Dear Dre,
I'm not sure if this will go to the list or you direct, I've confused myself a bit!
I think that little bit of pain you experienced is simply no more than I thought before: just some nervous tension. If it went away almost immediately, never to return, I think you're quite safe: you won't have a hernia just yet! I thought Mary Beth's essay re. breath pressure was very interesting, and quite right, and the other lister who's name I can't remember offhand about singing low notes was a good description too. I always tell my students that in some ways, low notes are harder to do well than high notes. By the nature of the mechansim, the voice tends to work better higher, simply because it has to, whereas on a low C, for example, which is much nearer to our own speaking range, because it's easy, it can be hard to achieve a really good sound. Hence, that's when trouble starts as we often push (I do it myself and then get cross!) I don't entirely agree with him that you should sing without any mix the lower you go; I guess it's a personal thing, but I always like to keep some head tone throughout my range. I find it is that 'ring' in the sound that of course gives it it's carrying power. A fine filigree sound down low, will be much more impressive than a big blustery sound that doesn't go anywhere past row C of the stalls!
Take care, and keep up the good work!
Ian
____________________________________________________________
|
| |