Vocal Technique: Lecture 1 - Respiration

This is a series of Lectures designed to give the viewer an insight into the technical side of vocal training. Don't hesitate to ask any questions here in the comments section or visit my website at www.nicholastamagna.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• voice
• vocal
• lesson
• singing

[izzle1989]

you say release all tension but how do we do that while trying to support/control the exhale?

[tamagna1982]

@izzle1989 I say release all tension, by tension I mean rigid postures in the body that are not serving the voice. I choose the term resistance for what you should feel when supporting your tone. Which is an expansion in the body that is resisting the desire to collapse, however it is still fluid/pliable, and moves as the air is expended through the phrase, just not as fast. Tension, however, for me is misplaced rigidity in the body. Rigidity does not equal efficient support of the exhale.

[RocktheStageNYC]

The baby breathing goes away as we mature into adolescence - namely "teenagedom". This is the age where we are told to "act our age" and we start to over think how we think and speak. This is where we go off course with breathing.

I teach students to imagine breathing in from the knees. This tricks the brain and fills out the waistline & lower back instantly. Then you fill out the chest. Breathe out the same way - waistline deflates first then let the chest collapse.

Good stuff.

[tamagna1982]

@RocktheStageNYC It's all in the imagery sometimes with achieving vocal goals it's true. It's true so much begins as we emotionally mature, these emotions translate into tensions in the body that prevent us from our optimal breathing, as well as affecting many other functions within our body. I often have students who discover interesting things about themselves or unearth past emotional residue when they begin to release these tensions. It's wonderful to watch. Thanks for the comment!

[VASINGER]

This is good teaching. I think, however, people focous way too much on their sound (tone). Tone is important, but actually the best voices are the ones that can express the words well. Louis Armstrong wouldn't have a classically great tone, but he was a great singer. You can have perfect tone- and some do, but they are also perfectly boring.

[tamagna1982]

@VASINGER I understand your comment completely. If it ain't broke and it's getting you work, and people enjoy it, well you don't necessarily have to fix it do you? But, in terms of health and longevity of your voice for classical standards of vocal production, Louis Armstrong obviously wouldn't be able to endure a 3 hour opera or even an 8 show a week contract on broadway. I teach how to maintain your voice for health.

[KarineRibbens]

WOw!! Why do I only see your videos NOW?( Joan Sutherland also said breathe with the pelvis...almost into the pelvis)

[pedrosobota]

I love that you explain the why of the exercises. My former coach only told me to do them. And I'm a freak for knowing the why of things. Amazing videos thanks for making them

[izzle1989]

ok thanks for clarifying

[wwwjohnjewelcom]

great. I liked this video.

[sopranoms]

You have a good grasp on breathing and nice explanation of the theory. I hope that will help students to learn the technique.