The Gas Pedal of Singing

Transversus Abdominals

Since starting this blog, I have mentioned the transversus abdominis several times. I have held off talking about this complex muscle directly. I thought it better to gently introduce this topic by first speaking about the surrounding muscles. It is a powerful muscle used all the time, but many are unaware of when it is involved. Generally, when told to brace our abs, we firm the rectus abdominals (the six-pack abs) that function very little with singing. Understanding of the Transverse Abdominis can lead to stronger application of the abstract ideals Breath Management and Support.

Transversus abdominals (TrA) are the deepest of the core muscles. Their muscle fibers run horizontally, surrounding the trunk from front to back, and lie between the ribs and pelvis. The role of this group of muscles varies into two functions: Static Core and Dynamic Core Functionality.

Static Core Functionality: with coordination of core muscles, they align the spine. Holding the posture of the body positioning while the upper body (arms, back, shoulders, chest) pushes and pulls.

Dynamic Core Functionality: When the body is in motion, the TrA engages muscles, ligaments, and tendons to absorb and adjust the pressure on itself in relationship to your plane of movement. (pitching a baseball or shoveling snow)

Dynamic core function

Static Core Function

Imagine a blown-up balloon that is releasing the air at the spout. Alone, the balloon will fly through the air according to Newton's Third Law of motion (Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.)

Holding the balloon and applying additional pressure onto its belly increases the velocity and volume of the air expelled.

Likewise, clasping the mouth creates more internal buildup in pressure while lessening how much air escapes. The release of air inside will be steady.

While singing, our bodies respond very similarly to the balloon. The Transversus Abdominals apply force onto the diaphragm, pushing air out of our lungs, also called Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP). While our vocal folds/glottis are the spout managing how much air escapes from our mouths. However, unlike the balloon without pressure applied to it, the natural recoil of the diaphragm while exhaling does not produce enough Intra-Abdominal Pressure for the demands of stage performance.

Therefore, a balance between these two forces is ideal during vocal studies. An effort that is too strong (IAP) forces out of the lungs and onto the vocal cords can overwhelm the glottis. Blowing them apart and causing a number of vocal injuries. Likewise, if the glottis is too tightly closed or there is not enough movement of air to vibrate the vocal folds, balanced singing will also not be produced. In either case, this is detrimental to healthy singing.

This deliberate instigation of the TrA is the foundation of what singers call Breath management. and support. Learning to strengthen the Transversus Abdominals is the first step. But it is also essential to learn how to apply optimal force from this muscle during singing. The pressure generated must be gentle and delicate to create a movement of breath that is perfect for you.