Emily F. OB 17

Emily F. OB 17: "Singing requires thinking." So much of what we do as singers is on a conscious level, but there is a lot of neural activity going on that we don't think about. Because we have the ability to observe what happens and how we feel, we are able to learn how to improve singing and any other skill. We know from "The Talent Code" that "muscle memory" isn't actually in the muscles but from repeated, targeted practice of a certain skill that builds myelin and increases the speed and efficiency of whatever we are doing. Brown talks about developing "pre-phonatory inspiration" and a "pre-phonatory set of the laryngeal muscles" with practice that will make singing more efficient. Concentration is required for these, as well as for a "condition of an open, free, relaxed throat". Because certain nerves are linked together, doing certain actions can affect other aspects of singing. This is why it's so important to develop a strong sense of independence in the articulators. 
Key concept: Both sides of the brain and countless nerves are involved in singing. It's a complex skill. 
Key terms: medulla oblongata, hypothalamus, reflex arc, conditioned reflex, pre-phonatory  inspiration, pre-phonatory set of laryngeal muscles, sympathetic nervous system, empathetic nervous system, slow-twitch motor units, fast-twitch motor units
Making connections: "All of us need to learn to keep out of our own way, to develop a trust in what our minds and bodies can do." Amen. Singing is really amazing in what is required of the brain and the body!!! The idea of independent articulators is a fascinating one. I know it wasn't specifically discussed in this chapter, but I can't believe how difficult it is to train the tongue, lips, larynx and everything to work efficiently without having huge effects on everything else. I think of it because of how connected the nerves are, and it's amazing that we can sing at all because of how complex the instrument is.