Description:
Time for open vowels! They seem easy, but they’re actually the most challenging vocal exercises.
Let’s start with a 5-note scale on either OH or AH. Choose the vowel that’s easiest for you, or choose the vowel that’s toughest for a challenge!
[Exercise: OH/AH 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1]
Tip #1: Remember vowel modification? In general, higher pitches require more space! So if you’re using “Oh”, drop the jaw and modify the vowel (“Oh” with a shade of “Ah”) to maintain adequate resonant space.
Tip #2: Lowering your soft palate can help you navigate over your passaggio. The palate will need to lift back up to avoid an overly nasal tone; but you can experiment with the height of your palate to disguise your register break!
Now we get another chance to sing our long line agility exercise, this time on OO or EE. Remember to modify your vowels when necessary, and here we go!
[Exercise: OO/EE Long line agility]
Tip #1: Take a walk around the room! It’s easy to tense up on an exercise like this, especially if you’re standing in one spot. Loosen up your muscles and have fun with it!
Tip #2: Try to not think of “high” notes as “up there”. Rather, think of all the pitches you sing on the same level plane. Or, better yet, think DOWN for high notes. It helps to keep you grounded and prevents you from tensing up.
Last regular exercise before the speed round! Using our 9-tone pattern, we’re singing the vowels IEAOU. And take it away!
[Exercise: IEAOU 9-tone scale]
Tip #1: Let your jaw continue to drop as you ascend in pitch. As you’re singing EE, your jaw is dropping for EH; as you’re singing EH, your jaw is dropping for AH.
Tip #2: Maintain a consistent tone on different vowel shapes by smoothly and subtly changing shape. Avoid an abrupt “clunk” from one vowel to the next.
Alright: speed round! We’re gonna fly through our 5-tone and 9-tone scales. Choose any vowel you’d like to work on, or use a vowel combination to switch it up.
First, a quick 5-tone.
[Exercise: FAST 5-tone scale]
And finally, 9-tone, sped up.
[Exercise: FAST 9-tone scale]
Great work!
Lessons:
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.