appoggio

Beginning with a high, noble posture, keep your head, sternum, and tail bone in alignment as if a string from the ceiling holds you at those three points like a marionette puppet. During inhalation feel a an expansion in the first in lower rib cage, then the upper rib cage. Allow your viscera (or guts) to drop naturally. The primary objective of the appoggio is to remain in the position of inspiration for as long as possible. The feeling of a forward lean into the sternum and an open rib cage helps to maintain this sense of inhalation while you play. Take a full breath that expands your rib cage. Holding that position (as if holding your breath), play a note or phrase. Besides noticing a more energized sound, you’re likely to become aware of new resonance. Renowned flute pedagogue Robert Mather notes that the open lungs serve as an “upstream” resonator.