Sam Meredith OB Ch. 17 Summary

Sam
Chapter 17 Summary-Knowing some of the basics of neurology can be helpful to singers. It is important to know that the nervous system is what controls all of our physical activities. Some activities require deeper thought and are controlled by the more evolved parts of our brains. Other actions are more reflexive and are controlled by the spinal cord. Another important note is that our nervous system has the potential to grow and develop as well as deteriorate. This is all dependent on which nerves we choose to stimulate and how much we stimulate them. So the more we stimulate the nerves that are necessary for proper singing, the more instinctive and reflexive the actions of good singing become. All muscle contractions are controlled by the nervous system, so really all we need to do to sing well is think well. It is true, however, that many of the nerves that control muscles, which don't help us sing well are closely related to those that do help us sing well. So, it is important that we think clearly and deeply in practice in order to get the desired result.
Key Concept-All muscle action is controlled by the nervous system. All that needs to be done, therefore, for effective singing is effective thinking.
Key Terms- Nervous System, Slow-Twitch Muscles, Fast-Twitch Muscles, Empathetic Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System, Vagus Nerve, Glossopharyngeal Nerve, Facial Nerve
Making Connections-I think I need to spend more time in my practice just thinking deeply so that I can get more consistent result when I sing