Ingo wrote:
>Can anyone suggest a stretching exercise, visualisation technique, etc. >which might help me? I'm finding that my lower back is pretty >important to producing my voice and I'd love to find a key to unlock my >back.
Do you tape your lessons? You might try it, then working with the tape in your practice sessions, especially during those important first 5 minutes when your teacher lines you up so well.
Do you do work with body awareness techniques? (Alexander, Feldenkrais, yoga, etc.) These pursuits might give you more tools with which to work.
You might also try beginning your practice session lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. I find this to be a good position for releasing whatever spinal tension I might be holding. (Bring your pitch pipe down to the floor and start your vocalizing in this position.)
And of course it's a good idea to stretch before beginning a practice session -- including an awareness of breath in the stretching. The most relevant stretch for you will likely be one in which, seated, you bend from the hips to touch your toes (or the closest body part you can reach!) and stay there, using long, deep breathing to gently soften the muscles around your spine.
Good luck!
Naomi P.S. How's London treating you?
Please note: I've got a new e-mail address. From now on, please zap me at omigurt@m... Thanks! omigurt@m... Thanks!
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