Dear Nick and Vocalisters:
I hesitate to suggest a vocal technique in print only but you might try this.
Sing a G4 pitch (the G immediately above Middle C) in falsetto on an
/a/ vowel and yodel down to a G2 in chest voice. Repeat a series of
these two octave downward leaps from the G4 to G2, F#4 to F#2, F4 to
F2 etc. until you reach your desired C2. This exercise usually will
add about a minor third to the bottom of the voice.
The vocal folds are very long and under little longitudinal tension
when singing in falsetto voice and quickly change to become short and
thick in the low chest voice but still with little longitudinal
tension. The yodel is the result of this quick change and you should
not try eliminate the sound of the yodel for this exercise. It is a
functional part of the quick release of the vocal folds which allow
you to achieve the necessary vocal fold thickness and relaxation to a
produce the lowest extensions of the range. Sing at a moderate mf
volume. Do not try for any substantial vocal intensity during this
exercise except in the falsetto range high note. It is fun and it
works. Work on it for short periods of time. As with any skill
exercise, the coordination necessary to achieve results is what you
are seeking and such coordination is developed best when attempted in
short period of concentrated work.
--
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA
Professor of Voice and Vocal Pedagogy, Emeritus
Director of Opera-Theatre, 1987-1997
School of Performing Arts
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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