Posture Flashcards
What is posture?
(M. Webster) - “Position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose”.
Why is posture important?
“Voice is only musical instrument housed inside the body”
Define Kinesthesia?
Ability to feel movements of the limbs and body.
Define Proprioception?
Ability to sense stimuli arising within the body.
What does our kinesthetic/Proprioceptive Barometer do? and how does this awareness relate to singing?
We have a kinesthetic/Proprioceptive Barometer providing us with constant feedback regarding: Body position, Muscle Tone, Energy Potential, and balance.
This awareness controls the interdependent relationship between Breathing and Phonation.
How does good Posture affect the Extrinsic and Intrinsic laryngeal musculature?
”.. when the gross posture is “correct” and when the extrinsic muscles are active, then the intrinsic laryngeal muscles may be most relaxed or free to perform efficiently.” (Estill)
List and describe six main areas of posture that should be considered for efficiency -
- Head is erect on the shoulders, not project forward or pulled back.
- Chest is comfortably high with the rib cage in an open position.
- Shoulders are slightly back, but relaxed and down.
- Arms hang loosely at the side and do not “invade” the chest area.
- Pelvis rests in a suspended position below the spread-out rib cage.
- Stand buoyantly as if ready for action. Do not put your weight on your heels, but balance directly above the arch of your foot to take advantage of this tiny trampoline.
Where should the feet be placed?
Other suggestions:
- no need to be adamant about exactly where each foot is placed. (oh, the agony of de feet).
What should be considered when training a singer in regards to Body Language and Emotion?
- “Body Language” should complement the color of the vocal sound, not divorce itself emotional involvement.
Dr. Gills Addendum:
- In the beginning, training a singer with the most efficient posture is most effective. Later, once things are coordinated, body-language can and most likely will complement the color of the vocal sound.
List four signs of poor body alignment.
- Jutting Chin.
- Locked Jaw. (not nescesarrily the position, but the result of the position)
- Sunken Chest
- Overly tight abdominal Muscles
*Be sensitive to a students discomfort
What feels exposed when posture is ideal?
When posture is ideal, the chest (as well as the Psyche) feels unduly exposed.
What does the Alexander Technique set out to achieve?
Alexander Technique - Achieving a balanced relationship between Head, Neck and Torso.
What are the negative effects of End Gaming?
Most of us a re goal oriented, we don’t pay attention to the steps leading to our goal.
*End Gaming
“It is essential, in the necessary re-education of the subject through conscious guidance and control, that in every case the “means whereby” rather than the “end” should be held in mind. As long as the “end” is held in mind instead of the means, the muscular act, or series of acts, will always be performed in accordance with the mode established by old habits.”
List some important ideas that support the Alexander Technique
- Alexander maintained that the body could do far more than imagined if we don’t get in the way
- Habitual misuse begins to feel “natural”!!!!!!
- We must have the desire to change inefficient physical habits.
- Most important act is the next, not the eventual goal.
- In posture there is no “right” position.
- He changed the way he thought when initiating an action!
What is the most fundamental skill a singer should a acquire?
“It is essential for both the singer and the singing teacher to realize that the most fundamental skill a singer must acquire is a vocal production, not interpretive skills. to reverse them is like a track coach emphasizing running strategy before teaching how to run” (Thurman/Lawrence).
