Let's try this - I'm interested today in the starts of our songs - usually things like Beati Mortui that start on the last beat of the bar are the most difficult for us. The beginnings of these songs can sound abrupt and unmusical with no flow from the weak last beat of the bar into the stronger pulse of the first beat of the next bar.

So lets practice this exercise.

Breathe in - fill your tummy up from low down and hold it using your tummy muscles; as I count you in gently let some of the air escape and then start the music smoothly without breathing in again or jerking in on the first note.

If you find this difficult, try this exercise first.

Breathe in - fill your tummy up from low down and hold it using your tummy muscles; hum the first note and then transition the hum into the first phrase. For example mmmmmmmeati mortui - then try and remember the sensation and try mmmmmmmmmmmmbeati mortui.

Finally use the first exercise to practice a smooth start to the son.