The Five Steps Necessary to Produce Quality Tone

by Bud Miller, Music VP, Cherry Hills NJ -- part 5 of 5
submitted by Milt Weisman, editor/publisher, Cherry Hill NJ Tru-Notes

The fifth and last lesson in this series on producing good tone will deal with the proper release of the tone. Just as you must have good posture, breathe correctly, start the tone properly and sustain the tone correctly, you must also be able to release the tone with finesse. The best way to do this is to let the vocal folds open to release the tone by allowing air to pass between the folds as they open and relax.

A singer may either inhale or exhale to accomplish the task. I think it is preferable to release by inhaling because it prepares the throat for the next phrase. The breath which releases the end of one phrase actually is the breath which initiates the next phrase; there is usually not time for anything else. Upon those occasional situations where we want a special effect, a different technique can be employed.

Here is a drill:

  1. Sing a long tone. At the end of the note, quickly diminish the volume.

  2. Quickly release pressure and inhale.

  3. Do not take much time when you diminish the tone. When done properly you produce a "tear-drop" effect as the tone diminishes quickly.

If this technique is used it allows the director to accomplish his job with much less arm-waving. In many cases, you would release the tone on the director's upbeat, breathe on the downbeat, and sing on the next downbeat. In a very fast song you could simply release and breathe on the upbeat and be ready for the next downbeat. What you want to avoid is stopping the tone so it sounds abrupt and choppy as it does when you simply clamp the valve shut. Do not squeeze the vocal folds together at the end of the phrase; this causes change of vocal color, change of vowel and wear and tear on the voice, none of which is desirable.

As you know, producing good tone quality takes practice on a consistent basis. Each of us must strive to become better singers by practicing those lessons taught at rehearsal and in this bulletin and at the many schools offered by our society. To reach a goal, one must know what it is and work to achieve it. Nothing comes without work. Good luck in your pursuit of excellence!!!!

HR

back to Craft
back to Aids for Bulletin Editors