Vocalist.org archive


From:  John Link <johnlink@c...>
John Link <johnlink@c...>
Date:  Thu Mar 8, 2001  4:05 pm
Subject:  Re: [vocalist] placement vs tension


>I'm working on getting the voice out of my throat (so to speak). The
>trouble I'm
>having is being able to distinguish when and if I'm trying to help this
>placement by using my tongue/throat.
>Are there any clues I could possibly look for to help ascertain
>whether or not I
>am doing it correctly? The other question that directly ties into this is I
>sometimes try to make sure my throat is as open as possible during onsets, yet
>it feels that the tone doesn't go as forward/high in the hard pallet area. Is
>this normal? Is there a way to find a balance?

I would suggest dropping the idea of finding out whether you are
singing correctly. Your reference to your tongue suggests that you
think you might be using it in a way that is interferring with your
singing. Here is a lesson, based on the Feldenkrais Method, that
might be useful to learn to improve your use of your tongue:

0) Do your best approximation to what you understand the following
instructions to be, according to your comfort. If you sensse any
strain or discomfort, do fewer repetitions, make smaller movements,
go more slowly, and take more frequent breaks.

1) Do some easy vocalization, maybe an arpeggio of a major seventh chord.

2) Gently and slowly use your tongue to touch your inner left cheek.
Do this several times, pausing after each repetition, and paying
attention to your breathing and other sensations. Do the movement as
easily as you can, without any ambition.

3) As in 2) use your tongue to touch each of the following places
several times, taking plenty of time to rest before going on the
touch the next place:
a) right inner cheek
b) roof of your mouth
c) inside of front upper teeth
d) inside of front lower teeth
e) outside of front upper teeth
f) outside of front lower teeth
g) toward your nose (you don't have to touch!)
h) toward your chin (you don't have to touch!)

4) Repeat the vocalization from 1), with your tongue gently touching
each of the places you touched in 2) and 3).

5) Repeat the vocalization from 1) with no constraint on the position
of your tongue (i.e., without intentionally putting it anywhwere).
How does your experience of singing the vocalization compare with how
it was the first time?

John Link

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