Picture of Meghan McCall

Meghan McCall

Voice & Nutrition Coach

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

My Goal: Sing and Speak like a Swede

Let’s talk about the practice of Lagom. Lagom is a Swedish word that translates to “not too much, not too little, just right.” It is a concept that promotes balance, moderation, and simplicity. When it comes to singing or speaking, applying Lagom means finding the right balance in your voice, expression, and performance.

One way to apply Lagom to singing is to focus on your breath control. Singing requires proper breathing technique to support your voice and create a consistent tone. However, overdoing it can lead to strain and tension in your vocal cords. By finding the right balance in your breath control, you can achieve a smooth and effortless singing style.

Another way to apply Lagom to singing is to avoid overdoing your vocal expression. While it’s important to convey emotion and feeling in your singing, excessive vocal runs, vibrato, and other embellishments can distract from the overall performance. By finding the right balance in your expression, you can create a powerful and emotional performance without overwhelming the listener.

Finally, applying Lagom to singing means keeping things simple and straightforward. Don’t try to do too much with your voice or performance. Instead, focus on the essentials and let your natural talent shine through. By doing so, you can create a memorable and impactful performance that resonates with your audience.

My favorite resource on Lagom is a short and delightful read entitled “Lagom: Not too little, not too much: The Swedish art of living a balanced, happy life” by Niki Brantmark. 

Related articles

Singer in a black T-shirt standing with arms raised overhead, eyes closed in a lip trill; a blurred sheet-music stand and yoga mat are visible in the softly lit background.

Your Voice Has a Wake-Up Routine—Here’s How to Build It

Kickstart your vocal power each morning with a simple wake-up routine that goes beyond coffee. From sipping room-temperature water or herbal tea to gentle stretches, lip trills, and breath exercises, discover how these easy steps can boost tone, stamina, and focus all day long. Ready to turn that morning croak into a clear, confident voice? Learn how to build a vocal foundation that sets you up for success.

Read More »
Singer holding a water bottle in one hand and a fork poised over a plate of grilled chicken, brown rice, and avocado, with a blurred sheet music stand in the background.

What to Eat Before You Perform – A Singer’s Guide to Smart Fuel

Discover how the right pre-show fuel can transform your performance. From staying energized and focused to preventing vocal fatigue, what you eat (and when) plays a key role in delivering your best onstage. Ready to unlock the secret to sustained power and clear tone? Dive into our singer’s guide to smart fueling and step into the spotlight feeling confident, strong, and fully supported.

Read More »
Young woman steaming her face over a humidifier while holding a water bottle, with a towel draped over her head and blurred sheet music in the background.

Hydration for Singers – Why Sipping Isn’t Enough

Hydration for singers goes beyond simply sipping water—it requires a daily blend of internal and external practices to keep vocal folds lubricated and healthy. By pairing regular water intake with hydrating foods, humidifiers, and steam inhalation, you ensure your voice stays resilient and free from fatigue.

Read More »

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to get articles
to your inbox.

Thank you

for Subscribing to my

Newsletter