Vocal Tension Release Exercise

In this next exercise, we're going to work on specific tension spots and try to reduce and relax them.

Overview

• Objective: Integrate movement into this exercise, alongside the movement of the vocal cords.
• Materials Needed: A straw (the thinner, the better). Make sure it's not much shorter than your hand.

Instructions

1. Singing Through the Straw:

   • Sing through the straw, ensuring that air is not blowing through your nose.
   • Tip: To check this, plug your nose on and off while singing. There should be no change in sound if all air is coming through the mouth.

2. Head Movement:

   • Start with no movement of the head.
   • Imagine you are saying "no" to someone, but do it very slowly, almost like gently shaking your head.
   • This movement helps release muscle tension from the exterior muscles of the neck, which are not necessary for singing.

3. Slide Exercise:

   • Begin with three or four slides from the bottom of your range to the top.
   • While doing this, maintain the side-to-side head movement.
   • Important: Keep the movement slow and steady. Avoid points where your neck starts to lock up, as this indicates tension.

4. Repetition:

   • Repeat the exercise until you can maintain a steady side-to-side movement without restriction.

Additional Resources

Along with this video module of the course, there's an MP3 related to this exercise. It will guide you through this exercise with actual scales played on the piano, allowing you to follow along.

Demonstration

To illustrate how it's done, here's a quick demonstration using a simple three-tone scale:

• Ensure you have consistent head movement while singing the scale.

Remember, it doesn't have to be a massive movement, small, steady movements are key!