Description:
Now for working on those low notes. Often times we overlook stretching our range lower, but many songs require range in the low end. Songs from singers like Adele, Nina Simone, Leonard Cohen, and Johnny Cash will definitely utilize the lower portion of your voice.
First, keep in mind that low notes, as a general rule, require less space, energy, and depth than high notes. For that reason, the instinct to push or scoop for a low note must be avoided. It may be counterintuitive at first, but my advice for low notes is ALWAYS to keep the sound light and lifted, and to think UP. When you’re singing low notes, imagine the sound mainly resonating in your mouth, rather than your throat.
What is the goal for now notes? To maintain clear tone without putting excessive pressure on the larynx. To achieve this, we’ll use narrow vowels and some plosive consonants to encourage good cord compression.
For our next exercise, we will alternate between the syllables “do” and “be”, with an ascending whole step and a descending half step. Try it with me.
Now for the exercise! Remember, use a medium-soft volume. Keep the sound light & lifted, and imagine the sound at the front of your mouth.
[Exercise #3: Doobeedoo]
Lessons:
- 1: Introduction
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2:
Three Principles
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3:
Low Notes
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4:
High Notes
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5:
Conclusion
Instructor: Abram Poliakoff
Abram Poliakoff is a singer, guitarist, pianist, teacher, conductor, and composer. He received a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Arts from USC’s Thornton School of Music and has been teaching music for 8 years. He is currently both the Associate Artistic Director and a tenor in the L.A. Choral Lab, which recently released its first studio album Sonic Visions in the fall of 2019. Abram teaches and performs a wide range of genres including Classical, Jazz, Folk and Popular music in the Los Angeles area. He has also sung with the San Francisco Opera and Pocket Opera in the Bay Area. His teaching mission is to help his students utilize vocal technique to find their authentic and healthy voice while maximizing genre flexibility and a naturalness of expression.