Dear List,
I am having trouble keeping my rib cage expanded. My inhalation is good-I
get good lateral expansion of the ribs. However, they tend to go down a
little (not really too much) at the onset of tone. I try not to "stuff" my
lungs. Any suggestions/exercises that would be helpful here?
Also, I am reading Miller's book on training sopranos. My teacher (who has a
student at the Met right now....) teaches ribcage expansion and the use of
the lower abdominal muscles. Somehow, I feel it helps keep my ribs up and
open when I "tuck in" my lower abs. I had the picture that the "lotta
vocale" was the balance between the ribcage keeping the diaphragm flat and
low and the abs gently pushing it up. This is not in keeping with Miller's
"appoggio," which, to my understanding requires an expanded ribcage and no
conscious abdominal muscle involvement. I am really confused.
Let me add that my teacher has been teaching for 40 years, studied with
Virginia Zeani, has a splendid spinto voice and fabulous breath control.
Any comments?
Leslie
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