18th September 2024 - Vocal Lecture and Baseline Assessment

Introduction

This session has differed from previous ones; not only was it our first full-length singing lesson, but our specification was not so much on the practical element to begin with, but moreso the general science and technique behind singing!

Written Notes

There are three main aspects to successful singing technique:

-Primal Sound

-Breath and Support

-Posture and Alignment

Primal Sound

-This is most informedly defined as any type of 'emotional response sounds'

-We are born knowing exactly how to make this kind of loud sound and sustain it for hours - think of a baby crying!

-Other examples include: groans, monkey noises, loud calls/yells, crying, whines, laughter and sobs

-The muscles heavily involved with Primal Sound are known as the 'diamond of support':

--> Top of diamond = Xiphoid (process) - moves in and up

-->Sides of diamond = Transverse Abdominis - push out 

-->Bottom of diamond = LAPS (Lower Abdominal Pubic Symphysis) - moves in and up

-These muscles 'fire' automatically t create loud, resonant sounds and add characters to our voices

-Certain sounds in particular, especially sobs and yawns, are very helpful in lowering the larynx too!

Breath and Support

-We are all metaphorically a Pump, Valve and Amplifier!

--> Pump = Abdominal muscles, diaphragm and lungs

--> Valve = Pressure in the glottis causes vocal folds to move against each other - sound is produced"

--> Amplifier = Mouth positioning; distance between the back of the tongue and roof of the mouth                                    especially. Straight alignment of the neck and shoulders, as well as the hard and soft                                palates in the mouth.

Posture and Alignment

-You must ideally have a wide base (feet shoulder width apart), and focus on five main points being in line with each other:

--> Ankles

--> Knees (not as important, more freedom of motion/relaxation)

--> Hips 

--> Shoulders

--> Ears (prioritise these positioned over the Shoulders to help combat ''tech neck''!)

-Don't remain in a fixed position with posture, always have some degree of movement

-This is a magic combination between flexibility and strength, that helps in reaching maximum level!

Evidence of Assessment

Results