Issue #2: Releasing tension in the shoulders, neck, & jaw

May 30, 2018 Bridget Skaggs

Bridget_5.28.18_by_ElliotMandel-11.jpg — Myofascial release

techniques for singers

Last year I enrolled in the Yoga Medicine 500-hour program to reinvigorate my teaching and get some new tools for my toolbox. One of the most eye-opening components of my training has been learning about the amazing therapeutic benefits of myofascial release. You might have experienced myofascial release through foam rolling, massage, rolfing, self-massage, and yes, your yoga practice!

Over the past year I've been thrilled to discover the positive effects myofascial release has had on my singing, as well.

Think of the shoulders, neck, and jaw as a interconnected suspension system. Because everything in our bodies is connected, when one area is restricted another area will learn to compensate. Tension in our body can be temporary (i.e. carrying a heavy bag to an audition), or more deeply habitual (i.e. jaw tension every time you sing in the passaggio). When we free up these restrictions, our vocal mechanism can function more harmoniously…

Issue #1: Dharma and the Classical Singer's Path

March 26, 2018 Bridget Skaggs

YOGA, Y’ALL

Yoga is not only a physical practice. Classically, yoga is an “eight-limbed” practice – only one of which is physical yoga postures. Boiled down, the remaining seven limbs involve various aspects of meditation and the development of a personal code of ethics for living our lives. Because yoga takes a more complete view of our overall health and wellbeing, it can be considered a “wholistic” practice.

This is one of the fundamental reasons why I believe yoga can be so healthy for classical singers. Our careers are not simply about the having the physical ability to sing; our careers involve a development of our own personal career philosophy. A philosophy that jives with our life as a whole.

And that’s why today we’re going to talk about dharma....

Welcome to Meditation & Melismas!

February 22, 2018 Bridget Skaggs

BridgetSkaggs_2.18.17_by_ElliotMandel-5.jpg — Hello there!

I'm so glad you found your way to ***Meditation & Melismas***, my blog exploring the intersection of the practices of yoga and classical singing.

There are so many benefits to practicing yoga for classical singers. Yoga can help us stay physically healthy, nourish our creativity, and provide avenues to develop a deeper sense of purpose for the work we do in our career.

Let's be real: being a professional singer can be a bit of a roller coast ride. Through the highs of the most magical moments onstage to the lows of a disappointing audition season, we can use yoga techniques to prevent burnout and stay on track in our careers on and offstage....