . . I was following lol Sorry if what I said was confusing, if it was, just ignore it lol

[@kylemorgan1523]

This is the only time I've ever really understood these things. you're good at explaining lol

[@xeyxeyjbubbles]

I love this, as someone who took 8 years of chorus, I love to see this broken down and so easy to follow because Lord KNOWS it wasn't this easy when I was trying to learn 😂 Love you so much! Keep making videos and helping little artists grow ❤

[@andriuspluto7444]

The room analogy actually makes so much more sense to me than what I've been trying to do,, ty

[@WeBackTesla]

Going to be practicing these when car karaoke comes to my tesla!

[@emmak.1313]

Aah, this is the type of content we've been dreaming of! Greetings from Lapland.

[@hilaryh110]

Wow, this is really fascinating! I am not a singer but really enjoy your videos because you’re so passionate about this subject. These exercises were really fun and informative.

[@Gibson1961SG]

Has anyone done any research into how different languages/accents may produce better singers? In my opinion, for the English language, the southern American accent, the laid back California accent, and the Liverpool-ian UK accent tend to produce more natural singers. I think this may be due to some distinct characteristic sloppiness with their consonants. Any thoughts?

[@sharonmary]

Gibson1961SG lol I’m a singing teacher in New Zealand and there are a lot of challenges to producing free efficient resonance when you’ve always spoken with the kiwi accent. I’ve always thought I’d do this topic for my PhD studies in vocal pedagogy!

[@stewiepoohie2979]

Wherever Gladys, Whitney and Aretha are from.

[@nanwijanarko1969]

Asians who have distinct, rolling, clear Rs could have less tension compared to English' swallowed Rs. Check out Sam's So-Hyang videos, sometimes he mentioned "Maybe it's the language she is speaking...." or something to that effect.

[@nanwijanarko1969]

Great observation! I think of that too. And I wonder if Filipino exceptional natural talents have something to do with the language or the genes.

[@pluviophile1988]

Country music always feels and seems easier

[@yyuu6168]

First! Btw sam you should definitely react to some beatbox videos. Some good examples: TwoH vs Alexinho. Napom vs Gene Mts (crazy bass)

[@donniebrasco11]

Inertia too high middle low would freak him out hahah

[@yyuu6168]

@@donniebrasco11 ye i just want to see him reacting to vibration and inward bass ahahah

[@Jxmx52488]

Yy Uu what about mr.wobbles his a pretty good beatbox plus he sing. Just saying. Plus, good idea.

[@yyuu6168]

gene does a lot of singing too

[@laurenblench7200]

Thankful for your videos Sam! I'm a singer and teacher also and I love your work. KZbin can be a scary place for resources as there's tons of misinformation, but I'm always happy to recommend my students check out your channel haha. Very educational, well explained, and not judgey content.

[@pyramidhead258]

After combining this stuff with what I've learned doing death metal growls, I am begining to sound like some sort of eldritch monster, thank you!

[@veronicagray812]

Complete side note: that color is popping!

[@Amanda-uj2vj]

You are what you do and so it comes across in the clearest way! You are the best example x

[@TheLuna522]

Sam, thank you so much. You are a wonderful person 😊

[@FloralMedic]

I’m a classical singer and have basically always sang in head voice. So I have very little understanding of chest voice. I’m hoping to not only improve my technique but also my range I’m taking my grade 8 exam this November and apply for a scholarship soon too. I’m loving these videos for widening my knowledge of singing in general Thanks Sam!!

[@emmasomethingsomething]

Few second or maybe minutes in and think I can already hear and tell you’re a great teacher.

[@squilliam986]

Love the detail in which you went into the science/technique/body intricacies of singing and would greatly appreciate it in future videos :D

[@tammymccaslin4787]

I’m staring at my screen and going “wwwooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeee” with a completely straight face. The things I do for you, Sam!

[@TheJenniferslater]

Hey Sam, I think it would be really helpful if you could do another video like this but even more in depth like getting to know our individual bodies and what signs to look out for... possibly the specific times where certain vowels are more helpful than others. Thanks so much!

[@imfamoushero]

I don’t really sing (more like try) but after trying and following along to what you were demonstrating, my body feels so much better and comfortable. like it’s relaxed and at ease. so of course thank you for this invaluable info. will definitely help as i try to sing along to my favorite songs!

[@chadkoon]

Absolutely love these teaching vids! It helps me, as a voiceover talent, to think about these things and where I feel sensations. I'd be really hear your thoughts and analysis of Castratos.

[@donniebrasco11]

Whoo whoo whoo! 😅 I'm risking waking up my daughter from her nap at this point lmao

[@MrsBethany1107]

Thank you Sam. I dont have natural ability at singing but I have dedication as I play guitar, drums, and piano. As soon as I get my money right I'll be seeing you and get some lessons

[@ChickenxBoneless]

This helped me understand how the body is an instrument. Thanks.

[@lobogarcia1988]

Thank you so much 😁 as a constantly evolving singer, I quite enjoy other people's takes on registers and such.

[@echoarabe6532]

Finally a helpful video. Just the basics I need.

[@CarryDH]

Was just thinking about singing 101 yesterday! Even tho don't have a good singing voice a enjoy learning about this so I can appreciate good singers more :)

[@bruresende]

Uhull! I'm just a little bit wired, not super weird 🤗🤗🤗 I don't feel vibration in my chest while singing (just speaking), though I understand when you say it... And, even not been a great singer, thanks to your videos I, at least, can sing without going into my head voice and getting stuck there forever! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@fredrikboden]

Hallelujah! I've been longing for this for what feels forever!

[@courtneyreinen]

This video helped me so much! I've been struggling with how to merge head and chest voice and what to do with the back of the tongue when singing. I think these exercises will help me out a lot. Thank you, Sam!

[@mf7654]

I feel embarrassed.. I'm touching different parts of my face and chest while woo wooing. I love your videos very much. Thank you! UPDATE: Just got to the captions part and I adore your remarks lol. Thanks for making my day better. 🥰

[@tashf4071]

😂

[@DGreey]

4 minutes and this is already so incredibly helpful. Thank you!!

[@katrinacrisostomo9737]

You’re amazing! Such a great and detailed explanation

[@Calice0]

i love this singing 101 series! please make more, they're so helpful!

[@eldo6523]

He’s so funny without meaning to. Edits are wholesome Sam

[@carolcarol3938]

LOVED the Minnie Mouse head voice demo at the beginning. It would have helped me if you had been pointing at the areas of the diagram on the screen, as you were describing it/the tongue,rooms etc. It's weird....it's like describing how to walk (but not)... people just automatically walk; and there's no right or wrong way to do it.....with speaking, the same...BUT with singing, no...because the brain/and how the ears hear it (good/bad) comes into plat.....if any of that makes any sense.

[@magdaismail4595]

Thank you for this, Sam

[@Stillbornone]

This helped me with my yoga. Thank you for the videos.

[@Leontinevanvliet]

Oooh very interesting!

[@sabeaniebaby]

In an alternate universe I am TOTALLY singing my heart out, and you're my teacher. I am thoroughly happy for that woman.

[@kimpeek7586]

I don't know if someone else asked this, but could you do a video of just the exercises from this. I really appreciated the explanations because it makes what you say in your other videos make more sense. It would be helpful to have the exercises alone, without the explanations, to make practicing easier. You are such a wonderful teacher and sorry posting late on this. I was in Missouri visiting relatives and they had no internet. It sucked, so I'm catching up on your videos.

[@Kilaya02]

I wasn't feeling the tongue movement with the exercise you mentioned. So I remembered a similar exercise we did in my high school choir. It was an exercise to work on resonance. Holding the teeth close together and barely moving the lips we sang the same note continuously while saying hung e oo ah a. So I did that and felt the tongue. I was surprised because I have never really noticed how much the tongue changes. :)

[@jessicabentley7404]

just fyi you inspired me to start singing again after years so like. thanks bro

[@LaJauja]

Wow! Your explanations are so helpful, Sam! As a singer, bass player and speech therapist I already gained a good knowledge about the voice and how it works in the past few years. But when it comes to singing, sometimes I still have issues being at ease and singing in a consistent way. So this video of yours, again, helped me to improve that. Also this was a good help to connect chest voice and head voice better. So thank you very much! Oh and I would be thrilled if you did a reaction to Radiohead/Thom Yorke! Anyways, thank you for your videos and keep up your extraordinary work! :-)

[@tashaarnold3701]

This was so helpful! It all made so much sense even though i know nothing about music! If you do another singing 101 please can you cover vowels because I don't know which vowels are good and which ones are limiting 🤷🏼‍♀️ I love your videos!

[@filipmilosavac9095]

Perfect video Sam!!

[@blissinriots7368]

i like ur reaction n this kind of vids, like u're informing so many details compared to other vocal coach

[@annav.6013]

Love this. Thank you so much for your educational insight of the body as an instrument!

[@HAVgiraffe]

Yes I'm following . . . I still can't sing though, but my car karaoke on the way to and from work will improve significantly!

[@starlitexo]

Sweet ! I'll be adding this to my watch later so I can practice

[@ActingHerReaction]

He's such a great teacher. Honestly. How we're getting this for free is beyond me.

[@soaribb32]

I used to feel a lot of chest voice, now even the low notes ressound on the mask.

[@JoX611]

This video is really helpfull, maping your vibrations on your body it makes a lot easier and it will make you sing in a healthy way. Please, can you make a video about singing with distortion? I'm having some troubles with overdrive and edge (a little) and it'd be great if you can give us some tips and stuff

[@Sister_Felinity_Imaculata]

You explained things I never knew I didn't know! Looking forward to learning how to deal with singing through your bridge. 😁

[@arachnidapothecary]

Obsessed with your videos ♥️

[@sagecarter2368]

Love your videos! Could you do one on vowel choice? I never noticed that kind of thing in singers until I saw you point it out.

[@p83otfan]

I needed this insight. Thanks

[@Lillyparkernewsom]

This was do educational! Ps I love your hair

[@SarahBright]

I want more of this 101 classes, please!

[@chygirl76]

Awesome video!

[@xmgomezs]

That was so intense but really useful, thank you!

[@deliberatelypositive5812]

This was so helpful and made perfect sense. Great video. Haha give the tongue a job so it stays out of trouble...

[@AgentArmadillo]

No views gang rise up. Cant wait to watch this

[@inthesky410]

would love to see a Dax Riggs vocal reaction. not a lot of people know who he is and he's been doing it forever. His lyrics can be weird but he has the most original voice i've ever heard. He inspired me to start singing when i was younger, he started in a super heavy band AcidBath, but got a lot mellower as he got older. Agent's of Oblivion / Dead Boy and the Elephant Man/ . Love your video's man!

[@solveigsunny8826]

I think I get the tongue thing, this must be why ng-a-ng-a-g-a is such an efficient warmup