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

[EdenSage]

Appoggio which is an Italian word that means “support” or “leaning” is a very important vocal technique that is necessary for healthy and expressive singing.
Appoggio refers to the process of engaging the diaphragm and surrounding muscles to support the breath, giving room for efficient and controlled airflow. This support enables singers to produce a consistent tone, maintain pitch accuracy, and achieve optimal vocal resonance.
This technique is important in singing because it helps in the following ways
1. Breath Control: Appoggio helps regulate airflow, ensuring sustained notes and phrases.
2. Tonal Consistency: Appoggio provides a stable foundation for producing a consistent tone.
3. Vocal Freedom: By supporting the breath, appoggio reduces vocal strain and fatigue.
4. Dynamic Range: Appoggio enables singers to produce a wide range of dynamics.
5. Expression and Emotion: Appoggio allows for nuanced expression and emotional connection.
I apply Appoggio in the following ways
A. Physical Adjustments:
1. Posture: Maintaining an upright posture with relaxed shoulders.
2. Breathing: Inhaling deeply, feeling the diaphragm descend.
3. Support Muscles: Engaging my core, abdominal, and lower back muscles.
4. Placement: Feel the breath support in the lower back, just below the ribcage.

B. Vocal Exercises:
1. Lip Trills: I start with gentle lip trills, focusing on supported airflow.
2. Ah-Vocalizes: Sing “ah” on sustained pitches, emphasizing appoggio.
3. Scales and Arpeggios: Practice scales and arpeggios with controlled dynamics.
4. Phrasing Exercises: Sing phrases with varying dynamics and articulations.

Since I have identified breath control as a personal area of improvement, I intentionally integrate Appoggio when I sing by doing the following
1. Focus on breath support during rehearsal.
2. Connect appoggio to emotional expression.
3. Practice performance-ready conditions (e.g., standing, movement).
4. Refine appoggio through consistent practice.
By mastering appoggio, singers can unlock a more resonant, expressive, and healthy voice, enabling them to deliver captivating performances. Other helpful tips as discussed in the class include
1. Record yourself to monitor breath control and tone.
2. Practice in front of a mirror to observe posture and breathing.
3. Start with simple exercises and gradually increase complexity.
4. Seek guidance from a qualified vocal instructor.

Videos by Cheryl Porter were also recommended and they have been very helpful. She provides very practical examples like
1. Sustained Notes: Sing a long, sustained note (e.g., “Ah”) focusing on maintaining consistent tone and airflow. Feel the diaphragm support the breath.
Example: “Oooo” in “O Holy Night”
2. Dynamic Contrast: Sing a phrase with varying dynamics (e.g., soft-loud-soft). Use appoggio to control airflow and achieve smooth transitions.
Example: Halleluyah Chorus by Handel Messiah. Some parts are soft and other parts are loud
3. Articulation: Emphasize clear articulation by using appoggio to support precise consonant and vowel sounds.
Example: I proclaim by Enitan Adaba

Other song examples I use are
Slow Song: “Oh Night Divine” – Christmas Carol
– Use appoggio to sustain long notes in the chorus (e.g., “fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices….”)
– Emphasize emotional expression through subtle dynamic shifts
– Focus on clear articulation in the verses (e.g., “Oh Holy night, the stars are brightly shining….”)

Fast Song: “Shouts of Joy” – Praise song
– Employ appoggio to maintain control during rapid arpeggios (e.g., “Shouts of Joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous of the Lord”)
– Use supported airflow to achieve strong, crisp articulation (e.g., “Sing for Joy to the Lord Oh ye righteous ones…”)
– Emphasize dynamic contrast (e.g., “Sing to him a new song, let your heart rejoice in him….. let us exalt his naaaaame! Shout!”)