Description:
Flatness can be caused by several factors:
Descending Lines
When the melody descends, gravity can pull us lower than intended. To fix this, think "up" instead of "down" and use physical cues like raising your eyebrows or pointing up.
Song Example: "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Musical Notes: G – F# – E – G – F# – E – D – C
Lyrics:
"Oh, say can you see,
by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed
at the twilight’s last gleaming?"
Musical Notes: G – F# – E – G – F# – E – D – C
Lyrics:
"Oh, say can you see,
by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed
at the twilight’s last gleaming?"
Tip: Think of raising your eyebrows as you sing through these descending notes. Keep your voice lifted, and feel your body staying energized.
Repeated Notes
Repeated notes can cause instability. Approach each repeated note as fresh or slightly higher than the last one.
Song Example: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Musical Notes: C – C – G – G – A – A – G
Lyrics:
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky."
Musical Notes: C – C – G – G – A – A – G
Lyrics:
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky."
Tip: Imagine you’re climbing a staircase with each repeated note, maintaining freshness and stability.
Too Much Weight
Carrying too much weight can make you flat, especially on higher notes. To counteract this, practice top-down vocalizations, and use narrow vowel slides to keep the voice light.
Song Example: "Amazing Grace"
Musical Notes: G – A – B – C – D – E
Lyrics:
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."
Musical Notes: G – A – B – C – D – E
Lyrics:
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."
Tip: Narrow your vowels slightly and imagine the sound coming from the back of your head, using a more "pure" vowel sound.
Overly Wide Vowels
Wide vowels (like "AY" or "YEAH") can cause flatness. Use more closed vowel shapes (e.g., "OO" or "EE") to help avoid going flat.
Song Example: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"
Musical Notes: F – G – A – F – G – A
Lyrics:
"Take me out to the ballgame,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don’t care if I never get back."
Musical Notes: F – G – A – F – G – A
Lyrics:
"Take me out to the ballgame,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don’t care if I never get back."
Tip: Try narrowing your vowels—turn "Take" from a wide "AY" to an "EH" sound, which will help prevent flatness.
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.