Hi everyone!

[ichi_chan0326]

I've been taking lessons for about 4 and a half months and (probably partly because I did not have the intention of singing opera when I started) I've only just started [to try] singing classical pieces recently in class. Not arias - just pieces like Bach's Ave Maria and Allelujah! from Mozart's Exsultate Jubilante (sp? X.x; ).

Anyway, that was

Comments

[melancholyecho]

I think you should post a voice post someday. I want to hear you sing! XD Sorry this has nothing to do with your question. I honestly can't help you there!

[ichi_chan0326]

When you hear me sing, you'll probably regret that request XD;;

[julidearest]

I'd love to help, but I've no idea how to explain it. Hell, I don't even know if I'm breathing the right way. My choir teacher just says your air should be like taking a sip from a straw, or being scared and you take that little gasp of air in. As far as using it, how long I can use my breath depends on the volume and breath breaks in the music.

[ichi_chan0326]

I've actually tried the straw thing. My friend told me to try breathing through those tiny coffee straws, and it kinda does help.

[miss_bluesky]

The things that helped me most were, firstly, Alexander technique. A teacher can show you how to manage tension and so forth so that you can apply it to your singing. I used to have *horrible* problems with jaw tension, and I think that helped hugely in sorting it out.

As for the breath support, I'm still not there either, but something that's helping a lot is the idea of trying to let my ribcage grow rather than fall as I sing a phrase. Obviously it's impossible for it to get bigger really because you need *some* air coming out to vibrate the vocal cords, but that's the feeling...that I'm sending the ribcage out, frontwards and backwards, sort of 'propped up' on my solar plexus if that makes sense. Sometimes it helps to have my arms lifted out at my sides too. When my ribcage collapses it forces out a lot of air, so the key for me at least (it might well be totally different for you) is to try to keep it 'floating'.

Good luck!

[ichi_chan0326]

Thanks for the advice! I never thought of expanding my ribcage, but I think that's exactly what my teacher is trying to get me to do... I'll be sure to try it!

Thanks again! I really appreciate the advice ;]

[operaticingenue]

Yeah. Expand your intercostal muscles (muscles that connect your ribs) and tighten the abdomen. Your abdominal and groin muscles are the ones that create breath support so keep that in mind. Also, you should tighten it to the point where a punch won't hurt you. Posture is very important too. And ALWAYS keep your shoulders dropped and relaxed. Neck and shoulder tension can compromise agility and vibrato.

And remember to keep your chin down so the sound can be directed towards your sinus cavities which allow your to resonate. :)