When listening to samples isn’t enough! We are offering free downloads of specific exercises. It gives you a way to experience our vocalises and it give us a way to demonstrate their fine qualities to you!
Humming the Blues is a fine example of how fun, vocalizing can be. First of all, you have the big band backup and after you feel you’ve mastered the exercise, you can go to the instrumental guide only track.
For years, I had no idea why my voice teachers asked me to hum. I kept wondering, what is this really accomplishing? Years later, I began to appreciate the benefits of humming. Especially if it is done correctly. Allow me to explain. When I go around the house humming, I don’t play much attention to how I’m doing it but if I start to pay attention, then the benefits become apparent. Pay attention to WHAT?! Okay here we go.
Pay attention to your breathing. Humming the Blues consists of two short phrases and one long phrase. I recommend breathing after each phrase. Not because you need to, but because it allows you to notice in the inflow and out flow of air. Notice how easy a breath can be taken to accomplish a short phrase and how breathing for a slightly longer phrase takes in a little more air.
Resonance: This is the main reason for the humming vocalise. The melody starts on a B flat, medium low in the range of the average person. In fact, it will probably be in your speaking range -sooo—the first phrase can be experienced with the Breath hitting right behind the lips and teeth. For most people, the tickling and buzzing sensation is rather intense.
Here’s what people don’t like, besides the physical sensation, the aural or hearing of this does NOT sound good to the singer. But let me remind you, you are not singing for you own ears (at least I hope not), you are singing for the audiences ears and they are really going to dig the increased resonance they hear. But, don’t take my word for it, record yourself and listen back.
NEXT–when the key changes, the breath also changes so that your physical sensations change. As you approach more of you middle range, you will probably feel the buzzing and tickling around the upper lip/nose area. When you get to the highest note, the breath pressure against the sinuses can get really intense. Some people even say it makes them kind of dizzy. But hey, we’re singers after all:)
This may sound easy and it is after you get it- but there is ONE BIG road block in the way and that is the TONGUE!!! Your ultimate goal should be to do this entire exercise with absolutely NO TONGUE TENSION. Here’s how you get in touch with tongue tension. Place your thumb under your chin, way back to where you can feel the tongue move when you swallow. Notice how after you swallow, the tongue becomes soft and pliable. THAT’S the way you want to keep it when your are HUMMING THE BLUES! You heard me right. No tension, on high notes or any notes. If you are able to accomplish this task, you will feel your breath kick in and move through the vocal cords into the mask of the face and create the best RESONANCE you’ve ever heard.
