Elizabeth T Malde Intro/Ch.1

1.  What are the 12 characteristics of the exceptional singer as described in the first paragraph?

1. Beautiful and effortless tone quality

2. Easily navigates vocal range

3. Body is buoyant and flexible

4. Moving and gesturing expressively

5. Micromovement allows her to look graceful

6. Wonderful breath management

7. Excellent dynamic control

8. Exceptional musicianship

9. Spine gathers and lengthens

10. Clear, elegant diction

11. Genuine facial expression

12. Delivery of music is heartfelt and moving

13. Poise is relaxing to audience

2.  Who originated body mapping?

William Conable, Alexander Technique teacher and form professor of music at The Ohio State University.

3.  Define body map. (2)

 your mental representation of your body's size, structure, and function. 

4.  How does your body map influence body movement? (2)

Your body map governs your movement, you move according to what you believe about your body.

5.  Define kinesthesia. (2)

the sense that detects your body in motion

6.  How does kinesthesia help us? (2)

Kinesthesia helps singers to be aware of their entire body at once, in order to have control over elements that are not functioning optimally.

7.  Define inclusive awareness. (2, 7-8)

conscious, simultaneous organized awareness of your inner and outer experience.  

8.  What are the three elements of your body map? (3)

size, structure, and function

9.  Describe the methods suggested for correcting and refining your body map. (4-5)

Study: become familiar with anatomical models

Use the mirror: notice how your body in the mirror differs than you expect it to be

Draw the area to be mapped: try to draw your body parts and compare to anatomical drawings

Ask specific questions: Ask questions about your body, and consult anatomical drawings.

Relate: once you have a corrected an idea of a certain body part, relate it to the entire body

Move: apply it to singing 

10.  What are the three virtues of your kinesthetic sense? (5)

sensitivity, discrimination, and responsiveness

11. What are the 4 questions we can ask to fine tune our kinesthesia? (6-7)

What parts of my body am I moving?

Can I feel micromovement

Is the quality of my movement free or effortful?

Is the quality of my movement light or heavy? 

12.  Describe the three types of attention. (8)

Concentration - focusing attention on a single object

Rapid Scanning - rapidly moving attention from one object to the next

Inclusive Awareness - simultaneously being aware of yourself and your surroundings.