Yoga for Singing: A Developmental Tool for Technique and Performance

313 Pages·2011·4.53 MB·English

by  Judith E. Carman

Yoga for Singing
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Yoga for Singing
A Developmental Tool for
Technique & Performance
JUDITH E. CARMAN
1
1

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___________________________________________________________________
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Carman, Judith E.
Yoga for singing : a developmental tool for technique & performance /
by Judith E. Carman.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-19-975940-8 (hardback) –ISBN 978-0-19-975941-5 (pbk.)
1. Hatha yoga. 2. Singers–Health and hygiene. I. Title.
RA781.7.C3595 2011
613.7’046—dc22 2010052012
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1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2
To all singers everywhere,
and to all those whose song is yet unsung.
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Contents
Preface xiii
Acknowledgements xvii
About the Companion Web Site xx
PART I : Theory and Techniques
1. Yoga and Singing: The Connections 3
Defi nition of Yoga 3
Connections between Yoga and Singing 4
Specifi c Objectives 7
Structure and Content 8
2. Yoga and Singing: The Body 10
Connections 10
The Viniyoga Approach 10
The Muscles of Singing 12
¯Asanas Especially Useful to the Developing Singer 13
General Instructions for A¯sana Practice 14
¯Asanas for Each Area 112
Postural Muscles 112
Movement Muscles and Joints 113
Breath Adaptations in A ¯sana 114
Metrical Inhale/Exhale Coordinated with Repetition
of Movement 114
Use of Various Lengths of Inhale/Exhale 115
Use of Krama (Segmenting the Breath) 115
viii Contents
Use of Ratio (Inhale/Suspend/Exhale/Suspend) 116
Sample Sequences for Breath Adaptations in A¯sana 117
A Sequence for Various Lengths of Metrical
Breath Patterns Video demonstrations are of Warrior
and Supine Forward Bend only 117
A Sequence for Krama Video demonstrations are
for Mountain (a) and Kneeling Forward
Bend only 119
A Sequence for Ratio Video demonstration
for Warrior (a) only 120
Sound in Asana 121
Use of Vowel Sounds on Exhale in Repetition
of Movement 121
Use as a Learning Device or to Sharpen Attention
and Memory 122
Sample Sequences for Sound in A¯sana 123
A Sequence for Humming, Vowel, and
Consonant Sounds 123
A Sequence for Learning or Memorizing 124
3. Yoga and Singing: The Breath 125
Connections 125
The Muscles of Breathing 126
Pra¯na¯ya¯ma Practices for Breath Development
and Control 128
Inhalation/Exhalation 128
The Singer’s Breath 130
Krama: Segmented Inhale and Exhale 130
Breath Threshold 131
Ratio: Working with the Breath in Four Parts 133
Bandhas 136
Techniques: The Use of Different “Valves” 137
Four Alternate Nostril Breathing Practices 138
Other Breath-Related Practices 142
Humming 142
Patterns and Songs 143
Contents ix
Humming Exercises 143
The Breath as a Focal Point 144
4. Yoga and Singing: The Mind 145
Connections 145
The Mind of a Singer 146
The Coordinator 146
The Instrument of Learning 147
The One-Pointed Mind 147
The Relaxed Mind 148
The Mind Trained for Performance 148
Concentration Practices 148
For Mental Focus 149
For Weakening and Letting Go of Old
Thought Habits 149
For Forming New Habits 150
For Setting a New Direction 150
5. Yoga and Singing: The Heart 152
Connections 152
The Heart of the Singer 152
Meditation 153
Meditation Practices 155
Focus on the Breath 155
Use of “So-hum” or Other Mantra 155
“Big Sky” (thoughts as passing clouds) 156
Flowing River (thoughts as boats) 156
“Big Mind” (expansion from individual
to edges of the universe) 157
Metta (loving kindness meditation) 157
Contemplative Prayer (use of breath, religious icon,
meaningful word or mental image as
point of focus) 158
6. Yoga and Singing: The Performer 159
Connections 159
The Whole Singer 159