To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Abs Workout
Date sent: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 18:20:34 -0800
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Dave wrote, in part:
> I have heard through numerous sources that tightening your abdominal
> muscles only impedes on your support system. You want them to bee loose
> and flexible.

I think this is an old wives' (singers'?) tale. None of my voice teachers
has ever said this, nor have I ever read it books on pedagogy and technique,
although I haven't read extensively. When I started studying voice 30 years
ago, I was a gymnast with washboard abs. I am still in great shape and work
out regularly. Support, or lack thereof, has never been an issue for me.

Perhaps some people have confused muscle tone with muscle tension. Being
well-muscled does not mean one's muscles are inflexible. I firmly believe
that people who exercise regularly are better in touch with their bodies,
giving them greater control over their bodies, including all those parts
associated with singing.

Regards,
Kate Leff
San Diego