For the expansion of the chest, I strongly advise the use, night and morning, of an elastic chest expander. It must be strong enough to require a distinct effort to stretch it, and the exercise must be persevered with for ten minutes at a time, until the muscles begin to ache. By-and-by it can be used for a longer period.
The singer must observe the laws of health, remembering that the vocal organ is but an instrument, though played on by the soul.
A few more words before closing this article. Perchance one of my readers may be anxious to sing well, though unable to have the benefit of receiving lessons. In that case, I do not advise the study of exercises, unless some tuition has first been received from a competent person, as bad habits are so easily formed though not so easily got rid of.
Let the songs you choose lie well within your range of voice, without runs or shakes; nothing being more absurd than to hear ornaments badly executed.
When it is possible, try to hear a professional render a song that you know. There are many ballad concerts given, and the music that will be performed is generally advertised. Take your copy with you, and mark all places where breath is taken, where a crescendo is made, and where the time is slackened or accelerated. You will get a good lesson on a song in this way, and if you persevere your style will by degrees improve.
Before singing a new song, practise the accompaniment well, then study the words, making it a rule to recite them, that you may give proper effect to both music and poetry. Try always to bear in mind, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
MERLE’S CRUSADE.
By ROSA NOUCHETTE CAREY, Author of “Aunt Diana,” “For Lilias,” etc.
CHAPTER XV.
ANOTHER GUEST AT MARSHLANDS.