TONE PLACEMENT
Taking the abstract idea of tone placement and replacing it with specific instructions for improvement and understanding.
(c) Yvonne DeBandi 2003

Say these syllables with slightly exaggerated mouth movements: EE - EH - AH - OH - OO.

Now do it again, but this time imagine that there is an "X" that moves in your mouth. The first syllable, "EE" finds its central balance point at the very front of your mouth and teeth. That "X" then moves in a line to the back of your mouth so that the "OO"
position has an "X" that rests in the very back.

Stating the concept in this fashion gives us FIVE different mouth positions or placements that we can use and discuss easily. Say them
again. "EE, EH, AH, OH, OO"

Now the ideal position for most singing is the "Ah" position, or the central "X". In addition, you will want to think about what I call, "Apple Ah". This means your "ah" should be placed and stated as if you were about to bite into a nice medium-sized apple. Say it several times practicing the position, "ah" "ah" "ah".

"Apple Ah" works better because of how the cheekbones become involved in the action. Without the apple idea, many students believe they are in the "Ah" position when they are actually more in the "Oh" position. Don't allow yourself to fall in this trap! Really visualize the apple.

To further emphasize the position/placement idea, say the word "moon." Generally speaking, most people place it in the back "OO" position. That means, if I had to put an "X" at the center place of where that word sits in my mouth, it would be the very back. If it doesn't fall there naturally, try to place it there. Say it again, "moon."

Now work your way back to "Apple Ah."

Say, "EE, EH, AH". Again. "EE, EH, AH." Now say the word "moon" again, but in that wonderful "Apple Ah" position. See the difference? Once you understand this concept you can easily apply it to any phrase you are singing. Now let's make sure you understand WHY we want to do this and why it is so important.

Singing in the "Oh" or "Oo" position leads to vocal fatigue or hoarseness. This position simply makes your vocal cords and what many of us call your voice organ (meaning all of the muscles, membranes, cartilages, everything involved with voice production, etc.) work too hard. This position also leads to a hooty or covered sound. Some young singers like to use this placement because it makes them sound older. Unfortunately, it also sets them up for vocal problems and frustrating moments as an adult singer.

Singing in the "EE" or "EH" position leads to a very bright, nasal and cutting sound that lacks good tone. It can also cause mouth and
facial tension. So we want to use these positions to our advantage when needed, but we do not want to sing with this placement most of the time.

Singing in the "Apple Ah" position is healthy and promotes balanced use of the oral cavity. Learn to raise your soft palate (like you
have the big side of an egg in the back of your mouth, or like what happens when you yawn) while you sing in the "Apple Ah" position and you will get a nice balanced sound. Be careful. Many people try the
analogy of the egg and find their placement falls back to the "Oh" position. Just practice, after a few practice sessions with consistent repetition and you will surprise yourself at how easy it is.

Remember that everything in singing is about balance. If you have a good foundation of vocal mechanics, which includes tone placement as described above, you can learn to utilize other placements for stylistic effects. To clarify, if you can stay in the "Ah" position
as your "default" position and just bounce to the other identified placements (EE, EH, OH, OO) for stylistic effects when needed, you
will not suffer the fatigue and hoarseness associated with vocal abuse.

Finally, if you have good breath control and support, are singing in the "Apple Ah" position but still do not like the sound of your
voice, your issue lies with how you are creating RESONANCE and utilizing your resonating devices. And that .... is another lesson.

Training products created by Coach Yvonne DeBandi. Books, Interactive Downloads and CDRoms available! Click HERE to learn more.

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