Find your "ping" ........

O.K. - but what IS "ping"? Imagine that rather nasty noise children make when they know better than you about ANYthing and EVERYthing - "Na na nanan na"! Yes, it's right up the nose, raising it up, making the cheeks move up under the lower eyelids -ooooowwwh. As I said - nasty ! That tiny focus point is the centre of vocal resonance, and if you then relax, "lower" the nose gently and support the sound with a 'warm breeze' of air, you should achieve perfect phonation. Sounds too easy, doesn't it? Of course - because it IS easy, and there's the rub. Too many singers want to feel some kind of physical discomfort when they sing, otherwise they assume nothing positive is happening...Wroooong! The last thing I ever want to feel is that I'm working hard! My aim is to enjoy life with as little hassle as possible, especially if generated by - me ! My perfect joy is when I'm helping someone release all the anticipated stress involved in singing, and give them the freedom to be inspired by their own creativity, which in turn - with any luck - will inspire the listener - that's when the magic takes over .....It's quite sad for me when, after hours of air connection, an artist pronounces that the result we have achieved is not what they expected - and what's more - they don't like it!! Aaaah ...That person is not an artist or performer, so I tactfully suggest they stick to singing in the bath and choose another life direction, devoting their time to helping less fortunate souls who have some limiting condition and would give anything to be able to move any of their limbs without pain, or assistance...or see... or hear....Yes, connecting the non-hearing with a system that will help them be heard if their voice is functional.. that is a blessing and not as difficult to achieve as one might think....it just takes time, and lots of love and encouraging hugs....Hugs are a very important part of human development, they help the respiratory system by exercising the ribcage - but DON'T overdo it or the effect is lessened and devalued emotionally..! Some folk do not enjoy being hugged - so don't push your luck and offend them....and don't compromise yourself by being too familiar with casual aquaintances .....This sounds like a Victorian epistle on the virtues of social intercourse - well, perhaps it is, I have been around for rather a loooong time....and I still enjoy breathing....'tis a gift, treasure it, and - k..p b.......g...