Hello leskayc
The appoggio that is taught by Miller simply states that the lower ribs
should expand on inhalation and remain in an expanded position as long as
possible while singing. In addition there should be no inward movement of
the epigastric area (that area between the bottom of the sternum and the
navel and laterally to the ribs) during the singing tone except at the end
of an extremely long phrase. In effect, the singer is maintaining the
sense of the inhalation position during the exhalation for singing.
Because singing uses very little breath it is not necessary to pull in the
epigastric area to obtain breath during the singing process. In addition,
pulling in the epigastric area is a sign that the diaphragm has collapsed
upward and is no longer in a position to control the exhalation. The
control of the exhalation is then left to the exhalation muscles (the
abdominal muscles) and they are not equipped to maintain this kind of
control.
Rib expansion followed by a dropping of the belly is counter productive.
Releasing the abdominals (dropping the belly) will tend to pull the lower
ribs downward and assist them in collapsing, which is not what a singer
wants to have happen.
Hope this is of some help.
Regards
--
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA
Professor of Voice, Vocal Pedagogy
School of Performing Arts
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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