Reply To: The Art Of Music Ministry II- TAMM 307-L Discussion Board 1

[Benny4real]

Name: Owhondah Ugochi Benedicta
Course: The Art of Music Ministry

Discuss how appoggio is valuable to your singing, and how you can apply it. Provide practical examples and name two songs -slow and fast- where you can effectively use this technique.

Definition:
Appoggio is a term originating from the Italian school of bel canto, meaning “beautiful singing”. It refers to the coordination of the respiratory muscles and vocal folds to produce a balanced and efficient vocal sound. Appoggio is not a specific posture or shape, but rather a dynamic process that involves low and relaxed inhalation, gradual and steady exhalation, constant and gentle abdominal pressure against the diaphragm, a flexible and relaxed throat for free vibration of the vocal folds, and proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine to support the vocal tract.
Appoggio is an important technique for singing with optimal breath control, vocal quality, and range. It allows singers to sustain longer phrases without running out of breath, sing louder or softer without straining or losing tone, and reach higher or lower notes without cracking or breaking. Additionally, appoggio can help singers achieve more clarity, projection, resonance, emotion, expression, and nuance in their singing.

Practical Examples:
In order to practice appoggio, you need to become aware of and coordinate your breathing muscles and vocal folds. To help, try this exercise: lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your abdomen. Inhale through your nose and feel your abdomen rise, then exhale through your mouth and feel your abdomen fall. Do this several times and observe how your chest remains still and your lower ribs expand and contract with every breath. Next, stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed by your sides, and repeat the same process. As you exhale, say “ha” or “sh” as you press lightly on your abdomen. Keep your chest high and shoulders relaxed. To further practice, sing a comfortable note on any vowel while controlling the breath flow and pressure with abdominal muscles. Adjust the breath pressure according to the pitch, volume, and duration of the note. Repeat this with different notes and vowels to maintain a steady and balanced vocal production.
To apply appoggio to your singing posture, you should adopt a position that allows for ease and freedom in breathing and singing. When standing or sitting, keep your feet slightly apart and your weight evenly distributed. Make sure your back is straight and shoulders relaxed, without slouching or hunching. Balance your head and keep your chin parallel to the floor, avoiding any looking up or down or jutting of the jaw. Keep your arms relaxed and hands free, not crossing them or holding anything that may restrict breathing or movement.
To apply appoggio to your singing technique, you need to integrate your breathing and vocalization into a seamless and natural process. To do this, take a low and relaxed breath that fills your abdomen and lower ribs before you sing. Keep your throat open and relaxed, letting your breath do the work of creating the sound. Also, keep your chest high and shoulders relaxed, letting your lower ribs support your breath. Additionally, keep your abdominal muscles active and engaged while regulating your breath pressure and flow. Lastly, keep your head, neck, and spine aligned and upright to support your vocal tract.

Two songs:
1) Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Fast)
2) More than anything by Anita Wilson