Let's test it.
If I say to you, raise your right hand - Can you do it? I would hope so.
If I say to you, jump up and down - Can you do it? I sure hope so.
If I say to you, move your diaphragm - Can you do it? (Silence abounds!)
Having direct control over your diaphragm is really not up to you. It's like asking you to jiggle your intestines. It can probably be done, but only indirectly, by doing something else that affects it.
So, no, you cannot directly control your diaphragm. This is a LARGELY misunderstood concept. And it is understandable, since many vocal coaches will teach their students to "use their diaphragm." Yes, your diaphragm is important in good singing. But you can only affect it by other things you do - hence, indirectly.
By taking large breaths in (inhaling), you expand your lungs in a downward motion (like filling two balloons). When those lungs fill with air, they push down on your diaphragm, which, being the flexible membrane that it is, curves from it's upward position to more of a sagging position. When this happens, it forces your viscera (stomach, intestines, etc.) down and out. This creates the "belly pooch." When your belly "pooches" out, you then can directly control your air by contracting your abdominal muscles and slowly force the air back out of your lungs. As the air moves out, floating over and setting in motion your vocal chords, the diaphragm slowly returns to it's original position, thus allowing the viscera to return to it's prior state.
Unfortunately, you CANNOT directly control your diaphragm. But with lots of practice, you can indirectly control it, by controlling your inhaling, exhaling and contracting your abs.
Check the right column for the next poll!!!
