To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Date sent: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 21:11:19 -0000
Subject: Re: How to develop the flageolet range
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hi Katie

I have only ever had two singing lessons ( started a few weeks ago
at age 32 ), so I am no expert and do not even know what the
flagelot range is.

I do feel, however, that I may be able to help with the phlegm
problem. I was blessed with a crooked left nasal passage setup
and multiple allergies that had me wheezing like a traction engine
as soon as I started to crawl.

The absolute very best thing I have ever found for clearing phlegm
is to breathe steam. Nothing new there I hear people say, but the
little secret I discovered in recent years is that if you can breathe
water vapour at or around 40 degrees celcius for 30 minutes you
should notice an absolutely wonderful clearing sensation throughout
your nose and throat.

I discovered this through an allergy specialist in the UK who sold
me a device called the Virotherm. The Virotherm is very simple.
You fill it with plain water, switch it on, stick your mouth and nose in
the top and then simply sit and breathe normally for 30 minutes,
coming up for 'air' every now and then if you feel the need to blow
your nose or take a drink.

The Virotherm is no longer available due to a failure to market the
product. Well, one guess is that they could have come up with a bit
more of an attractive name......

You can of course use the old bowl of hot water and a towel
method, but it is very difficult to keep a constant flow of steam going
for anything like 30 minutes.

Mind you, a very long hot shower or 30 minutes in a hot steamy
sauna should have a similar effect ( as long as you don't end up
clearing your vocal cords and shrivelling up the rest of you ! )

> I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for exercises or have knowledge of any books that are available on how to develop the flagelot range.
> I have been taking singing lessons on and off throught five years(I started at 16 I am now 21).I had been been classified a contralto,however at present my new teacher beleives me to be a soprano.It has also taken me quite some time to develop my higher range and especially establish head tone.

> I would also like to know if anyone has any suggestions on how to help get the phlegm off of the vocal cords.I have heard of lemon juice and water? The flageolet range is much easier to work with when the phlem is gone!
> I appreciate your time and any information that is available!

Good luck with your singing.

John
( A self confessed herbal tea addict )