Just Breathe

In my reading and practicing this week I've really been thinking about the role of the diaphragm. Of course, we all have heard statements like "sing from the diaphragm" or "support from the diaphragm." In fact, you may have even heard those phrases from me from time to time (though probably not recently).

But two different sources that I've been exploring have once again challenged many preconceived notions about the diaphragm's function. First of all, we have to keep in mind that it is a muscle of INHALATION and, as such, it has almost no role in exhalation (i.e. phonation) (i.e. singing). Of course, we do feel resistance in the lower abdomen as we sing, which is the whole point of appoggio. But it's important to note that this 'lean' or 'resistance' is not necessarily the work of the diaphragm. In many cases it may be the work of the external intercostals (muscles of inhalation between the ribs) or the muscles of exhalation (internal intercostals [at the ribcage], external obliques, transverse abdominals, or rectus abdominals [6-pack muscles]).

Now, we may still 'feel' activity and resistance in the lower abdominal region or even at the rib cage. But we probably need to be honest and stop referring to the diaphragm when it comes to the resistance we feel when managing our breath for singing.

True, this may all be just a matter of semantics. But, in the interest of calling a spade a spade or, as I prefer, employing fact-based pedagogy whenever possible, it seems the diaphragm has a much less significant role in singing (actual phonation) than we had thought in previous decades.

I don't know that this has changed the way that I sing or the way that I practice, but as academics, as pedagogues, and as smart musicians, I appreciate this information so we can correctly identify what is ACTUALLY going on when we sing.

Breathe well. Sing well.

Now go practice.

Back at it/Building a routine

Getting back into the swing of the school year I've really been trying to follow my own advice of consistent, shorter, focused practice sessions so I can get used to the routine of my schedule right away. I've actually done pretty well with it so far.

I do some straw phonation in the car on the 10-minute drive to the Trax station (while it's not ideal to practice in the car, I think this kind of light phonation can be OK) and then I continue Session 1 exercises and a few Session 2 exercises for another 10-15 minutes after I get to school but before my teaching starts. So my voice usually feels pretty warmed up and ready to go by the time I see any students.

Since I'm preparing for a recital (this Friday, Sept 12th, 7:30pm, Dumke Recital Hall, BE THERE!) for my Session 3 practice I've been trying to run groups of songs in the order they will be on the recital so I can start building muscle memory and pacing for the performance. Then, in rehearsals with Alex, we've been able to really focus on ensemble issues (tempos, timing of breaths, etc.) and other expressive elements (balance between piano and voice, where to add rubato, different interpretive choices, etc.). 

Now that my teaching schedule is set, I also want to make sure I'm honoring the time I set aside for practice in the middle of the day. That's been pretty easy now since I have a performance coming up this week but once that is over I need to make sure I'm still working on my voice and learning new repertoire.

I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. While I love the freedom of spontaneity, I've found that routine is really important in my life on a day to day level. Otherwise, it's too easy for me not to get anything of significance done.

I'm also looking forward to reading all of your blog posts this year. I hope this can be a useful forum for all of us and can help provide some support in keeping us on task and working toward our goals.

Happy singing!

Now go practice.