Emily F. SS 1

Emily F. SS 1: A wholistic approach to singing is necessary, because as singers, our instrument is a physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual one. Physically, this instrument is delicate and dependent on whatever factors are affecting the body. On a basic physical level, we need a generator (airflow) , a vibrator (vocal folds), and a resonator (mouth, nasal cavity, and pharynx) to sing. However, just knowing the mechanics doesn't make one a singer. "Good technique must deal with the whole human organism." Treating the symptoms of poor technique isn't as effective as teaching what to do to have healthy singing. "Focusing on what singers need to stop doing does not necessarily let them know what they need to do that is right." The differences that we each have in our instruments doesn't matter nearly as much as how we use our instrument. And with all of these ideas of how to have good technique, when it comes right down to a performance, we have to just "take the trip"!
Key concepts:
- We must approach the voice wholistically because it encompasses so much of ourselves. 
-Our basic instrument consists of a generator, vibrator, and resonator. 
-"What happens when we sing well often has little to do with what we do in singing."
-Our instrument is less important than what we do with it. 
-"There is a place for analysis and evaluation in learning to sing, but not while singing!"
Key terms: wholism, generator, vibrator, resonator, phonation, Bernoulli effect, primary resonators, pharynx, placement, self-actualization
Making connections: Man, this chapter was full of goodness! I've often wanted a "prescription" for my vocal symptoms, and was sometimes frustrated that Laurie didn't give me the tricks to fix them. I know there are a lot of things I do when I sing that aren't good, so I wanted her to tell me how to get my voice out of my throat, or release my jaw, or access my high notes easier, or whatever, but now I see that the consistent practicing of good habits is improving my singing overall much more than any tricks for any specific symptom would. (Way to go, Laurie!) I heard a lot of Cindy-isms in this chapter, like the difference between what we do and what happens, or planning vs. taking a trip, or telling someone to turn right vs. telling them not to turn left. What gems are here!