Sam Meredith SS Chapter 1 Summary

Sam
Chapter 1 Summary-In order to become better singers we need to have a wholistic approach to our task, meaning that we analyze the results of our singing on many level (physical, mental, spiritual, etc.) We first need to understand the physical mechanisms behind singing. As with all other instrument, to phonate with the voice you need a generator (air flow), a vibrator (the vocal folds), and a resonator (the throat and nasal cavity). When air passed through our adducted vocal folds the Bernoulli Effect causes our vocal folds to vibrate and come together and move apart many times per second. This vibration creates vocal sound. Although all of these scientific details are important it is also important to note that a knowledge of these concepts does not necessarily lead to improved singing. This is because the mechanisms that create good singing cannot be actively monitored and manipulated and vocal resonance can not be 'placed.' For that reason when we sing it is important to encourage positive behavior rather than simply discourage negative behavior. This means that when we encounter problems we must do more than simply repair the audible and visual effects of the problem, we must uproot the problem completely. Many voice teacher offer their students 'tricks' to improve the results of their singing that although effective under certain circumstances don't completely fix the underlying problem. It is also important to put analysis of our singing in it's proper place. Singing is like going on a trip. There is a lot of preparation involved, but once you are on the trip you don't stop the second something goes wrong. The analysis of the successes and/or failures of the trip comes after the trip is over. So it is with singing as well. If we don't get everything completely right when we sing through a song or a phrase, it's unnecessary to stop immediately to analyze.
Key Concept-The biomechanics of singing should be understood, but do not necessarily generate success. When directing singing it is unproductive to simply discourage all bad behavior. It is much more effective to strive to achieve positive behavior. This allows us to solve the bigger underlying problems as well as the problems that are more evident.
Key Terms- Wholism, Generator, Vibrator, Resonator, Bernoulli Effect, Holism, Tricks, Taking the Trip, Self-Actualization
Making Connections- I need to make sure that I am reinforcing and cultivating proper behavior both in myself and in those whom I teach. Although simply correcting mistakes that freely manifest themselves may seem like the best solution, the real underlying problem may have not been solved. Also, I need to be more curious, poised, and willing to just take the trip when I practice and when I perform.