Day 2

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Susan McAllister-Bee

Day 2, same as Day 1.

I thought I would share with you some of the details that I pay attention to while I’m vocalizing.

#1 I keep the volume the same throughout. The challenge is bringing out the volume of my low notes, while not pushing for my high notes.

#2 I remind myself the FIRST note after an intake of air is the most important. If the first note doesn’t get good closure, the notes that follow certainly will not.

#3 I check my jaw for tension by occasionally allowing an up and down movement (almost bouncy).

#4 I make sure my larynx is “neutral” and free. How do I know? I put my finger on it. I’m careful not to confuse the sensation of tilting with the sensation of rising too high. Rising too high will cause a straining or choking feeling in my throat.

#5 I incorporate exercises with a slight “dopey” sound to maintain a sense of low larynx.

#6 I incorporate tongue-out exercises. I’m careful to note the “tug-of-war” sensation between a “neutral” larynx and the tongue hanging out. I consider the volume of my mix where I can bridge successfully, while staying relaxed and in control of my voice.

#7 I always engage my rib cage and upper stomach to ensure my breath intake and output is balanced.

#8 I pay attention to the edge of my vocal cords. I listen and feel for a crisp, clean glottal attack with a beautiful warm vowel to follow. I manage this with careful attention to my volume, as well as incorporating the “cry” at the onset of the first note following a breath intake.

#9 I allow myself to run out of breath. This engages my body and instinctively helps me engage my rib cage and back muscles as I catch my next quick intake of air. I’m careful not to tense up my neck, throat or shoulders. I am aware of the sensation of my body rhythmically being involved with my breathing. This is a huge part of my control.

#10 I only start to increase my overall volume when I have everything in good control.

How about you? How did your day go?

Check out Dave Brooks

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Susan McAllister-Bee

I highly recommend Dave Brooks from Nashville for singing tips. Check him out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE_yUawJdBU&feature=relmfu

Notice his emphasis on the “sob” and the “whine” to get cord closure. This can’t be stressed enough for commercial “contemporary” style music like country, rock, gospel, pop, and even opera…….yes opera. This coordination will get the cords closed on the attack and keep the larynx “neutral”.

I love his sound at 2:0e minutes. Because he has started with a mid to low larynx, he is achieving a beautiful mix with reasonably thick folds at his 2nd break (A above middle C). This is a coordination used by great country singers as well as opera singers! Note: If he started with a slightly higher larynx, he could still bridge into his 2nd break with a more pop-like or rock sound….. a little thinner with some bite…..again, another fabulous coordination used by singers.

Position of the larynx

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Susan McAllister-Bee

Speech Level Singing has been given a bit of a bad rap when it comes to the position of the larynx. Let’s review.

First of all, our larynx has a default position when we speak. Everyone is different. My larynx rises ever-so-slightly when I speak. I just happen to have a slightly “twangy” speaking voice. I can speak (and sing) with my larynx lower, but that is not my “default” position or my most-natural position.

Some people incorrectly think that Speech Level Singing demands a “low” larynx. This is not the case. SLS simply achieves a larynx that is “neutral” when singing….in other words not too high, and not too low.

I think this is a great way to train the voice. Good singing starts with balance. Balance is the ability to sing your entire range with a relatively neutral larynx.

Then comes style and your signature sound. And, yes, your larynx will rise a little when you belt.