Breath


	Breath For Singing - Ways to Sense When It's Right By Judy Rodman
	When taking vocal lessons, it's not enough to train the intellect. Sometimes the mind understands but the body feels spastic! Here are some suggestion to help your physical body identify the sensation of correct vocal technique. Let’s take a breath work example. The "feeling" of correct breath support and breath control can be elusive. You must at the same time apply the power of the breath AND control that power. Support must be applied from the pelvic floor; at the same time, you enable control by keeping the bottom of your ribcage wide.
	Here's a breath sensation exercise you can try: Put your hand on your upper (not lower) chest- right below your neck. Place the back of your other hand on your tailbone. Now press your two hands in. You should experience your posture stretching tall, with the bottom of your ribcage widening and your low abs moving in towards your tailbone. Now, do it again as you sound a note. Do you feel the controlled breath power in that action? This may help your muscles memorize the correct feeling of applying controlled breath to your voice. Then you can recreate the action without actually using your hands to press these areas. The object is to become aware of the sensation and be able to do it without thinking. Another exercise for breath: Pull your lower abdominals and the bottom tips of your shoulder blades closer together as you sing a high or "power" note. If done properly, it should not cause the same sensation as the first exercise. It should not cause too much "sway" in the lumbar spine, but instead should cause the upper back to move in such a way that the chest pops out. The tops of the shoulders and neck should remain quite loose. A tried-and-true exercise for keeping the neck and shoulders loose: Sing while you move your head from side to side, turning your head on its axis in a level plane. Don't go with the beat or the melody phrase...try to isolate the head movement slowly and smoothly independent of the music. Don't take your chest with your head (which, if your shoulders or neck are tight, you will want to do). Another exercise for neck and shoulder tension: Bobble your head on your shoulders, like a bobble-head doll, while you sing. Notice anytime you "grab" with your neck or shoulder muscles, and simply tell yourself to let go there. Doing these neck and shoulder releasing exercises should enable you to go into performance mode and sing without tension in those muscles, again without having to think about it. The ultimate sensations for correct vocal technique should include these two... 1. The feeling of vibration or "buzz" in your bones and sinuses. 2. The complete lack of feeling of tension in your throat or at your vocal cords. Whatever issue you are working on to improve your voice, try to identify the physical sensation that goes along with the fix -- and you will be much better able to make that vocal technique your own. For more amazingly effective vocal training, check out the links below: Judy Rodman -singer/songwriter/producer/vocal instructor, developer of... "Power, Path & Performance" vocal training - Learn from a pro who's been where you want to go! Website, vocal training products and blog: http://judyrodman.com Newsletter: http://judyrodman.com/newsletter-signup Judy Rodman has over 30 years of professional experience as a session singer, award-winning recording artist, stage and television performer, a multi-genre hit songwriter, a studio producer and vocal consultant, and a highly sought-after voice teacher.
	©2009, Further Communications

Breath For Singing - Ways to Sense When It's Right

By Judy Rodman