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toby philpott last updated: 01 January, 2007 |
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FIVE ESSAYS ON VOICE by Sheila Moriarty Most vocal problems arise from physical tensions and a lack of confidence in breath capacity as a direct result of these tensions. This disharmony eventually affects the whole co-ordination of the body and voice muscles and may lead to serious impairment of the communication processes for which our voices and minds are intended. It is not the purpose of these essays to provide a scientific analysis of the function of the human voice. There are many excellent works available which will provide all the necessary information in purely anatomical and physiological terms. Rather shall we seek to examine the physical and emotional experience which we can all produce from ourselves by acquiring a proper knowledge of the natural laws which govern all human activity. The actor and singer however, need to develop these natural abilities to meet the demands of their art, not merely to fill the theatre with sound, but to control nuances of sound with apparent ease and expressiveness. Not least must he be able to continue to do this in performance eight times a week for months on end, at least in the case of the actor. Singers would avoid such situations as being too stressful on the voice - so it will be simpler if in future we assume that all references will be to actors' problems, as the disciplines facing singers are different though equally demanding. All vocal performers however, require a reserve of stamina so that they will never be called upon to use up the very last dregs of their energy at every performance. Stamina and the proper recovery process are absolutely essential for a successful career. In the following essays I hope to explain a process whereby anyone, whether a professional vocalist or not, is able to find and make use of the unique quality of his or her vocal personality. These needs to communicate with each other by means of language are not confined to artists in voice but to all varieties of trades and professions. It would, therefore, greatly benefit us all to have this natural instrument in the best possible working order at all times. A simple process of self-discovery through the sensation of correct breathing and pitch will greatly increase self-confidence and assurance which will, in turn, enhance the pleasure of speech between speaker and listener. The final responsibility for the development of our vocal potential lies within each one of us. FIRST
ESSAY:
Deals with relaxation and
awareness of physical co-ordination. SECOND
ESSAY:
Breathing techniques
and preparation for tone quality. THIRD
ESSAY:
Pitch
and natural resonance. FOURTH
ESSAY:
Articulation and use of language. FIFTH
ESSAY:
Varying
methods of communication by sound. FINALLY: Selected passages for practice
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