Vocal Course Lesson 5

Overview"what this lesson is about"

Outer Muscles

In this method, “Outer Muscles” refers to all the muscles outside the larynx, but particularly the neck, the jaw, and the tongue. Tension in these muscles is the number one reason why some people are unable to sing well. It’s similar to getting a bell to ring—you need to make sure you’re not putting your hand on that bell and dampening the sound. This is why the release of the outer muscles are so important to having a powerful and resonant voice.

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The Jaw Release

The jaw is the major culprit with outer muscle tension. Practice relaxing the jaw as you sing with the jaw release:

• Put your thumb under your chin and practice moving the jaw smoothly open and closed with your hand.
• Practice breathe in stomach out, moving the jaw three times for each inhale and three times for each exhale.

The Alexander Technique

Alexander proved that the optimum alignment of his neck and spine is very important to the health of the voice. Many other health benefits come from good head neck alignment.

• Keep your head balanced lightly on your spine
• Avoid forward head posture
• Allow your head to gently float up as you sing

Practice Routine

Practice Time : 7 days, 15 minutes a day or more if you’re motivated!

Practice the Jaw Release with Scale 7 with these sounds

• Haya
• Oh
• Ee

Gently move your jaw with your hand as you form the sounds

Practice the Neck Release with Scale 1 with these sounds:

• No No
• Ah (Like Father)
• Oo (Boot)
• Eh (Let)

Feel the muscles in the back of your neck as you slowly move your head up and down. Remember:

• Keep your head balanced lightly on your spine
• Avoid forward head posture
• Allow your head to gently float up as you sing

Work on Song 2 and see if you can release the neck, jaw, and tongue on the high notes