As an avid yogi, I've come to realize just how intertwined yoga and voice training are. At first glance, yoga and training your voice may seem like completely different worlds—one focusing on physical postures and breath control, the other on sound production and artistry. But as I’ve deepened my practice in both, I’ve discovered so many parallels. Both require mindfulness, balance, and kinesthetic awareness, and both push us to explore our bodily structures in ways that lead to a fuller understanding of ourselves. This connection has not only strengthened my vocal skills but also enhanced my overall well-being.
Breathing Through Intensity
In yoga, we often find ourselves moving through difficult and intense physical postures, testing our strength, flexibility, and endurance. These moments challenge us to stay present, breathe deeply, and find calm in the midst of discomfort. The same can be said for voice training. As singers and speakers, we use our voices to explore new ranges, positions, and styles. Just like in yoga, the key to overcoming vocal challenges is learning to isolate the effort, not allowing the movement to become static, and using breath or relaxation maneuvers to release any unnecessary tension. In both practices, growth happens when we move through the discomfort with intention and patience, embracing the journey rather than fighting against it.
Ujjayi Breathing & Stiff Vocal Folds
Ujjayi breathing, also known as "victorious breath," is often described as a gentle constricting of the back of the throat while breathing in and out through the nose, creating a soft, ocean-like sound. Thanks to Estill Voice Training® we know that this "constricted back of the throat" is actually the stiffening of the True Vocal Folds and the "breathy" sound created is the air flow vibrating up against the Stiff True Vocal Folds. If you're looking to achieve a breathy or airy vocal quality, ujjayi breathing may be a good prompt. While in yoga you're taught to not open the mouth, in singing or speaking, you'll want to maintain the feeling in your throat while then opening the mouth. By controlling the breath in this way, you can intentionally create a breathy sound.
Tadasana & Anchoring
Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, in yoga is a foundational posture that emphasizes alignment, grounding, and balance. Standing tall with feet rooted into the earth, spine elongated, and chest open, Tadasana teaches us how to engage the body with both strength and relaxation. Similarly, in Estill Voice Training, anchoring is a technique where we engage specific muscles to create a stable and supported foundation for the voice. Just as Tadasana grounds the body and creates a sense of stability, anchoring helps provide vocal control, strength, and consistency.
Yoga and voice training share remarkable similarities. Ujjayi breathing teaches steady airflow and breathy vocal tones, while Tadasana mirrors the grounding needed for vocal anchoring in Estill Voice Training. Both practices emphasize the importance of balance, mindfulness, and intentional effort—whether moving through challenging yoga postures or pushing vocal limits.
About the author:Â Luke Steinhauer is a premier vocal coach, international voice consultant, TEDx speaker, and Estill Master Trainer, based in New York City. Luke is a graduate of The University of Michigan and an MBA Candidate at Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, CUNY. @lukesteinhauervoice
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