Module 3: Finding Your Natural Resonance

Finding Your Natural Resonance: The Vocal Tract Filter

Resonance is the amplification and enrichment of the sound created by your vocal cords. It occurs as the sound waves travel through the vocal tract. The space above the vocal cords, including the pharynx (throat), mouth and nasal cavity. By adjusting the shape of this space, you can dramatically change the quality, volume and colour of your voice.

Lesson 3.1:

Key Resonance Spaces

Key Concept: The goal is to keep the pharynx wide and open (like the start of a yawn) while allowing the mouth to move freely to form clear vowels.

Remember: The hot potato imagery.

Lesson 3.2: Vowel Modification for Optimal Tone

Vowels are the carriers of sound in singing. When you sing higher or lower, the natural shape of a vowel (e.g., ‘ee’ in see) can become restrictive or cause strain. Vowel modification is the subtle, internal adjustment of the vowel shape to maintain an open, resonant vocal tract, regardless of pitch.

The ‘Open Throat’ Principle

1.The Problem: Singing in general, especially high notes, often cause the larynx to rise and the throat to constrict, especially on closed vowels like ‘ee’ or ‘oo.’

2.The Solution: As you ascend in pitch, subtly modify the vowel toward a more open shape, like ‘ah’ or ‘oh.’ For example, the word see might be sung with a vowel closer to sih or even say as you go higher.

3.The Exercise: Sing a five-note scale (do-re-mi-fa-sol-fa-mi-re-do) on the vowel ‘ee.’ Repeat the exercise, but this time, consciously open the vowel slightly toward ‘ih’ as you reach the highest note. You should feel less strain and hear a rounder, fuller tone.

Actionable Step: Practice singing a simple phrase on all five pure vowels (ah, eh, ee, oh, oo). Notice how the feeling of resonance changes. Strive for a consistent, forward placement for all of them.

We show you the perfect solution in our ‘Singers Alphabet’ Lesson. Once you learn this, it is like a miracle and opens any song to you.

Lesson 3.3: Relaxing the Jaw and Tongue

The jaw and tongue are powerful muscles that can inadvertently block the sound’s ‘ring’ if they are tense. A relaxed jaw and a flat, relaxed tongue are essential for a clear, effortless and resonant tone.

The ‘Silent Scream’ Jaw Release

1.Position: Place your index fingers gently on the hinges of your jaw, just in front of your ears.

2.Action: Slowly drop your jaw as far as it will comfortably go, as if you are silently screaming or yawning. Your fingers should feel the hinges move smoothly.

3.Singing: While holding the jaw open, sing a sustained ‘Ah’ vowel. The jaw should remain relaxed and dropped. If you feel the jaw clench or pull back up, you are tensing.

4.Goal: Practice singing short phrases while maintaining this relaxed, dropped jaw position. The movement for forming vowels should come primarily from the lips and the back of the tongue, not the jaw.

The Tongue Relaxation Drill

The tongue often tenses by pulling back and down, which blocks the pharynx.

1.Exercise: Say the word ‘Kee-Yaa.’ The ‘Kee’ pulls the front of the tongue up and the ‘Yaa’ forces the back of the tongue down and forward.

2.Focus: Repeat ‘Kee-Yaa’ slowly, focusing on the feeling of the tongue moving forward and flattening.

3.Singing: Sing a simple scale on the syllable ‘Lah.’ The ‘L’ sound helps to bring the tip of the tongue forward and the ‘ah’ keeps the back of the tongue relaxed.

Key Concept: A free jaw and tongue allow the sound to flow unimpeded into the facial mask, resulting in a brighter, more metallic and effortless resonance.

Lesson 3.4: Finding Forward Placement (The ‘Mask’)

Forward placement, often called singing ‘in the mask,’ refers to directing the sound waves to resonate in the facial bones—specifically the hard palate, the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones. This placement maximizes the high-frequency overtones, giving the voice a clear, professional ‘ring’ and making it easier to hear over instruments.

The ‘Hum-to-Sing’ Technique

1.Hum: Close your mouth gently and hum a comfortable note. Focus on feeling a buzzing or tingling sensation on your lips, the bridge of your nose and your cheekbones. This is the feeling of forward resonance.

2.Transition: While maintaining that buzzing sensation, slowly open your mouth into a relaxed ‘Maa’ or ‘Nee’ vowel. The goal is to transition from the hum to the sung vowel without losing the forward, buzzing feeling.

3.Sustain: Practice sustaining notes on ‘Maa’ and ‘Nee,’ ensuring the sound feels like it is vibrating out of your face, not stuck in your throat.

Actionable Step: Whenever you feel your tone becoming dull or stuck in your throat, return to the hum. Re-establish the forward buzz and then transition back to your sung phrase. This technique instantly resets your resonance for a clearer sound.

Take away info: Our individual Lessons give you much more information and easy, long lasting, effective solutions to any problem you may have in singing. We hope these exercises and steps give you a taste of better singing habits.