 |
|
|
Vocal Point
Incorrect Body Tension
Mar-15-2000
©2000 iBluegrass.com. All rights reserved.
Dipping into the vast ocean of information on the subject of the singing voice, let me begin by spotlighting one of the greatest enemies of a free feeling and sounding voice---incorrect body tension.
There is no question about the fact that the singing voice is an instrument, a wind instrument. Our bodies, particularly the chest, neck and head areas, provide the chambers in which the majority of sound vibrates.
There are specific parts of the body that have to do with singing or speaking. Generally speaking, these muscles and organs are the abdominals, diaphragm, lungs, intercostals (muscles of the ribs), wind pipe, larynx (contains the vocal chords) and the articulators: teeth, tongue, lips and palate. Here is the point: all the other parts of the body not mentioned above should be stretched out, relaxed and flexible---and that leaves a majority of the body! Here's why:
1. The muscles that have to do with singing are involuntary and internal. If the larger external muscles are tense they restrict the free, reflexive movement of the more internal singing muscles.
2. Our bodies act as our vocal sounding board. Resonance is vibration. If we have tight muscles we muffle resonance (like throwing a towel over your guitar, banjo etc. after sounding a chord).
3. If we are tight physically we are usually tense mentally. We need to be feeling as creative, spontaneous---or as it's said "in the flow" as possible. A loose, relaxed yet energized body helps to put us in the right place mentally.
Here's what to do:
Before you sing take a few minutes to do some stretching exercises that get you loose all over. Even jump up and down a little so that you feel loose and energized. If you don't have a few minutes, do the best you can, but do something to stretch and loosen.
One VERY important point: loosen up your jaw! Rub your jaw and get it as loose and relaxed as you can. Keep it as relaxed as possible when you're singing (there will be more on this in future articles).
If you're a performer be aware of how being pinned, so to speak, to a mic can lead to becoming stiff and rigid (unless you have a pick-up). Even though there's not a lot of opportunity to move around, there is some, so use it! You'll loosen up---and find that your voice is projecting more naturally.
In summary; stretch, loosen, rub and loosen up your jaw, think pleasant thoughts, get energized---get loose and go!
You are missing out on special features available only to iBluegrass Members.
Try the powerful features of membership - free.
|
 |
Website ©1996-2010 iBluegrass.com
