As a voice teacher I have taught some "older" guys and some downright
elderly guys. My oldest voice student was 81 or so, but he was a retired
physician
and enough of a "health nut" that he was probably much younger biologically
than his years might indicate.

The key is to get a little basic training, especially in how to breathe, and
how to support correctly with the lower abdominal muscles. Lie on a floor
and take deep breaths. Almost all the time you will see your tummy rise. Use
those muscles when standing to lift up and in when you exhale/sing.

Or stand against a wall with your feet about a foot from said wall, and you
are leaning against the aforementioned wall (my lead is a lawyer - forgive me
---). When you inhale and exhale you will usually have to use the correct
muscles. You don't want to be raising and lowering your chest or shoulders.
Let those lower abs help the diaphragm rise and lower to push air.

This is a skill that anyone at any age can improve on. I've seen it many
times. My former chorus in Colorado Springs was chock-full of 60-plus guys,
and they were improving their basics, having a good time, and starting to sound
pretty darn good. It takes the basics whether you're 20 or 80. Of course,
I'm biased in this area. But knowledgeably so, dontcha know ---

BTW, I got a "regular" (not Seniors) International Medal at 65, and my buddy
Lynn Hauldren, the bari of Chordiac Arrenst, got his Int'l medal at 69. It
can be done.

Brian Beck




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