Welcome to Vocalist's Insightful Practices(VIP) Newsletter!

September 5, 1999

Table of Contents:

1. Welcome Notes
2. Vocal "Trivia"
3. VIP Q & A
4. Vocal Tip
5. Notable Quotables
6. Trivia Answers

1. Welcome Notes Welcome to Vocalist's Insightful Practices (VIP)! Welcome to our new subscribers and thank you to our friends who forward VIP to their friends. That's how we grow and have a greater impact on the vocal community! VIP is a free monthly newsletter that's goal is to promote proper vocal health by providing valuable, yet simple tips to singers, vocal coaches, speakers and anyone else who uses their voice! I hope that this electronic publication assists you in creating a voice which is more healthy, powerful and enjoyable.

Please let me know how I can be of service to you in reaching your vocal goals. Take care of your voice, if it breaks you can't get a new one!

Note to subscribers: Do you have all VIP issues since it's premier in June? E-mail me today to receive back issues! If you have a question that you would like to see addressed in an upcoming issue, e-mail me with the info!

You may contact me at mailto:DAmbrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

2. Test Your Vocal Knowledge

1. True or False: Most vocal damage occurs in people who speak improperly than in those who sing improperly.

2. The facial area where your tone sits, or is placed, is called the ___________.

3. Your vocal cords (or folds) are located within your "voice box" or your _____________.

3.VIP Q & A

Q: What is the difference between my head voice and chest voice?

A: You truly have one unique voice. These terms are used to distinguish where the sound of your voice is resonating. Generally, your "head" voice is lighter, though not necessarily softer. It sounds and feels like it is being produced up and over the soft palate (think of Mickey Mouse's voice!). The "chest" voice is more like your speaking voice. When you are singing in your "head" voice, the sound is resonating in your head. When you sing in your "chest" voice, the sound is resonating in your chest area. Other common terms specifically used with a male voice are "falsetto" and "full" voice. I personally choose the "head" over "falsetto" term because in Italian, "falsetto" means "false voice." I dislike this term for obvious reasons! I personally choose to use the "chest" voice term because it gives students a physical place in which to focus their sound. Many classical instructors and singers completely avoid using the "chest" voice altogether. This is partially due to the fact that the tone quality of the "chest" voice is not particularly appropriate for much of classical material. Also, most damage that singers experience occurs as a result of incorrect use of the chest voice. There is however, proper, safe technique to successfully utilize this part of your voice. The "chest" voice controversy is a hefty one and will be discussed further in an upcoming issue.

4. Vocal Tip

Whether you are sick or just have a tickle in you throat, coughing seems like the thing to do. As you probably have experienced at one time or another, excess coughing can really irritate your vocal cords. Next time you feel the urge to cough, try this: clear your throat with a "huh" sound instead of a harsh, rasping sound that puts pressure on your vocal cords. Also, loosening the phlegm first, by means of steam or warm fluids, will make it easier to bring up. Remember, get rid of the phlegm. If it made the journey from your throat to your mouth, help it along and spit it out! I know it's gross but it happens... now and phlegm!

5. Notable Quotables

"I remember singing in the hallways of my Brooklyn apartment and there was a great echo sound in the hallway and I thought, oh, that's pleasant - that doesn't sound bad..."
-Barbra Streisand, recalling an experience at age 10

"If you can dream it, you can do it!" -Walt Disney

6. Trivia Answers

1. true
2. mask
3. larynx

Copyright © 1999 Diane Ambrosino. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute VIP so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached.

The author of this article is Diane Ambrosino and she may be contacted at: http://www.musicsimplymusic.com mailto:DAmbrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

"We enjoy what we do, and so will you!"
phone: 516-471-4358
fax: 516-471-8311

To subscribe send an email to: mailto:VIPsubscribe@musicsimplymusic.com

To unsubscribe send an email to: mailto:VIPunsubscribe@musicsimplymusic.com

Click here to return to VIP archive page