At the doctor’s office, they always want you to stick out your tongue and say “ahhh.”  The “ah” sound opens everything up nice and wide in your throat. 

Ready?  Standing up tall and straight - head up, shoulders back - say "ahhh," and notice how everything opens up nicely inside.  Sing "ahhh."  Sing gently.  Don't ever scream or yell.  Extended screaming and yelling can result in strained vocal chords. This is indicated by hoarseness and soreness in the throat.

Now yawn and pay attention to how everything in the back of the mouth and throat open nice and wide. You want that kind of openness and looseness when you sing.  When your entire vocal mechanism is open and relaxed, you will create a more open, relaxed sound.  When you sing and actually create the vibration (sound), always do so gently. 

Training begins with singing the vowel sounds.  By creating the sounds, it helps to shape the inside mechanics of your mouth and throat.  We use the letter "M" to help with projection.  Start on any note that is comfortable to you.  Each sound is sung on the same note and in one breath. We will start with the "AH" sound because it will open everything up inside.  Click on the sample to hear a live demonstration.

Sing:
 

MA     MAY    ME   MO     MOO
 (click on voice sample here)

Keep going up and down the scale as you'd like.  It's best if you have a keyboard or guitar to work along with, but if not, just sing and do the best you can to move up and down the scale.

Play around with the placement of the sound inside your head.  You will be surprised when you realize how you can project the sound and vibration in your face and head.  Brighter notes are projected to the nasal cavity, higher notes should be projected to the top of the inside of your head.  If you practice, you will learn how to do this and learn what sounds good.

There are more vocal and breathing exercises available on the CD. 

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