Hi Rut,
I used to have the exact same problem, and the source turned out to be tension in my tongue. So I suspect that the lip/jaw tension you talk about may be your culprit. And worrying about the end of your phrase only makes it worse.
For me, the best way to release tension is through simple awareness exercises -- e.g. don't "try to relax" your jaw, but just be aware of the tension as you sing. Rate the tension on a scale of 0 to 10, then experiment with different levels. Eventually you should notice it going away on its own.
Another thing you might find helpful is to keep the entire phrase in mind from the moment you begin your breath. This will not only help your phrasing artistically, but it will also help you with your breath management because you know exactly where you are going. Otherwise we run the risk of wasting too much breath at the beginning of the phrase.
Judging by your post, I also suspect that, like me, you are somewhat of a perfectionist. If this is the case, you can release a lot of tension by allowing yourself to "just sing" once in a while without worrying about your sound (not easy!). Experiment with your voice when you practice -- make some ugly (but safe!) noises now and then, just to prove that the world will not end if you don't sound perfect all the time!
Good luck! Rachel despina@p... despina@p...
----- Original Message ----- From: <rjime7@c...> From: <rjime7@c...> To: <vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com> To: <vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2001 3:30 PM Subject: [vocalist] Flat at the end of phrases
> > Dear friends; > > I am having problems with the end of my phrases: the sound is flat > and I am out of pitch. My actual teacher says it is a lack of support > but sometimes I am "supporting" and it happens. I notice it perfectly > and now I am too worried about it when I sing. I also sing with a lot > of tension: my lips and jaw are tense. I have had to change some > pieces of my repertoir because they have many "recitatives" and my > problem is more evident there. Could any of you recommend me any > exercises to correct this? > > Thank you ! > > Rut
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