1 / 39

Importance of Yoga to Singers, With Special Reference To Voice Culture

Importance of Yoga to Singers, With Special Reference To Voice Culture. by Manjiree Gokhale . Synopsis of the Thesis of Ph.D. (Music) Department of Music S.N.D.T. Women’s University. Introduction.

chynna
Télécharger la présentation

Importance of Yoga to Singers, With Special Reference To Voice Culture

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Importance of Yoga to Singers, With Special Reference To Voice Culture by Manjiree Gokhale

  2. Synopsis of the Thesis of Ph.D. (Music) Department of Music S.N.D.T. Women’s University

  3. Introduction This includes a brief introduction of the need and results of the research. Also includes the limitations of this research.

  4. Section 1The Singer and His Voice

  5. A - Voice as a Musical Instrument Voice is a medium of communication and expression. The voice connects the head with the heart. It connects the intellect with emotions. It connects our inner self with the outer world. It is a bridge between them. A developed voice means better expression and communication skills.

  6. B - Voice- Speaking and Singing The primary aim of ‘voice’ is communication and expression. But, the subtler qualities of voice are creativity, understanding of depth and details of sound and music. Singing is a step towards this creative understanding. Our speaking and singing voices are created from the same, exact anatomical structures.

  7. C - Importance of Voice for Singers The difference between speaking and singing voice are explained here.The importance of culturing the speaking voice along with singing voice is equally important for a singer. Every individual is unique, so is every voice. The training styles differ from person to person.

  8. D - Features of Voice-training 1- Hearing:It is subdivided in: a- Hearing - the physical b- Listening - the mental filtration c- Perceiving - the intellectual process of analysing and storing..

  9. 2- Breathing Capacity and Control of Breath:Good breathing capacity and good control of breath, both are very important for singing. They are not interdependent. So, both need separate training, In the explanation of the details of breathing capacity four types of breathing are explained giving the importance of each type for singing.

  10. The four types of breathing being: a- Abdominal breathing b- Diaphragmatic breathing c- Costal or Chest breathing d- Clavicular or Shoulder breathing. Breath control is then explained. A singer needs to gain mastery over the breathing in-and-out patterns. .

  11. 3- Practice (riyAz) Our body needs daily exercises to keep it fit and moving. Like any other machine, our body also needs daily maintenance.Practice should be divided in basically two types:a- Trying that which we cannot sing, but wish to sing.b- Repeating that which we already know and bring it closer to perfection.Further the details of these aspects are given. Music learning procedure should never come to an end.

  12. 4- Physical and Mental Fitness:Singing is an activity of coordination of physical and mental movements. Hence, both physical and mental fitness are necessary for good and effective singing. 5- Other Features Necessary For Voice Training:Eleven other features dependant on the main four features are further explained: Importance of musical ear, flexible speech organs, resonators, musical memory, good posture, smooth register shifting, musical ability, creativity, general expression, voice range and musical perception and expression.

  13. E- Learning, Teaching, Composing and PerformingThey are independent in their basic nature. The part of the brain and other physical activities required for the culturing of each of these abilities differs. F- Understanding, Reading and writing Music for a Singer Different parts of the brain are involved in each of these activities. These three aspects are also independent in their basic nature. All ancient scholars have emphasized the importance of all these facts for a good singer.

  14. G- References of Voice According to Ancient textsDifferent ancient texts have emphasized different views about good voice. Few important references have been shared here1- NatyashastraThe basic six qualities of a good voice are explained: Sharvaka, Ghana, Snigdha, madhura, Avadhanavana and tristanashobi.2- SangeetRatnakarSharangadev says that voice is of three types. Voice which bears the quality of ‘kapha’ is called as Khahula, ‘pitta’ as Narata and ‘vAta’ as bombaka. Further, he says, that they can be combined into infinite qualities of mishraka (combination), out of which he has stated only 30 due to limitation of space.3- Other textsOther few references of voice in the ancient texts are given here.

  15. 4- Changes and fluctuations by Time and styleAs far as singing is concerned, no style or voice can be labeled as ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’. Eight such examples of ‘good’ voice fluctuating according to time and style are given here.H- The basic Characteristics of VoiceThe voice has four basic characteristics, whether it is a speaking or a singing voice. It is necessary to work on all these aspects of voice separately and simultaneously to make the voice better and better.

  16. These terms are: a- Swara- The quality of voice according to Pitch.b- Laya- The tempo of the flow of voice as well as its in-built Tempo.c- Volume- The quality according to Intensity.d- Timbre- The tonal Quality of voice. I- Role of ‘yoga’ in Singing and voice Culturing It is the subtle quantum levels that hold greatest energy potentials. By treating this quantum mechanical body by ‘yoga’ on a very subtle level, many changes can be brought about on a very gross level including singing and voice culturing.

  17. Section 2Anatomy and Physiology of A Singer’s Voice

  18. This section basically explains the contemporary view of Anatomy and Physiology necessary for the ability to learn to sing and improve upon it. It further also explains the Yogic concepts of the Anatomy and Physiology of singing. This section has ample illustrations for a deeper visual understanding.A- SpeechThe Anatomy of the basic organs required for Voice production, classifying it into Resonators, Articulators, Vibrators and organs used for the Air Pressure (Respirators) and lastly the most important controller organ, the Brain.B- The LarynxThe larynx is the body’s voice box, containing the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce speech. The loudness of the voice is controlled by the force with which the air is expelled and the pitch by the length and tension of the cords. The natural depth and timbre of the voice is due to the shape and size of the articulators like the throat, nose and mouth.

  19. C- Producing speech Sounds1. PhonationIt is a complicated process in which sound is produced for speech. During phonation, the vocal cords are contracted or relaxed to alter the qualities of the phonated sound. As the sound produced by the larynx travels through the throat and mouth, it is further modified to produce speech.2. Production of AirflowThe lungs first supple adequate airflow to overcome the resistance of the closed vocal cords. The diaphragm, intercostal muscles and other chest muscles control the flow and pressure of air. This control helps to regulate the delicate control over the voice, a must for all singers.3. Sound productionA diaphragm illustrating the vocal cord vibration cycle that occurs during sound production is given.

  20. 4. Articulation of VoiceArticulation of voice is the process where the phonated sound is given meaning by pronouncing alphabets and words. This is done with the help of the articulators . All the organs which involve in the articulation process are called as articulators. Final modification of the voice occurs in the mouth or the oral cavity where the nose, throat, the tongue, palate, cheeks and lips are involved in articulation (speech production).D- RegistersVoice registers correspond to differences in tone caused by different adjustments of the larynx. The physiology of the three registers- lower, middle and higher- is explained.E- EarThe structure and functions of the parts of the ear are explained- the External Ear, the Middle ear and the Inner ear and the Hearing process.

  21. F- Respiratory SystemThe process of respiration involves diaphragm, the upper respiratory tract- the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx and the lower respiratory tract- trachea, primary bronchi and the lungs. The anatomy and role of the following organs is explained, elaborating the breathing process:1- The Nasal Cavity2- The Throat3-Larynx4- Pharynx5- Trachea6- Lungs: Physiology of Breathing Capacity and Breath Control are explained7- Diaphragm

  22. G- BrainBeing the master organ, brain has to play a very important role in the process of singing. The important required details are given here.First the main parts of the brain are explained. 1. Cerebrum: It is the seat of intelligence, consciousness and will power. * Frontal Lobe: Used for reasoning, emotions, judgment and voluntary movement.* Parietal Lobe: Contains important sensory centers.* Temporal Lobe: Contains centers of hearing and memory. Broca’s Area and Wernicke’s Area of this lobe are responsible for speech, language planning, sequencing, production and understanding language.* Occipital Lobe: Centers of vision and reading ability are here.

  23. 2. Cerebellum: It regulates body balance, posture, movement, muscle coordination and quick muscle movements. Quick tempo singing is thus possible.3. Brain stem: Pons and Medulla Oblongata are parts of the brain stem.4. Corpus Collosm5. Spinal Cord6. Paranasal Sinuses7. Cortex8. Association fibers9. Thalamus10. Limbic system

  24. 11. Hypothalamus12. Pituitary Gland13. Basal GangliaH- The Right and Left BrainThey have opposite functions to perform and they see and understand the world differently. This is explained with the help of illustrations. Their coordination-ability is the key to superior intellectual abilities. They are connected to each other by the sole link, the corpus collosum.

  25. I- CoordinationThis point explains how human brain can control hundreds of actions in a short span of time. To achieve such intricate and delicate sequences of actions, the human brain has evolved a complex system of control and guidance. The basic qualities, process of initial coordination and advanced coordination are explained.J- ‘Yogic’ View of Anatomy and PhysiologyThe Yogic and Ayurvedika thinking of human Anatomy and Physiology differs from the contemporary views.

  26. Section 3 Yoga for Singers

  27. A. Meaning of yogaWith the help of different definitions and references the term ‘Yoga’ is explained.B. Yogika View of the Cosmic Principles ( Tattva-s)The twenty Cosmic Principles of Sankhya philosophy are described here. Also the four other principles accepted by Yogashastra- Ishwara, Chitta, Prana and Omkara- are explained.C. Five Sheaths or the PanchaKosha-sThe five sheaths from gross to subtle are discussed here- physical, vital, mental, intellectual and blissful bodies.Music can be experienced in all these sheaths or bodies at different levels of consciousness, with different levels of understanding.D. Nadi-sThe energy channels in our Vital body are given.

  28. E. Chakra-sThe main energy centers or plexuses of the nadi-s, called as chakra-s, situated in our Vital body are explained. The Chakra-s explained are Muladhar, Swadhishthan, Manipur, Anahat, Vishuddha, Ajna, Sahastrar, Lalana, Manah, Soma and Bindu. The concept of ‘shruti’ can be understood by mediatating on the music of these Chakra Sounds.F. Ayurveda- The Healing Science of YogaThe healing science evolved with Yoga is introduced. Its anatomical concept of three Dosha-s- Vata, Pitta, Kapha- are explained in short. Also the importance and role of the Panchaprana-s in singing is explained. An introduction of the diet system is also given.F. Nada YogaThis point classifies and explains the term Nada with various contexts- Ahat-Anahat, Musical-Non-musical, Nada and Dwhani, Vaikhari, Madhyama, Pashyanti and Para, etc..

  29. H- The Universe and Nada or NadabrahmaA yogi experiences the macrocosmic universe as a projection of sound vibrations and experiences the concept that the whole world has developed from sound alone.I- The Centre of Nada in the BodyThe bindu chakra, also called as bindu visarga which is located at the top of the back of the head is the seat of nada in the body.J. Relation of Yoga and Music1- Metaphysical Importance of Music is discussed.2- Role of Emotions in singing is also explained.K- Metaphysics Of Production of VoiceThe Yogic view of production of sound as described by the ancient texts is summarized here.

  30. L- How Yogic Practices Help SingersThis is an elaborate point discussing few of the important aspects of Yoga which are directly beneficial to a musician. Importance and functions of kriya-s, Asana-s, Mudra-s, Bandha-s, Pranayam, Omkar, Nada Dharana, Prayer and Sankalpa from the singer’s point of view are explained with the help of illustrations.

  31. M- Comparison between Yoga Practice And other Exercises For SingersFor developing any of the musical activities the higher brain functions need to be developed. This is where Yoga has an upper hand over other musical and general exercises. This is explained with the help of a chart showing the differences and similarities between yoga practices, General Exercises and Musical Exercises for singers, and the factors that are influenced by them.This section ends with a chart showing the details of the musical notes, corresponding frequencies of the main Chakra-s and also giving the related mantra sound of the Chakra.

  32. Section 4 Experiments

  33. A. Workshop on Yoga for voice CultureSubjective experiences need to be tested and proved statistically or mathematically. This was the reason for conducting Experimental Workshops.B. Demo WorkshopThe details of the demo workshop are explained.C. Experimental WorkshopsThe thinking behind choosing the Daily Schedule details and deciding the Parameters and its Analyzing Pattern is explained.The details of the six experimental workshops are given here- their timings, venues, number of participants, daily schedule pattern etc..

  34. Next, the details of the Listening tests and Breath Holding Tests are given.D. Some of the frequently asked questions and their answers are also added.E. Personal ExperiencesI observed some common improvements among the participants. Some of the important one’s are given here. Examples of personal difficulties aroused during the practice and their solutions giving positive results is then given.Apart from this, some personal positive changes among participants is also written.

  35. Section 5Conclusions drawn from the Experiments

  36. A. Discussions and ObservationDiscussions and observations about timings, born talents and latent potentials along with general observations are given.B. ResultsActual Results are given here. They are given with different classifications in chart form in Table Charts as well as in Pie Charts.

  37. ConclusionA conclusive summary of all the sections is given.‘Yoga’ is one of the best tricks to convert energy to matter at our will.By understanding the metaphysics and ‘quantum’ of music, we will be able to understand why ‘yoga’ works on the voice in a faster, better and holistic way than the general, traditional and modern techniques of ‘Voice Culture’.

  38. I thank all my Music and Yoga teachers, participants and all those who have helped me in this research. A special Thanks to my Guide and our Head Of Music Department Dr. Neera Grover S.N.D.T. Unoversity Without all of them this research and thesis would not have been possible.

  39. Voice is the doorway of the quantum world, Listening is the root, to have a singing hold. Singing is the ‘Yoga’, of Science and of Art, And ‘Yoga’ is the voice, of the whole in a part. Train yourself with yoga, add luster to your voice, ‘Ahat’ and the ‘Anahat’, together you will rejoice. Hari Om

More Related