10/7/2012 1 Comment Tongue TensionPROBLEM: 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
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1 Comment
David
11/11/2012 01:03:23 pm
So, the feeling of stretching the hard palate upward and the soft palate backward and upward is a feeling of a high stretch. From what you've written is it true then that the tongue operates in a rather high position also? The tongue being out of the throat and higher in the mouth gives one the feeling that everything moves away, (upwards) from the laryngeal pharynx. One must then get used to pronouncing in this new stretched position? Am I getting close to describing your position? Many thanks.
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AuthorLauren Sawyer, soprano is the founder of Boulder Classical Voice and Boulder Music Institute, a professional development program for singers. You can find her on Google+. ArchivesCategoriesAll Breath Support I Breath Support: II High Notes: I High Notes Part Ii Tongue Tension Voice Teachers |