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Lesson 5: Vowel Sounds
Once you are comfortable with the breathing exercises, you are ready to move on to the basic vowels. Remember to keep practicing in front of a mirror, and to stop and relax your muscles often. The best way to learn vocal technique is to avoid making bad habits; for once formed they are hard to break. The most common problem is tension in the face and throat, so be aware of how your muscles feel. Using correct mouth positions for vowel sounds can make the difference between a note that sounds flat and a note that sounds bang-on (even when singing the same pitch!).
Exercises
Exercise #1: "Ah"
The vowel sound on which all others are built is "ah". To put your mouth in the proper position, drop your jaw open until you can fit three fingers vertically between your top & bottom teeth. Do not spread your mouth horizontally, or your sound will be flat and sound nasal. Practice holding a comfortably mid-range note on "ah". Massage your cheeks and jaw while doing so to eliminate tension.
Exercise #2: Other Vowels
Sing "ah" in front of the mirror. Placing your fingers gently on either side of your mouth to hold this position, sing on the same note with continuous breath:
ee, ay, ah, oh, oo
Your mouth should not close between each vowel sound. Try not to change the shape of your mouth from the original "ah". Your tongue will change position to achieve each sound (forward for ee and ay, back for ah, oh, and oo). The only movement of your jaw should occur on the last vowel, as it will have to close slightly to achieve "oo". All five vowel sounds should be done on a single breath.
Continue this exercise, moving up and down through your range in semitones. Stop to yawn & massage periodically to avoid tension. This is an excellent warm-up exercise.
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