#1 [url]

Jul 15 06 1:02 PM

Re: whistle

Well, as far as the Tongue Trills go, I just today learned how to do them the way you're doing them, and I say that it is hard to keep it going. The way you're doing them, I believe, the tip of your tongue just sorta stays at the roof of your mouth while the rest of the tongue vibrates. But, the right way is sorta different: The whole tongue vibrates, and it's much easier to do and sustain. The result of this different trill should nearly automatically produce more of a D sound. But, if it doesn't, just try to make it sound more like "duh" and it should be right.

The Trills should be most easily done when your mouth is in a normal position, without muscles pulling your face around in various directions. If you simply close your mouth normally, then let your jaw drop by gravity, that's the position your mouth should be in. :) Also, you add a dopey sound to both the Lip Rolls and Tongue Trills.

As far as I know, falsetto is usually activated because there's lots of strain on your vocal cords, so they just sorta seperate and release the tension. If you can be relaxed, without the muscles outside of your larynx being used, and with a dopey sound or cry, doing scale work, you should eventually get to head voice. Just don't push or go beyond what is comfortable. If it hurts, stop. You'll get to where it doesn't hurt eventually.

Head voice should feel somewhat like falsetto, except more connected. If you pay attention, you should be able to tell what I mean. Head voice will sound fuller and cleaner and clearer and stronger than falsetto, especially as you strengthen it with scale work and such. Remember, your vocal cords are muscles too, they need conditioning, except pain doesn't equal gain in this case. ;)

...Oh, and your range. Don't worry about it. Often times the less you think about doing better, the better you do. If you keep doing what's right, your range will improve. Just don't expect it to simply come to you in a day. You've got to work at it somewhat. But, work can be fun, right? Of course it can! So let the fun begin! :D