Vocal Course Lesson 2

Overview"what this lesson is about"

Vocal Cords

Your vocal cords are special muscles inside your larynx that make the sound when you sing. Sort of like if you pinch the neck of a balloon to make sound. So you need enough energy on the vocal cords to make the sound, but if you have too much tension, they can get irritated, and they begin to swell up. So the secret to good singing is the Balance Point between your air supply and your vocal cords.

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Find The Balance Point

For this lesson we’ll describe the Balance Point as the right amount of air and vocal cords, which gives you a buzzy sound and an engaged vocal cord. You want to find as edgy a sound as is comfortable and feels natural, but remember:

• If your throat feels tired or scratchy, stop and rest
• Avoid clearing your throat
• Drink lots of water
• See a voice specialist if problems persist for a week

Avoid the Glottal Attack

There is a powerful air shutoff mechanism in your larynx: the Epiglottis. Many singers get into trouble with their singing by using it to control air with a glottal attack. The Balance Point, our ideal vocal sound, starts on air or a little H sound. Your goal will be to find the Balance Point: the sound with maximum buzz and engagement of the vocal cord without using the Glottal Attack.

Practice Routine

Practice Time : 7 days, 15 minutes a day

Work with Scale 3 with the five Vowels:

• Ah (father)
• Eh (let)
• Ee (feet)
• Oh (no)
• Oo (boot)

Find the Balance Point as you practice:

• Maximize the engagement of your vocal cords
• Find a buzzy sound that feels comfortable and natural
• Avoid the glottal attack
• Stop singing if you feel your vocal cords getting tired or scratchy

Practice Scale 1 with the same vowels, and focus on:

• Find the Balance Point
• Sing with your Mouth Open and Relaxed
• Breathe In Stomach Out

Practice and re-record Song 1 working on the same principles