All Psyched Up: Just breathe

By Linda Hancock on March 7, 2026.

I have a wonderful new voice teacher. Sherry has supported herself and family for her whole life through her music. She not only performs but also has a roster of singers who she teaches. But she does it in a special manner that is unique and effective.

In Sherry’s basement there is a stage with boas and all! She has a sound system that can, in a matter of seconds, take any song that I name and move it into the correct key. Makes me feel like a real professional!

But learning about the voice is much more than just studying lyrics and melody. That’s why Sherry has a skeleton! She uses it to show me different parts of the body that contribute to or interfere with getting a good result.

She also uses imagery. For example, Sherry had me close my eyes and think about a table in my mind which I was then asked to describe to her. I next created a leaf in my mind which was situated on the table as well as a coloured straw in my mouth.

When I had the whole picture clear, I was directed to inhale through the imaginary straw and blow the leaf off the table. Once I had that perfected, the next task was to slowly inhale and then gently release my breath so that I could make the imaginary leaf dance and twirl above the table.

You see, singing and life are similar. We need to have the ability to breathe properly in order to do well. That is why Sherry focuses on exercises to strengthen the diaphragm and develop proper posture.

But you can have the best breath and song in the world and not sing. If you don’t have confidence, you are not even going to make it to the stage. She builds that by standing in front of me dancing and cheering as I belt out my tunes. It is fun!

She also reminds me that it is important to massage the throat and do my vocal exercises every day – not just once in a while! (I need a bit more discipline in this area).

So, what have I, as a therapist, learned from Sherry? Lots! I have learned life lessons that need to be applied no matter what you are doing and share them with you now:

1. Learn from an expert who knows how to help you in whatever area you wish to improve.

2. Get to know your body and how to ensure that it is valued and functioning at prime levels.

3. Use your imagination to visualize goals.

4. Breathe! And learn how to breathe better! (Sounds weird right?)

5. Choose a song or project that you really like to work on.

6. Practice every day to get better.

7. Have fun!

Doesn’t matter what you are involved in, these tips will make it just a little bit better.

Thank you, Sherry!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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