Thanks Debra. Often I suspect that my extensive background in strength training has led to throat and neck clenching. I likely have above average core strength which I often wonder how to relate to my singing.
Exactly, Colin. Without even trying, the folds can be overpressurized. I usually suggest taking an inaudible breath, very gently, as if just trying to open the inside of the body. If you can catch the Point of Suspension, right when the inside of the mouth stabilizes and the air movement stops, hold that sensation steady for a bit. You will feel a small tug backwards, like you are holding something back. That is the engagement of gentle sub-glottal pressure. What if that is the only game?! See you online soon!! Debra
Hi Debra, I just discovered you today while seeking breathing exercises for spasmodic dysphonia. I was diagnosed with SD over 20+ yrs ago and receive a small Botox injection (in alternate vocal cords) quarterly. Lately, the results of my injections have been inconsistent and I decided to search for other options in between my next scheduled injection. I am starting your exercises TODAY because I just want to be able to talk w/less difficulty. I'm reaching out to ask the frequency of these exercises going forward (w/this incurable disorder). Thank you in advance!
Hi, Sherry! The work I've done with clients with various stages of spasmodic dysphonia has centered around the idea of breath movement. In this work, the inhalation and exhalation process is so gentle, one doesn't even feel it. The body, or rib cage more specifically, is trained to hold still allowing the natural, gentle, neutral sub-glottal air pressure to handle the vocal folds. This is quite an interesting shift for those who have struggled with coordinating the folds. In terms of frequency, I would think just a few minutes every other day would probably be good to start. Work small and slowly. If you have questions, feel free to ask them here or reach out to me via my website at debralynn.org. I would recommend looking at the Point of Suspension video under the magic of you series, as well. Helps to understand the inside mechanics a bit!
Hey ...I watched all your videos and what I understood is that you teach Bel canto ..does this Bel canto technique work for contemporary music also like pop , rock etc...and can I apply the techniques you talk about in your book to popular music also ..thanks
Yes, indeed! By just gently stabilizing the inner space of the mouth, we can help control the air mechanics. Once that is done, you can sing anyway you’re inspired to and get higher level results with more consistent control...will feel like magic! 🙏
When I open my ribs side ways my abdomen draws in.. is tHat what is supposed to happen? What about keeping the breathe pressure towards the chest.. this seems to go away when I use this method
Yes, that’s normal. As a matter of fact, you can hold in your abdominals gently and reinforce your back to open up. In this work, we are suspending and singing on top of sub-glottal pressure vs. moving air out of instrument with pressurization. Very likely you do not feel the chest pressure, it just feels open.
@@DebraLynnBelCanto awesome! Thanks for your reply.. I still can’t quite grasp the breathing aspect of sing even though I’ve been singing for years.. it’s very frustrating. I love your book by the way!
@@JRCorominas tomorrow night 7 pm EDT (New York time) I’ll be doing an online seminar on breathing. If you’re on FaceBook, go to the Singer’s Symposium or Debra Lynn Bel Canto page and you’ll find the link to register. If timing doesn’t work, you can register and you’ll receive the recording link. It might help you make sense of this piece of the puzzle! 🙏❤️
So, you may be working too aggressively with them. Try breathing in gently through the nose. The back lateral muscle area will expand. Only go to the natural feeling of open space, being careful not to overfill. See if that helps...
