Re: Musicians - how useful is Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais?

[Jordan Hirsch <trombaedu...>]

I definitely use techniques from the Alexander method in my trumpet
playing.

Jordan hirsch

MaxwellSt (at) aol(dot)com wrote:

> A little off-topic, but I thought I'd share an exercise that has
> helped me a great deal as a singer.  It was taught to me by a speech
> therapist.
>
> 1) While sitting, expel all the air from your lungs by leaning forward
> and breathing out completely.  (Only do this while sitting--it can
> make you a little dizzy!)
>
> 2) Inhale as deeply as possible while sitting back up.
>
> 3) Now, exhale as slowly as possible (goal: 1 minute) by release the
> air through pursed lips, making a sound like a punctured tire.  (While
> we were doing this before a show, the trumpet player walked by and
> said, "Hmm...the singers are leaking!)
>
> After doing this, I find that my diaphragm is more supportive of my
> voice, and that it naturally rings more in its (higher) register than
> my speaking voice.  I suggested this exercise to a friend who plays
> shofar on Yom Kippur, and he outlasted the other shofar blowers!  (The
> spectacle of "who can blow the longest tikiya g'dola at the end of Yom
> Kippur" is a highlight of our services.)
>
> Lori @ MAX

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