Dear Jennifer and Vocalisters:
The front/middle portion of the tongue MUST rise up to produce the /i/ vowel (as in heed) and it should, for most people, have its edges touch the upper back molars. The tongue must also rise up for the /I/, /e/, /E/, vowels (as in hit, hate, let) and even the /ae/ vowel ( as i the American, that). As one goes from the /i/ vowel through the above listed series to /ae/ the front/middle portion of the tongue gradually lowers. The tongue is lowered for the Ah nd Uh vowels but begins it rise again for the /o/ and /u/ vowels but this time the tongue is further back in the mouth. Without these tongue formations, it is not possible produce a clear, identifiable vowel.
When female singers sing G5 and higher, it becomes necessary for them to progressively open the mouth. This prevents the tongue from assuming the normal position for the /i/series of vowels and these vowels tend to drift toward the Ah vowel. This is normal and a physical necessity. -- Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA Professor of Voice, Pedagogy School of Performing Arts Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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