In a message dated Tue, 24 Sep 2002 3:28:01 PM Eastern Standard Time,
dgrogan@e... writes:
> . And, actually, there are exercises (weight-lifting, especially)
> that one shouldn't pursue until the body has matured. It has been shown
> that weight-lifting at an early age can mess with the growth plates, and
> actually stunt growth. At least, that is something I read several years
> ago. I suppose it could be an urban myth. I've been had
> by those before.
Hi Dennis,
I must not have been clear in my explanation. The weight-lifting analogy, or
learning ballet, jazz, gymnastics etc., all involve learning the co-ordination
first, and then building strength. To say that lifting weights of any kind is
harmful (shopping bags, backpacks etc.) in young bodies would be crazy. However,
lifting too much weight of any kind would be injurious.
My analogy to the voice was the same.......although the amount of
weight/pressure the voice can hold may be less, to neglect the use of those
muslces, or to avoid learning the co-ordination of those muscles until a later
time seems silly. In fact, you can prove that the co-ordination is there and
able to hold quite a bit of air pressure by asking most males to make a sound
like a siren (woo, woo), or other silly sounds more related to daily life than
singing.
Just to clarify, I am not advocating in any way the heavy development of any
voice that is inappropriate for the age and size of the instrument. However to
totally avoid or neglect the development of one part of the voice seems to be
counterproductive in the long run. If you have a large developed chest voice
that can sustain a large amount of air pressure, it's strength is useless,
unless a similar air pressure can be sustained into the upper registers. Why not
develop each register concurrently so that they remain in balance, and strength
is gained as the voice is physiologically able to handle it?
Hope this clarifies,
Mary Beth Felker
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