BreathingRx
 
While attending the Classical Singer Magazine Convention this Spring in New York City I spoke with several of the representatives of music schools and conservatories around the country. I was curious about their commitment to online courses of study as I am developing an e-course for singers on the subject of breath support . One dean of a southern college mentioned the phrase, "extended online learning." Many colleges are using these online e-course formats in academics. The music colleges are starting to follow suit, it seems...  Continue
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Reverse engineering is analyzing the finished product & attempting to break it down into its components to find out how it works & how the end product is ultimately arrived at. "Creating space" above the upper note that's sung: well with BreathingRx For Singers you have all the space in the world, above, below,& on both sides creating a resonant surround-sound. Singing "su fiato" (on top of the breath allowing the breath to carry the sound): well this happens automatically with BreathingRx for Singers since the diaphragm is totally free and the entire rib cage is loose, flexible & pliable... Continue
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Peaking the strength and freedom of your diaphragm, (possible through the techniques of Breathing Coordination upon which the BreathingRx System is based,) creates some interesting conditions in the body that help singers. For instance, when the diaphragm is trained to be so free that it can rise higher than normal, it can find you more air than you realized was there. This allows you to sing more empty of air consistently and is more relaxing for many reasons. Also, when the diaphragm rises high the pull on the trachea, (airway,) is lessened an the throat and back or the tongue magically release restrictive tensions most singers are not even aware they have. This can also allow the back of your tongue to modulate vowels to increase resonance when needed... Continue

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Getting rid of mucus in the throat, chest and lungs is one of the most difficult and pressing issues for the voice professional. We need mucus in our throat and a thin lining on our vocal cords to keep the cords hydrated and flexible. This is the way our body naturally takes care of our vocal cords. However, as voice professionals, to much mucus can be our worst nightmare. Over the counter and prescription drugs may remove the excess mucus but at what cost? Drying of the entire throat and vocal cords, dizziness, mental fog, digestive discomfort such as constipation or diarrhea and fatigue are just a few of the side effects that one can experience...  Continue
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How do we breathe optimally for singing and avoid vocal stress?   Required is the recruitment of the muscles of the upper chest, including the intercostal and pectoral muscles, the abdominal muscles and all of the muscle groups of the back.  All of these muscles must be taught to release effectively so they can follow the diaphragm’s motion.  Conversely, the diaphragm must be trained to be optimally free and strong so it can effectively lead the rest of the muscles and structures in the movement of breathing.  Only then is it possible to allow a gentler meshing of support and vocal fold activation and avoid stressful use of the voice... Continue
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BreathingRx For Singers – Vocal Breath Support Mastery Even though ideal vocal support is dependent on factors like posture, diaphragm training and the right body release, there are some very easy and simple things you can do with your own body that can help you immediately with your singing.  This exercise is simple and effective and will continue to help you improve as you practice it over time. When a singer can relax the abdomen completely, the abdomen can be felt to release all the way around. Lowering the abdomen correctly frees up the diaphragm to more easily support the voice and add resonance to your sound. It also allows you to take more oxygen into your body and blood helping you focus more and calming the nervous system.  Diaphragm Releasing Exercise:
  1. Stand straight but relaxed, (back relaxed, not stiff or arched.)
  2. Put the hands together across the low abdomen in front.
  3. Release the abdomen into the hands, don’t push out with the abdomen at all.
  4. Feel the hands support the abdomen in and up slightly.
  5. Open the mouth and LET yourself breathe passively for a few minutes.
Great! Now sing something slow and easy in the middle of your voice range pausing in between phrases in order to LET the air in, (do not force air in at all.) Keep the chest relaxed and shoulders down.  Can you feel the abdomen moving during the inhale?Can you feel the abdomen release more deeply? Can you feel the release a bit lower with each breath?How does singing feel easier to you?You can use this to warm up the breath before practicing, voice lessons or performing. I hope this short exercise has been useful. I have helped many singers of all styles with these quick and powerful tips as well as many others including: solving jaw and tongue tension, and how to maximally train your diaphragm for super powering your vocal support in an easy and safe way. These may be found at my Facebook page by following the link below.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/VocalBreathSupportforSinging/126736440676587?v=app_4949752878&ref=sgm
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