The breath

Question 1

What is the breath connected to?

Answer 1

Intrinsically connected to the quality of voice

Question 2

Name the six ways you know you are breathing incorrectly?

Answer 2

1. Tension in neck, throat and shoulders
2. Speech is fast paced (few breaths)
3. Voice fades at the end of phases
4. A sense of being out of breath whilst speaking
5. Little vocal expression, no tonality
6. Shoulders left when in hailing. Upper chest area as usual breathing instead of lower chest area

Question 3

What is breathing crucial for?

Answer 3

Breathing is crucial for vocal development and can be trained.

Question 4

What muscles can be strengthened by going to vocal gym?

Answer 4

The diaphragm and intercostal muscle can be strengthened by going to vocal gym.

Question 5

How must the breath be expelled?

Answer 5

When we project there is an active function of the abdominal muscles. The breath must be expelled by positive contraction of abdominal muscles and controlling out flow of air

Question 6

What is the steps of inhalation in terms of intercostal diaphragmatic breathing?

Answer 6

1. Ribcage moves up and out 2. Diaphragm flattens 3. Lungs fill with air

Question 7

What is the steps of exhalation in terms of intercostal diaphragmatic breathing?

Answer 7

1. Air is expelled from lungs (to make speech) 2. Ribcage descends (controlled by the diaphragm) 3. The diaphragm returns to its place of rest in a dome shape

Question 8

Name the six aims of breathing exercises.

Answer 8

1. Increase capacity of breathing effortlessly during inhalation
2. Control output of breath effectively during exhalation
3. Replenish breath speedily and with enough air
4. Train yourself to breathe in the lower chest area. Ribcage is wider and more flexible than the upper chest
5. Assist with projection and prevent the voice from fading end phrases
6. Avoid placing strain on the larynx

Question 9

What is the Chinese breath exercise?

Answer 9

Comes from Tai Chi Chuan. Three inhales through the nose without exhaling. First inhale the arms are lifted from the sides out straight in front at shoulder height. Second, arms are opened out straight to the sides still at shoulder height. Thirds, arms are lifted straight over the head. Then exhale through the mouth, the arms are moved in an arc back down to the sides. Ten or twelve breaths are sufficient

Question 10

What can the Chinese breaths help with?

Answer 10

1. Effect of really opening up people physically. Do it when the body is tense and you’re feeling insecure. 2. Can help with mental state 3. Use the body in the leading mind and spirit great to open it with each other and the environment

Question 11

What is the alternate nostril breathing?

Answer 11

Hold the right thumb over the right nostril. Inhale deeply through the left nostril. Then close off the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Continue the pattern

Question 12

What is breath counting?

Answer 12

Sit in a comfortable position spine straight, head inclined slightly forward. Close your eyes and take a few deep breath’s.. This will be quiet and slow but depth and rhythm may vary.Count one to yourself as you exhale, next two. Go to five or six. Be aware of your counts fading the higher you go. Avoid this by keeping the breath and sound consistent