This class will be a dive into some accessible techniques of vocal function.
There are some pictures and a slide show that I would like for you to look at before coming to class on Tuesday.
The pictures are of the vocal mechanism. No need to study them. I just want you to see this now so it's not brand new in class.
The slide show is a quick explanation of the Power-Source-Filter model which will be essential for understanding what we'll be playing with in class.
After the looking through the materials, I'd like for you to try out the exercises below. We will cover them in more detail in class on Tuesday. For now, just try them out. Make some mental notes of what you feel, what you can execute, what might be difficult.
Take a moderate inhalation and let just the lower part of your torso move. Allow the stomach muscles to stretch, feel the sides of your waist move out, and feel expansion in your lower back.
Take another breath and only allow your ribcage to expand.
Say "ah" at a loud volume (not the loudest you can make, but something that has some carrying power. We're not looking for a yell or scream so no distortion in the sound)
Say "ah" at the softest volume possible but not breathy. You might hear some breath in the sound but we're not making an intentionally breathy sound.
Say "ah" with the breathiest sound possible. Explore how you can say that with less noise but still keep it breathy.
Say "ah" in your best, relaxed vocal fry.
Relax your throat/voice and say "ah" in the most chill manner possible.
Repeat "ah" but make your throat feel very closed. Keep this at a very, very low volume. We're looking for distortion in the sound.
Repeat "ah" but feel your throat open as wide as possible. Imagine stifling a big laugh.
Put your fingers on the front of your throat and feel for the hard parts (dead center of your throat should be part of your larynx).
Swallow and feel what happens.
Keep your fingers on your larynx and yawn. Notice what happens.
Now just let your throat relax.
Sustain the word "sing" but close to the consonants at the end of the word, "ng". Note where the sound is coming out of your head.
Find your best pronunciation of the French words "l'enfant". Note where the sound is coming out of your head.
Sustain a clear, easy "ah". Note where the sound is coming out of your head.
Repeat "ah" but move your body into a very tall, upright, "straight" posture. Compare that sound to the clear and easy "ah".
Relax your throat and mouth and say "ah".
Repeat but imagine you're a bluegrass singer or Kristin Chenoweth.
Take note of what you feel by your soft palate.