Description:
Welcome to Part 1 of our Stronger Head Voice lesson series! Today, we’ll dive into the world of vowel choice and modification. You’ll discover how different vowels impact the strength of your head voice and learn exercises to bridge from naturally strong vowels to those that might sound weaker. This is a game-changer for building confidence in your upper range, so let’s get started!
Each vowel has its strengths and weaknesses, especially in head voice. For example, round and narrow vowels like OO and EE are great for finding head voice, while wide and open vowels like A or AW bring more strength. This part will teach you to use vowels strategically in both exercises and song lyrics.
Demonstration & Exercise:
Vowel Comparison in Chest & Head Voice
Example: OO vs. A
Exercise:
Start with a wide vowel like AW and transition to a narrow vowel like OO.
Pattern: YAW 51, OO 151
Repeat Exercise:
Alternate vowel combinations: YEAH 51, EE 151.
Application to Song:
Let’s apply these concepts to verses 2 and 3 of Amazing Grace:
Verse 2 (Original):
F F7 Bb F
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
C
And grace my fears relieved.
F F7 Bb F
How precious did that grace appear,
Dm C F
The hour I first believed.
Modified:
Focus on the EE vowel in "relieved," adjusting it to IH (as in SIT) for more strength.
Demonstration: Speak and sing the adjustment, then try in context.
Verse 3:
F F7 Bb F
Through many dangers, toils and snares
C
We have already come.
F F7 Bb F
'Twas grace hath brought us safe thus far,
Dm C F
And grace will lead us home.
Experiment with the word “come” to ensure it sounds strong. Widen your mouth slightly if needed.
The difference in strength between these two versions is due to how we approach vowel modification
Each vowel has its strengths and weaknesses, especially in head voice. For example, round and narrow vowels like OO and EE are great for finding head voice, while wide and open vowels like A or AW bring more strength. This part will teach you to use vowels strategically in both exercises and song lyrics.
Demonstration & Exercise:
Vowel Comparison in Chest & Head Voice
Example: OO vs. A
Exercise:
Start with a wide vowel like AW and transition to a narrow vowel like OO.
Pattern: YAW 51, OO 151
Repeat Exercise:
Alternate vowel combinations: YEAH 51, EE 151.
Application to Song:
Let’s apply these concepts to verses 2 and 3 of Amazing Grace:
Verse 2 (Original):
F F7 Bb F
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
C
And grace my fears relieved.
F F7 Bb F
How precious did that grace appear,
Dm C F
The hour I first believed.
Modified:
Focus on the EE vowel in "relieved," adjusting it to IH (as in SIT) for more strength.
Demonstration: Speak and sing the adjustment, then try in context.
Verse 3:
F F7 Bb F
Through many dangers, toils and snares
C
We have already come.
F F7 Bb F
'Twas grace hath brought us safe thus far,
Dm C F
And grace will lead us home.
Experiment with the word “come” to ensure it sounds strong. Widen your mouth slightly if needed.
The difference in strength between these two versions is due to how we approach vowel modification
Exercise 1: Vowel Modification for Strength
Let’s practice vowel modification to strengthen your head voice. Start with the vowel "ah" (as in “father”). This open sound allows more air to pass through, making it easier to build strength in your head voice.
Let’s practice vowel modification to strengthen your head voice. Start with the vowel "ah" (as in “father”). This open sound allows more air to pass through, making it easier to build strength in your head voice.
- Sing the following on "ah" at a comfortable pitch:
- "Ah-ah-ah" (using a scale: F – G – A – B – C)
- "Ah" on each note, moving up and down the scale.
Next, modify the vowel from "ah" to a more narrow sound like "ee" (as in “see”). Narrowing the sound creates a different resonance and can help you find strength higher in your head voice.
- Sing the following on "ee" at the same pitch range:
- "Ee-ee-ee" (using a scale: F – G – A – B – C)
- "Ee" on each note, moving up and down the scale.
Focus on maintaining a steady airflow and engaging your abdominal muscles as you sing. Pay attention to the difference in tone between the open “ah” and the more narrow “ee.”
Exercise 2: Vowel Shaping with "Amazing Grace"
Let’s take the first line of Amazing Grace and practice vowel modification for strength:
Let’s take the first line of Amazing Grace and practice vowel modification for strength:
Line 1:
“How precious did that grace appear”
“How precious did that grace appear”
- Start with the vowel "o" in "How." Focus on opening the vowel and using more breath support.
- Then move to the "a" in "grace" and make it wider. Keep the air flowing freely to make the tone stronger and clearer.
Sing through the line several times, focusing on modifying the vowels to find a more resonant sound.
Great work! Vowel choice and modification are key tools in developing a strong head voice. Practice these exercises regularly and experiment with vowel adjustments in any song you’re working on. Ready to keep building? Join me in Part 2 for semi-closed support techniques!
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.