Lecture Series Part 2-Applying the Breath Stop

Summary

This vocal coaching session emphasizes the importance of breath control, specifically through exercises like crescendo and decrescendo. The speaker highlights techniques such as breath stops and using aspirated consonants to achieve better vocal performance. With a focus on proper air management, the session teaches singers to avoid leakage of breath, ensuring a more controlled and resonant voice. The coach stresses the significance of both soft and loud singing, and shares tips on using specific consonants and breathing techniques to enhance vocal strength, endurance, and expression. Throughout, the speaker blends personal experience with practical vocal advice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breath control is essential for vocal performance, and practicing breath stops helps strengthen it.
• 😀 The crescendo-decrescendo technique, also known as 'Italian la mesa', is an important vocal exercise to improve vocal flexibility and sound control.
• 😀 Proper breath management allows a singer to produce louder and softer sounds without straining the voice, offering better sound quality and endurance.
• 😀 The idea of a 'big drum' metaphor is used to emphasize that a large, resonant voice can produce rich, beautiful overtones, not just volume.
• 😀 Vocalists should focus on 'not leaking air' while singing to maintain consistent sound and avoid strain.
• 😀 Breath stops and proper vocal placement help prevent the voice from faltering or cracking during high-intensity or sustained passages.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of muscle memory and instinctive actions when training the voice, making practice focused and efficient.
• 😀 Consistency in using breath stops during vocal exercises can help singers perform crescendos and decrescendos effectively in a musical context.
• 😀 As vocal exercises like the crescendo-decrescendo become more refined, singers can use them to rehearse without expending excessive energy, preserving vocal health.
• 😀 The speaker demonstrates that with proper technique, singers can continue performing well into older age without damaging their vocal cords, proving the longevity of a well-maintained voice.
• 😀 Various consonants (like 'b', 'c', 'd', 'g', and 'm') offer different challenges for breath control and can be practiced to refine the technique of not leaking air during vocalization.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's vocal technique in this script?

The main focus is on breath control, specifically using breath stops, crescendo, and decrescendo exercises to avoid air leakage and improve vocal quality, ensuring sound consistency and longevity.

What is the importance of breath stops in vocal exercises?

Breath stops are crucial for controlling the airflow and preventing air leakage, which helps sustain a richer, more consistent tone and allows for smoother transitions between soft and loud sounds.

How does the speaker suggest using breath for optimal vocalization?

The speaker recommends taking a deep breath from the lower back, which helps support sound production. By managing airflow with breath stops, singers can sing more efficiently without straining their voice.

What is a crescendo decrescendo exercise, and why is it important?

A crescendo decrescendo exercise involves gradually increasing and then decreasing the volume of sound. It helps singers develop control over their vocal range and dynamic expression, which is essential for musical performance.

How can practicing with different consonants improve vocal technique?

Practicing with consonants like 'b,' 'c,' 'g,' 'm,' and 'p' helps refine breath control and prevents air leakage. These exercises build muscle memory for proper vocal support and help with smoother transitions in sound production.

What role does air leakage play in vocal performance?

Air leakage compromises vocal control and sound quality. If air leaks through the vocal cords, the sound becomes weak and unstable. Preventing air leakage helps maintain a strong, clear, and rich tone throughout the performance.

What is the speaker's perspective on the relationship between voice and age?

The speaker, at 83 years old, emphasizes that a well-maintained voice, with proper breath control and technique, can last a lifetime. This personal experience highlights that age does not have to hinder vocal performance if the voice is managed well.

What does the speaker mean by 'not leaking air' while singing?

'Not leaking air' refers to maintaining proper breath control, ensuring that air does not escape uncontrollably during singing. This allows for better sound production, pitch accuracy, and overall vocal endurance.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming the feeling of suffocation during breath control exercises?

The speaker reassures singers that the sensation of suffocation is temporary and part of the learning process. By controlling the breath and not expelling all air at once, the body will adjust, and singers will learn to sustain sound without discomfort.

What is the significance of 'double breath support' in singing?

Double breath support refers to using both the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to control airflow and stabilize the voice. This technique is especially useful for producing clear and powerful sounds without straining the vocal cords.