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

December 5, 2000

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)!

Thank you again for all the positive feedback and for helping make VIP such a successful e-newsletter! 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! A personal note to subscribers: I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a beautiful holiday season full of so much love, health and success. Let music be a big part of your holidays - get a group of friends or family members together and go caroling!

A general note to subscribers: Do you have all VIP issues since it's premier in June 1999? They are now available - go to http://www.musicsimplymusic.com/viparchives.htm If you have a question that you would like to see addressed in an upcoming issue, e-mail me with the info! I'm getting some really great questions!!! You may contact me at Mail to: dambrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

2. Test Your Vocal Knowledge

1. A ________ tone is the result of the soft palate not being activated.
2. Liquids at cold, warm, or hot temperatures are best in relaxing the muscles of the throat.
3. True or False: The jaw's placement is important in altering the resonance of your tone.

3. Q & A

Q: I train a large group in my company and must speak to the group often. My jaw tends to tighten up. What can you recommend to make my jaw more relaxed?

A: A tight jaw can greatly affect your tone production, create soreness in your jaw and look unnatural. I would imagine this would be a difficult situation when addressing a large group. Since the larynx and the tongue are related to the movement of the jaw, it can only help in using them effectively as well. Practice speaking in front of a mirror, so you can observe any stiffness, jutting or shaking of your jaw. As you speak, see your jaw as having a relaxed, loose swinging action - not a movement that is forced. If what you are saying is of an intense nature, project your voice from your diaphragm (let the breath do the work) - don't tighten up your whole face. Opening up your mouth too much and putting pressure on your mandibular joint can also cause your jaw to tighten. Of course be articulate but don't exaggerate. Think of how your jaw feels on an average yawn. Try this exercise: Keeping the throat open, alternate "ee" with "ah" at a comfortable pitch. "Mmm" to "mah" would also be effective, just keep your lips loose and don't forcefully drop your jaw. You mouth should be approximately two vertical fingers open. Another exercise I share with my students is flopping over from the waist like a ragdoll. In this position, your face, neck and jaw are loose and not working to keep your head upright. As you hang over, take some deep, slow breaths and feel your jaw relaxing. (Don't vocalize in this position). Keep using the mirror and always keep your throat moist while speaking. Good luck and keep me posted!

4. Vocal Tip

When resorting to whispering, due to a sick or tired voice, be careful! If you force the whisper it can be more harmful than the ailment you are already experiencing. Not talking at all is best but there is a correct, safe way to whisper. Leave your throat completely open (think of whispering while you are yawning). Also, let your tongue and teeth, with great articulation, do much of the work to say what you want to say. Most importantly, be aware of taking effective inhalations activating your diaphragm.

5. Notable Quotables

"Music gives access to regions in the subconscious that can be reached in no other way." -Sophie Drinker

"Inaction, contrary to its reputation for being a refuge, is neither safe nor comfortable." -Madeleine Kunin

6. Trivia Answers

1. nasal
2. warm
3. true

Copyright © 2000 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: DAmbrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

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