by Samuel H. Nelson, Elizabeth
Blades-Zeller, Amy Walts (Illustrator)
Teaches performers to use
the Feldenkrais Method to ameliorate problems of tension, muscle strain,
and illness in order to obtain optimal vocal performance. Singing with Your
Whole Self contains an important and unique feature: modularized Feldenkrais®
"Awareness through Movement®" lessons. These are specifically
designed for liberating function in all musicians and in singers in particular.
Modularized lessons allow the user to choose between functionally useful short
segments or entire lessons. The first part of the book presents the theory explaining
why this approach works in an easily understood and concrete fashion. The remaining
chapters explore our anatomy by area and explain usage, problems and how these
relate to singing; lessons throughout revolve around improving performance.
Includes an index both by lesson and by problem, referring performers to the
lessons most effective for a specific problem.
Paperback, 184 Pages
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Overview
Relating to the Feldenkrais Method to the Teaching of Singing
Overview of the Feldenkrais Method
Key Ideas in the Development of the Feldenkrais Method
Kinesthetic Imagination
Relationship of This Work to Pedagogical Literature
Awareness Through Movement
Introduction to the Lessons
Mini-ATM: Freeing the Neck to Turn Freely
Chapter 2: Control and Letting Go
Active Control
Allowing or Passive Control
ATM: Weights and Levers
Tension and Function
ATM: Taming Tongue Tension
Chapter 3: The Base of Support
The Role of Feet and Legs
ATM: Balance in Standing
Using the Floor
ATM: The Connection of Feet Through to Head
High Heals
Leg-Length Differential
A Simple Exercise: Strengthening the Adductors
Chapter 4: Intentionally and Effort
Intention
Efforting
Power and Potential
Reversibility Principle
The Whole Is Not the Sum of the Parts
Chapter 5: Pelvic Power
The Pelvis
Vocal Context: Powering from the Power Base
ATM: Pelvic Clock
The Pelvis in Sitting
ATM: The Role of the Pelvis in Sitting Erect
Chapter 6: Breathing
Mechanics of Breathing
ATM: Breathe and Find Your Center
Recovery from Illness
ATM: Lengthening the Lungs
Chapter 7: Upper Trunk Flexibility
The Upper Trunk
ATM: Freeing the Ribs
The Midspine
ATM: Lateral Flexion
Scoliosis
Mini-ATM: Evening the Sides
Chapter 8: Shoulder Girdle and Arms
Shoulders and Breath
ATM: Reaching Out
Shoulder Tension
ATM: Shoulder Release
Chapter 9: Head and Neck
Positioning the Neck
ATM: Relating Head and Pelvis
Role of the Head in Vocal Production
ATM: Relating Shoulders, Neck, and Jaw
Headaches
Mini-ATM: Releasing the Neck
Chapter 10: Hands and Mouth
Relationship of Hands and Tongue
Shoulders and Hand Tension
ATM: Magic Hands
Imaginary Warm-Ups
The Mouth
ATM: Softening the Mouth
Chapter 11: The Eyes
Role of the Eyes in Movement
Releasing Minor Neck Cricks
Visual Tension
ATM: Releasing the Eyes
Glasses
Ocular Muscles and the Sinuses
ATM: Eyes Relate to Jaw
Chapter 12: Pedagogical Uses for This Volume
Student Use
Group (Class) Voice and Ensemble Rehearsal Use
Teacher Use (Private Studio Voice)
Appendix Functional Integration
Glossary
References and Resources
Index of Lessons
General Index
About the Authors
"Divided into small units that can be undertaken by people who do not have
large amounts of time at their disposal, the exercises are described simply
and clearly and are accompanied by helpful drawings."—CHOICE
"The book is exceptionally clear and eminently practical. The authors'
explanation of the Feldenkrais Method is lucid and succinct, the lessons are
laid out in a format that is easy to follow, and the diagrams aid in understanding
the movements...Singing with Your Whole Self is a valuable volume, both for
those who have been previously introduced to the Feldenkrais Method, and for
those unfamiliar with this type of body work."—NATS JOURNAL OF SINGING
"While stating that the book is intended as a handbook, there is much to
stimulate the intellect within its pages...Nelson and Blades-Zeller are highly
qualified and experienced in pedagogy...As the saying goes, "the proof
of the pudding is in the eating". This writer attempted the exercises that
were appropriate to his technique finding a high success rate."—AUSTRALIAN
VOICE
