1. Vocal Training - Physical singing methods
One of the most diverse muscles in our bodies is the tongue. This amazing tool not only
helps you talk, but also helps you properly sing. When you sing, it is important that your
tongue rest in specific areas as certain notes or scales are attempted.
The tip of the tongue is the easiest to control, but is not what is used the most in singing.
When you sing, the tip of your tongue should be lightly pressed against the back of the lower
teeth. This will ensure that it doesn't get in the way, or hinder the middle, sides, or back of
the tongue when attempting certain notes.
The back of the tongue, probably one of the hardest areas to control, should be the section
that is relaxed. Once you get used to keeping the tip of your tongue lightly pressed against
the back of your teeth, this should be easier to do. You can even put the tip a little lower if
you feel it's in the way or becomes irritated. So, the back of the tongue should be relaxed,
yet ready for use. You should be able to control it a little bit at this point. As you practice
singing a little more, try to notice what the back and middle section of your tongue are
doing.
On lower tones or notes, the tongue will lie flat. On higher tones, the contrary. When it
comes to lower tones, the tongue doesn't have as much work to do because the lower sound
that is emitted originates in the chest cavity and is formed through the throat. With higher
tones, however, the higher the tone, the more 'active' this back section of the tongue must
be.
Now that the tongue has been covered in some detail, it should be noted that singing is
difficult on the muscles and surrounding cavities and ligaments. However, difficult does not
mean painful. If in hopes of reaching a certain tone or trying to hold a sound, you thereby
cause stress to your neck or throat muscles, you are not going to last long. Controlling these
muscles, as steadily as possible, and working them to a certain point each day, without
strain, is one of the most important factors when it comes to practicing and learning how to
sing. Remember, you should never feel pain nor strain.
Nasal Singing
You may not have noticed or paid attention, but many well-known singers sing nasally. Even
modern day hip-hop, pop, and country stars use some form of nasal singing. In other
languages, nasal sounds are much more prominent. In Spanish, the letter 'ñ' is a nasal
consonant that is pronounced as 'eh-nyay'. In French, the letters 'gn' are pronounced in the
upper nasal cavity in many of their words.
In English, nasal sounds are produced in a few words, such as in the word 'gangster'. For the
lack of a better example, notice how when you say this word, as you approach the end of the
first syllable how the back of your tongue is pressed closer to your upper palate in order for
a nasal sound to be made. This happens so quickly that you don't even know it's happening,
so try to say it a few times. Make s