Research in the singing process (1993-2022) by Mikhail, Inessa, and Dimitri Niks

For three centuries the process of training singers was dominated by empirical and subjective explanations. The modern world dictates, objective explanations for the old singing art. A modern approach to the singing process based on the clarity and precision of the inner work of muscles seemed urgent and inevitable. This was the purpose of the many years of research that culminated in the Video Course presented here. The course of 10 Exercises will lead to special breath control, a constant resonating point for vowels and clear articulation. Altogether singers of any style can acquire a MASTERY OF SECURE AND BEAUTIFUL SINGING.

Additional Introductory Material discusses the problem of a healthy approach to the singing process and the possibility to preserve the voice in its youthful state.

Video Course: 10 Exercises to Sing Without Tension

Self-training course promoting the novel method of exercises for objective work of muscles. This modern approach is essential for singers of any style to prevent complications of the vocal cords and provide longevity of the singing voice.

Course Text

An annotated version of the full video text is available as a .PDF below (UPDATED VERSION for 2024) which includes practical hints on how to work with the exercises.

All of the exercises above (along with videos of Inessa Niks’ piano performances) can be directly accessed on our YouTube Channel: NIKS TECHNIQUE IN SINGING WITHOUT TENSION

Advanced course for extension of voice range

A constant resonating “point” was discovered in the high dimension of the pharynx which led to the extension of the modal register. The advanced course is described by three exercises. However, it is feasible to find and sustain the new resonating “point” only after acquiring the method presented in the Video Course above. Singers who have completed the Video Course and would like to try the Advanced Course please contact us for further information.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to:

Elizabeth Ginsburg, our former teacher and outstanding Russian musician who represented the old school of piano playing and singing

Mikhail Niks, outstanding researcher in piano playing who in the last three years of his life also revealed the essential principle of prolonged exhale for singers

Gertruda Slutskaya,, who was a dedicated supporter of our long years of research

Marina Niks for her strong belief in our project

Margie Gillroy, a singer who went through many years of our research with patience and dedication

Elena Solis for her creative and beautiful design of our website

All our vocal students— their positive results encouraged us to go on in our chosen direction