Dear List, I am having trouble keeping my rib cage expanded. My inhalation is good-I get good lateral expansion of the ribs. However, they tend to go down a little (not really too much) at the onset of tone. I try not to "stuff" my lungs. Any suggestions/exercises that would be helpful here?
Also, I am reading Miller's book on training sopranos. My teacher (who has a student at the Met right now....) teaches ribcage expansion and the use of the lower abdominal muscles. Somehow, I feel it helps keep my ribs up and open when I "tuck in" my lower abs. I had the picture that the "lotta vocale" was the balance between the ribcage keeping the diaphragm flat and low and the abs gently pushing it up. This is not in keeping with Miller's "appoggio," which, to my understanding requires an expanded ribcage and no conscious abdominal muscle involvement. I am really confused.
Let me add that my teacher has been teaching for 40 years, studied with Virginia Zeani, has a splendid spinto voice and fabulous breath control.
Any comments? Leslie
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