Emily F. OB 4

Emily F. OB 4: Eliciting pitch is what we want to do as singers, not push, or force, or make happen, but elicit! This brings to mind invitation rather than coercion. Healthy singing should have a minimum of subglottic pressure. Singing on the "gesture of inhalation" keeps the larynx low and the glottis balanced. "The sensation should be that you almost start to sing before you finish taking a breath." The exercises introduced in this chapter are very similar to "free flowing air" and "a balancing act" from Stephen Smith. Descending exercises are the easiest and best to maintain a low larynx and should be used first when warming up, and early on in a singer's training. 
Key concept: "Let the airflow do the work."
Key terms: elicit, release
Making connections: One of my biggest struggles is being able to have that nice onset that is a result of singing on the "gesture of inhalation". I so often breathe too early and hold my breath, creating subglottal pressure. Another thing I do is try to pull my larynx down rather than let it be relaxed from a good, low breath. I tried the exercises, and again, they seem too simple and comfortable. I can do this just fine as vocalizes in lessons and practice, but applying the principles to repertoire is where the challenge comes in and my poor techniques show up. Maybe it's just because I haven't practiced these enough, or made the connection between the vocalize and the rep.