Mariah SS 3

Mariah SS 3
Chapter Summary: When we breathe to speak, we don't think about our breath. We breathe freely and subconsciously measure out how much air we need for a phrase we are about to speak.  We don't take huge breaths when we are only going to say a simple, calm statement. But when we are going to yell, we automatically take a larger breath to prepare without thinking about it. Singers need to apply this same concept to singing. Not all phrases in a song need a huge breath. Also, when we use this natural breathing preparation, we more easily go right into singing without a pause. Good posture allows for deep, low breathing for singing. Stephen Smith's ideas for exhalation in singing are unlike any I've heard. He doesn't like the word support because it usually leads to singers flexing their lower abdomen muscles which causes air pressure instead of air flow. Smith says that a singer should not try to control the air but simply release it. There should be a continual amount of air flow and not really change for different pitches.
Key Concepts: Breath preparation should be natural like in speaking but more deep, aided by upright posture. Exhalation should be free and released, not tense or controlled.
Key Terms: inspiration, sensation of flow
Making Connections: Don't flex your lower abdomen muscles while singing? I'm all confused. I've heard from quite a few sources that to have a good sound and support you should use those lower muscles. I have never really liked to flex these muscles while singing because it seemed unnatural and uncomfortable, so if Smith's idea is correct then I'm all for it. Also, I thought his idea to release breath instead of trying to control it was really interesting. I've been having trouble getting through an entire phrase in a particular song, so I'm going to try this release idea for it and see how it goes.