Description
Book SynopsisThis book teaches performers to use the Feldenkrais Method of neuromuscular activities to ameliorate problems of tension, muscle strain, and illness in order to obtain optimal vocal performance. Singing with Your Whole Self, Second Edition contains an important and unique modularized Feldenkrais “Awareness Through Movement” lessons specifically designed for liberating function in all musicians, and singers in particular. Modularized lessons allow the user to choose between functionally useful short segments or entire lessons. The first part of the book presents the theory behind why this approach works in an easily understood and concrete fashion. The remaining chapters explore our anatomy by area and explain usage, problems, and how these relate to singing. These chapters include lessons that revolve around improving performance. Includes an index both by lesson and by problem, referring performers to the lessons most effective for a specific problem.
Trade ReviewThe second edition of Singing with Your Whole Self offers several elegant and effective updates. The ingenious presentation of Awareness Through Movement lessons in short modules is retained, and several new and imaginative lessons have been added. An exciting chapter on neuroplasticity and learning will help any singer harness this human superpower in service of beautiful and expressive singing. A resource to bring vocal pedagogy into the modern age! -- MaryBeth Davidson Smith, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, The Feldenkrais Center of Houston
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Overview Chapter 2: Kinesthetic Imagination Chapter 3: Control and Letting Go Chapter 4: Neuroplasticity Chapter 5: Intentionality and Effort Chapter 6: The Base of Support Chapter 7: Pelvic Power Chapter 8: Breathing Chapter 9: Upper Trunk Flexibility Chapter 10: Shoulder Girdle and Arms Chapter 11: Head and Neck Chapter 12: Hands and Mouth Chapter 13: The Eyes Chapter 14: Pedagogical Uses for This Volume Appendix A: Functional Integration Appendix B: The Effects of Feldenkrais Work on the Singer's Voice As Documented By Spectrographic Analysis Appendix C
