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A big welcome to you and thanks for taking the time to drop in.
Last time we discussed ways to find the right vocal key for a song. The
key we choose for a song is ultimately tied in with
how much of our natural range is available to us, or not available to us
due to tension producing singing habits.
Below is a reprint of an article on the subject at hand, but first some
additional thoughts. Let's take a moment and think about
what our singing voice actually is. The voice, or the sound itself, is
NOT muscle; it is vibration carried and directed by the
breath. The next time you find yourself powering out a song pay close
attention to that impulse to push for volume or range,
and notice how it feels. Notice how the muscles in your jaw, soft palate
and throat area tighten up. The next time
you feel the impulse to tighten in the jaw and throat area or push your
voice, do the opposite. Release. Release the tension
instead of tightening and notice the sensation of the breath moving.
Take your time and closely pay attention to what it feels
like. By releasing the muscles in your throat, jaw, and palate and
allowing the breath to move, you are freeing up your voice
and creating the potential for a much bigger, more resonant sound.
Tips And Techniques For Reducing Range-Inhibiting Tension
(Or, "Vowels: The Troublesome Trio")
Soaring high notes, as well as passionate and energized volume, are two
characteristics that contribute to the soulfulness of
the bluegrass vocal sound.
This month I want to pass along a tip that will add some ease to the
challenge of creating those higher and louder tones, and
hopefully get you out of some vocal "tight spots."
Have you ever noticed that you can sometimes sing a high note with
little trouble, yet at another point in the song, or in a
different song, have to struggle or are just plain unable to hit the
very same note? There are several possible reasons for this.
One of the most common reasons, and the one we're going to focus on
today, has to do with vowels -- three little vowel
sounds in particular.
Here is the troublesome trio:
Let's explore why they're troublesome. First, relax your jaw (as it
should be when singing). Now easily sing each one of the
above vowel sounds on a comfortable note and notice how in each case
your jaw tends to close and slightly lock. Notice that
your throat closes. To hit high and well projected tones your jaw should
be slightly dropped (dropped because it's relaxed,
not because it's held open), and your throat should be open (open yet
supple). You need plenty of open, resonating throat space.
Here's the method:
The "oo" sound: The "oo" sound is formed by the lips. The lips move
forward and are rounded while the tongue should
remain relaxed and low in the mouth. Note; your jaw should be more
relaxed and released, or dropped, when you sing an "oo" tone than it is
when
you speak it. Even though your jaw is open a little more, try to keep as
true of an "oo" sound as you can (keep your lips
rounded). This may feel a little awkward at first, but not for long,
especially when you experience the results.
The "ih" sound: A good way to open the "ih" sound is to go from the
above "oo" shape directly to the "ih," keeping your
tongue in the same low, relaxed position and your throat (soft palate)
in the same open (make sure it's still supple) position.
To practice these tones, pick a note in a comfortable range and sing:
Make sure that as you go from the "ah" to the following tones that you
create one seamless, "stretchy" feeling tone. Sing it a
couple of times and then try it a half step higher on the scale, and so
forth. Work with one tone at a time. Stop and go back to a lower note if
you feel tightness or uncomfortability. Note; make sure you have a
slightly open throated, slightly yawn like
(just slight! Keep it natural sounding) feeling at the onset of the
"ah." If the "ah" isn't open then what follows will not be
either.
If you practice these vowel sounds using the methods above it won't be
long before they'll become natural to you...and don't
be surprised if you find yourself producing volume and high notes with
greater ease, resonance and consistency.
That's it for this month. I enjoy hearing from you and encourage your
questions, thoughts etc.
Good luck and have a very musical month!
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