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Research project

S3F - Interaction between physical, mental and emotional skills using sound as a measure.

This research project, or work method, was developed after a back injury, received in a train accident in 1989, and the ensuing stage fright, left me struggling for several years as an opera singer.

Having studied the many physical ways of supporting and sustaining a professional opera “sound”, I discovered a method which not only improved me vocally, enabling me to pursue my career, but which also had great influence on me both mentally and emotionally. By correctly supporting a large voice, requiring open chest, throat, larynx and cavities of the skull, I also discovered a sense of well being in my own, everyday life.

Mentally
Freeing up tensions around the head and neck and subsequent movement of the related veins, arteries and muscles makes for an exceptionally powerful increase in the strengthening of focus and the skill to eye new opportunities, create new ideas and, last but not least, release thoughts that may have become stuck. In other words, narrow mindedness, on a large or small scale, may be substituted for a broad perspective without losing sight of details.

Emotionally
Using the powerful support of the back muscles one is emotionally strengthened in regard to self-esteem, while abdominal support stimulates self confidence. Abdominal support helps eliminate stage fright and is a real help in combating butterflies in one’s stomach before an important speech. The psychological defence mechanisms, used in relation to others, slowly collapse at a speed one is in control of oneself.

Instead of suffering the defeat of not being able to climb a tree (as in Outward Bound nature courses e.g.) one is able to cross a great deal of ones own, inner barriers in a safe atmosphere where one can take ones time in digesting new information.

A freeing of inner obstacles makes room for one’s real self, i.e. the authentic becomes visible and the fear of others disappears.

Physically
The body receives a more vigorous training while co-ordination skills between the right and left sides of the body are stimulated toward greater balance in use. The combination of simple stretches and sustained energy, from supporting and relaxing specific groups of muscles, gives a greater awareness of the body in day to day terms and develops respect of our most faithful helper – our body.

This interaction is developed in my method by using the sound and character of the voice. An opera singer’s skill relies on her or his method. But this combined technique is more comprehensive than sheer singing technique or voice training, as it influences the specific strengths of each individual and stimulates awareness in relation to co-operation.

Sound as a means of measure
Song is important in this context because the voice is exposed to the most extreme form of sound, the constant shout. Opera is actually a form of shouting that is sung, with a lot of strong and flexible support, and this extreme form of sound can only be maintained through strong mental will power and concentration. The voice remains intact and the muscles are trained to sustain the sound for great lengths of time.

Today we are aware of the psychological effects of giving vent to our frustrations through shouting, and people who quarrel loudly feel that they “release an emotional pressure” – however, expressing negative feelings through sound has a violent effect on others. Loud noise can be very provocative to other people. This is why my method incorporates a training of the voice which only functions through neutral or positive energies.

When training in a classical method (using primarily harmonies, melodically speaking) the inner ear is developed to listen for harmonic tonality. This is what is meant by positive energies.

This type of concentration is not possible if one is angry or depressed – then the body needs to help in “lifting one out of the feeling”.

But the work on harmonies stimulates the interaction between the ear and the voice and develops the understanding of others’ messages as well as developing sensitivity towards differentiation of messages. Thereby this training can help prevent communicative misunderstandings between people. An added bonus is practicing intonation whereby one starts to sing in tune.

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Lær af de teknikker og erfaringer, jeg har gjort mig som professionel operasanger. S3F hedder den forskningsmetode og arbejdsteknik, jeg benytter mig af: S3F: Samspillet mellem fysiske, følelsesmæssige og mentale færdigheder, med lyden som ”måleinstrument.”
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