Vocalist.org archive


From:  Dr Colin D Reed <colin.reed@e...>
Date:  Wed Apr 5, 2000  10:29 am
Subject:  RE: [vocalist-temporary] Tongue Tension


>===== 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


emusic.com