Yoga for Singing A Developmental Tool for Technique and Performance

by Carman, Judith E.

• ISBN13: 9780199759415
• ISBN10: 0199759413
• Format: Spiral Bound
• Copyright: 2012-04-13
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The 19th-century Italian singing teacher Giovanni Battista Lamperti wrote the following about the primary requirement for the singer: "'Know thyself' applies to [the] singer more than to other professions, because to sing well, body, soul and mind are tuned together." This tuning together of body, mind, and soul is the essence of yoga. The practices of yoga can be used as tools to develop, maintain, and greatly enhance the art of singing in all its facets - physical technique, breath control, mental focus, musical flow, expressive communication, and radiant performance.Yoga forSinging: A Developmental Tool for Technique and Performanceoutlines the many and intimate connections between yoga and singing and presents a detailed approach to using the practices of yoga to support the developmental of singing technique, as well as to lay a foundation for confident performance and a lifetime of good health for a long singing career. Author Judith Carman presents a systematic approach to the yoga practices that are directly related to the art of singing and demonstrates how closely these practices match the needs of singers. The yoga practices and their connections to specific singing needs are presented as: physical postures (Asana), breathing practices (pranayama), concentration/meditation practices, and deep relaxation techniques. The copious illustrations and specific practices are designed to be used by singers and voice teachers, regardless of their level of acquaintance with yoga. The book also makes a persuasive case for the inclusion of ongoing yoga classes especially designed for singers in the university voice curriculum. Yoga for Singingpresents vocal students and professionals, voice teachers, and movement instructors (many of whom include a significant amount of yoga in stage movement and dance courses required in conservatory vocal/opera programs as well as in pre-professional apprentice programs) with a unique approach to technique and performance improvement that fits the increasing interest in and prevalence of yoga practices.

Author Biography

Judith E. Carman has taught singing for forty years, practiced yoga for almost twenty years, and taught yoga classes especially designed for singers for a decade.

Table of Contents

About the Companion Web Site

Theory and Techniques

Yoga and Singing: The Connections

Yoga and Singing: The Body

Yoga and Singing: The Breat

Yoga and Singing: The Mind

Yoga and Singing: The Heart

Yoga and Singing: The Performer

Practices for Various Needs

Asana Reference Chart

Sequences for Specific Areas of the Body

A Complete Practice for Daily Use

Short Practices for Specific Vocal Deficiencies

Short Practices for Specific Situations

Weight Issues

Afterword

Appendix: For the Voice Teacher

Yoga for the Private Lesson

Yoga for Singers Classes: Lesson Plan Introductions and Outlines

Endnotes

Glossary

References

Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.