Pinching your shoulder blades

[onlyhopetenor]

I've been really try to work on proper posture so I'm able to safely extend my chest range, and I was given a tip to "pinch your shoulder blades" as you sing. It does slightly restrict your back and arm movement, but allows for full expansion of the lungs and proper descension of the diaphragm. It seems to even out my tone and allow me to hit bigger notes, but I'm afraid I'm creating tension where it isn't necessary. Does anyone have any experience with this technique?

[urca]

Pinching the shoulder blades is a technique developed by Marcus Schnerpmann back in the late 50's or so. The main benefit is to increase the lungular capacities enabling one to sing longer and louder legatos.

[Jersey Jack]

I suspect that a light pinch on the shoulder blades will simply help you align your spine; singers are often told to lift their heads up while singing, which does the same thing. If it works for you and you don't feel excess tension it seems like a good idea.