Vocal Tip ~ 1 ~ The “Instant Fix”
By Cari Cole
This is a quick trick that makes you sound better instantly so I’ve named it the “Instant Fix”.
Say A-E-I-O-U (watch your jaw movement in the mirror)
Did your jaw close on any of the vowels? I’m sure they did.
Do it again. Watch.
Chances are your jaw closed mostly on the E and the U – and most likely on others too if not all of them.
Take your first two fingers and pull your jaw down 2″.
(or even better – use a plastic bottle cap or a cork (wine) between your teeth to prop your jaw open..)
Speak the vowels again. If you use the cap or cork you HAVE to keep your jaw down – so that is the easiest way to train the muscle memory first.
Repeat again (since we’re trying to re-program muscle memory – the more the better).
Now sing the vowels on one note blending them smoothly one into the other… “A-E-I-O-U”.
Your goal is to keep your jaw open (long not wide) without closing for all of your vowels.
Repeat until you can do it.
Now sing a phrase of one of your songs – and make sure your jaw opens to the same position on all of your vowels. Your jaw will close on the consonants (has to) put on each vowel drop the jaw open to that 2″ position and use the tongue to form the vowels so they come out clearly and not funny sounding.
You have to practice this a bunch before it becomes natural – but the more you do the sooner this new movement is programmed into your muscle memory.
And — you might be one of those lucky ones who notice the improvement in the sound right away (it will sound louder and more resonant with less vocal strain)
If you don’t – don’t sweat it – you will. It just takes a little practice (You might have some unwanted tension in your neck, jaw and throat muscles – try loosening them up and try it again)
The next time you perform open your jaw more on your vowels (remember long not wide)– it’s a quick trick that makes you sound better instantly!
Practice it until it becomes natural!
Here’s to better vocals this month and forever!
Cari Cole: Vocal Coach & Artist Development Expert
Helping artists find their voice, craft their style and create successful music careers
Cari Cole is a vocal coach and artist development expert who has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business. From Grammy winners and American Idol finalists to rock star legends and emerging artists, Cari’s formula works.
