Hi Colin!
>I've never really looked at Feldenkrais, only Alexander Technique.
For my money (and experience), Feldenkrais relates much more to singing
than Alexander (I know there are AT proponents who would disagree witht his
- each to his own, I say! :)
Feldenkrais Technique deals with the relationship of the pelvis to the rest
of the body, since the pelvic girdle (or basin) is at the center/foundation
of torso support. Quoting from my book "The pelvis (menaing "basin")
supports and protects the internal organs...however, it's most important
mechanical function is supporting the head, upper body and trunk...It is
also the center for movement.
Mabel Ellsworth Todd, in her excellent book "The Thinking Body" explains:
In human beings the pelvis has a threefold function. It must
receive from the spinal column the entire weight of the head, shoulders and
trunk and transmit it to the legs. It must provide the means of motion for
the trunk upon the legs, and for the legs upon the trunk.
Why is it so important to acknowledge the importance of the pelvic center
for singing? it follows most clearly that the spine has its base in the
pelvic girdle and, like a firmly rooted tree, grows up out of the pelvis.
The rib-cage is designed to hang off the ribs, much like the branches of a
tree hang of its trunk. Effective breath function is completely dependent
on freedom of the rib-cage to expand and contract. Therefore, if the pelvis
is not appropriately aligned and supported, the domino effect throughout
the rest of the system considerably reduces the ability to achieve full
vocal potential.
. I agree with the bit about hand tension.
> I would also say that this can cause lower back tension. Somehow, the little
>finger and ring finger appear to have a relationship with the quadratus
>lumborum (sp?). Various AT practioners have mentioned imagining throwing
>sparks of energy out of the end of your fingers to release this tension. My
>teachers imagery is to grow rods out of these two fingers down into the
>ground. Works perfectly for me.
We have a whole chapter devoted to tongue/jaw tension with some great ATM's
to help free that up. I use them with my own students and the results are
quite remarkable!
>
>I'd be interested in reading the book. Is it available in the UK?
Not yet, but you can order through our web-site (hint, hint).
By the way, the website contains a sample ATM (modularized - an innovation
created by my co-author) to try for yourself.
Thanks for your interest!
EB-Z
Elizabeth Blades-Zeller, DMA
Assistant Professor of Voice
Coordinator of Voice, Director of Opera ^ ^
Heidelberg College - Brenneman Music Hall ~
(O)
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
co-author of "Singing With Your Whole Self: The Feldenkrais Method and Voice."
www.inspirationpress.homestead.com/main.html
"Your capacity to express your brilliance is limited only to the extent of
which you have been hurt - or are afraid."
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only
plan, but also believe."
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