Tongue Tension

PROBLEM: A flat or retracted tongue (David Jones article) causes the root of the tongue to depress the larynx. The result is often a wide vibrato and excessive pressure in the sound.

EXAMPLE of a voice with tongue tension:
Violetta Urmana, "Pace, pace mio Dio!"

SOLUTION:
Part I: The Italian word "che" puts the tongue in the perfect position for singing. The root arches out of the throat, the sides are wide and the tip forward.
Part II: The larynx must be stable
Part III: The soft palate must widen and raise above the arch of the tongue.

EXERCISE: Italian "cuperto"
1)Place tongue in the "che" position with the tip touching the back of the lower teeth, the sides wide and resting on the back of the molars as well as the ROOT arching up and out of the throat. 2)Place jaw slightly back 3) Wrap lips around in an "u" position
4)Suck air, as if sipping through a large straw, and feel the air circle around the soft palate. 5) Siren on an ascending two octave interval with the vowel "u", feeling the wide stretch of the palate and the backward motion of the jaw.

EXAMPLE of a voice without tongue tension:
Leontyne Price, "Pace, pace mio Dio!"

Questions? Email me at boulderclassicalvoice@gmail.com
SKYPE: 303.709.7277