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Why meet force with force?

Why meet force with force?

Jenevora Williams

Where singing reflects diplomacy.

The balance of the head and neck is an issue for every singer. The main postural muscles that can hold the cervical spine with the least discernable effort are the longus colii. We don’t necessarily feel these muscles working, and they have no direct attachment to the head, ribs or larynx. The head is, ideally, balanced on the atlanto-occipital joint with very little effort from the guy-ropes around it in order to maintain that position.

So – ideal head and neck alignment should entail as little muscular effort as possible. On that principle, the suspensory muscles for the larynx, and the movement of the tongue and jaw can function with minimal interference from the surrounding systems.

As soon as there’s a pull from one set, the opposing muscles have to counteract that. This results in a build-up of tension, the sub-occipital muscles get tight, the digastric and the stylohyoid join in, and the large external muscles trapezius and sternocleidomastoid need to become involved in order to stabilise the whole system. This is a perfect storm of potential disaster for vocal efficiency, stamina and longer-term vocal health.

I will stick my neck out (ha!) and say that using conscious muscular activity in any part of head/neck alignment is counter-productive. This includes ‘anchoring’. If there is a pull from one direction – don’t counter it with an opposing pull, try to release the initial tension. It’s a bit like the decision whether to drop bombs or go and have a chat.

© 2024 Jenevora Williams