In my first week of voice, we learned about respiration system. We were shown a powerpoint and took notes on how respiration worked in the body.
I learned that Respiration happens first through the mouth and nose. After this has happened it passes through the larynx, this is where the speech sounds are produced, it also passes through the trachea which is a tube that enter the chest cavity. When in the chest the trachea splits into two smaller tubes known as the bronchi. Each bronchus then splits again to form the bronchial tubes. The tubes go to the lungs where they then divide into many smaller tubes which then connect to tiny sacks know as alveoli.
I also learned about the lungs, the lungs take in oxygen, which all cell throughout the body need to live and carry out functions. The lungs get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of the body's cells. the lungs are a pair of cone shaped organs made up of spongy, pinkish-grey tissue. They take up a lot of the space in the chest.
In my first lesson I learned about The Diaphragm and how its located beneath the lungs. The diaphragm is in a raised position. When the diaphragm is lowered, because its connected to the lungs it pulls the lungs downward.
We also did a practical exercise where I stood relaxed and put my index finger in the middle of my solar plexus. I then pretend to suck through a straw, this controls the amount of breath you are taking through your lungs. I did the exercise slowly because if I did it quickly I would be doing it wrong. By pursing my lips I will be able to control the breath I take in and only a certain amount. After this I exhale quickly 3 times, the first two exhales will be sort and the last one will release the remaining breath.
It is important to carry out these exercises regularly as it will help before performances as it warms up my voice. It is important to know about the Diaphragm as I will be able to realise how much air I have left to talk as I can feel my Diaphragm lowering.
From this lesson the practical helped the most because I felt I could understand that better then the written work.
Why is it important to understand how the diaphragm works? What do these exercises help with? Is it important to carry out these exercises regularly and why?
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