>===== Original Message From vocalist-temporary@egroups.com ===== > >I have found a TREMENDOUS difference in my tongue and >jaw tension after an Alexander Technique instructor >showed me how tense my whole pelvic region was. (Hope >I don't offend anyone) But, I now always do hip rolls >before I sing a note to make sure this area of my body >is flexible and loose. I don't know if this applies >to everyone, but it has made a WORLD of difference for >me. > >Lisa >
According to Alexander Technique (and medical science) we have two types of muscle fibre. Some muscles are postural muscles, and others are "action" muscles (for want of a better description). Postural muscle fibre can atrophy or convert to the other type over time in astronauts, even if they exercise regularly, due to the lack of gravity. This waffly introduction is leading to the point that only the postural muscles and the skeleton should be used for keeping upright. Alexander Technique helps with this, Tai Chi also helps. When we tighten the pelvic region we clamp around the postural muscles of the lower back, and don't allow easy movement of the spine. (The image of the spine being able to move up and down freely is a very useful one for relaxed singing). Releasing the butt allows our skeleton to hold us up efficiently with the addition of purely the postural muscles, allowing the other muscles the freedom to help us breathe, sing, etc. What I find is that this gives a much more grounded feeling to my singing, and then I don't have the need to clamp with the tongue or jaw, because everything feels freer and lighter, and yet more solid at the same time. I don't know if there is any particular neurological link between the base of the spine and the jaw, or if it's just through mental association.
I'd be interested if this idea corresponds to anybody else's experiences.
Colin
Colin Reed, Tenor Newark, UK Tel: +44 1636 706158 Mobile: +44 973 952447
|