♬
Hey singers! I'm Justin Stoney
the founder of New York Vocal Coaching
joining you for another episode of Quick Singing Tips.
Today we're hanging out together in Central Park.
And while there are a hundred places in this park
that I eventually want to show you, today we're looking at these really cool tunnels.
Tunnels like these are scattered all over Central Park.
They're a great place to get out of a rainstorm
to steal a romantic smooch, or you guessed it -
to ♪ SING ♪
So that's why we're here to answer a question
from Luk J. in Tromso, Norway.
Luk writes, "Dear Justin, why does nasal resonance help the voice?"
That's a great question Luk.
We've discussed nasal resonance several times over the years
on Voice Lessons To The World.
Episode 2, episode 60, and episode 101 come to mind.
But, I like your question Luk about why, WHY nasal resonance?
Well, think of it this way Luk.
If I go and sing in the middle of the park
the acoustics aren't that great, right?
♪ I'm free ♪
♪♪
♪ Free falling ♪
♪♪
But if I sing in one of these rad park tunnels
my sound goes zinging and pinging, bringing all manner of ringing
to my singing.
♪ And I'm free ♪
♪♪
♪ Free falling ♪
And that's really the point.
For sound to be amplified we need space.
Spaces.
And for complete vocal mastery we want to make sure to use
all the spaces available.
All the chambers, cavities, and tunnels .
Not just the spaces in the larynx, pharynx, and mouth.
But also in the nasal cavity itself.
Nasal resonance is ideally just the smallest drop in the soft palate.
Not too much or I'll have to make you an offer you can't refuse.
♬
But, just enough to make sure that the nasopharynx
and the nasal cavity participate in your resonance
in this particular way.
[ ding ]
Adding nasal resonance has many benefits.
It's an additional resonant source.
It takes the pressure off of the vocal folds.
It neutralizes the impact of vowel and consonant changes.
It makes high notes easier by assisting the cricothyroid muscle.
And it keeps the voice healthy and protected.
That's a lot of clout for your snout.
Now remember we're not talking about sounds
with bright formants like high larynx and twang.
Those things are different.
We're talking about nasal resonance like when you say MMM, NNN, and NG.
Or when you add a little honk to your vowels.
[ ding ]
One of the best parts about nasal resonance
is that it's incredibly easy to practice.
You can sing on an M, N, or NG.
That really gets that tunnel opened up and resonating.
It could be as simple as- ♪ Hmm ♪ Hmm ♪
Then you can use that resonance to springboard into any vowel you're
working on.
♪ Me ♪
Later you can add it to the songs that you're working on.
♪ I'm free ♪
And then eventually-
♪ And I'm free ♪
♪♪
♪ Free falling ♪
♪♪
♪ Yes I'm free ♪
♪♪
♪ Free falling ♪
♪♪
Nasal resonance will help you ensure that your vowels are free,
not just to resonate in the mouth and pharynx,
but also with a little help from above.
Here are some other things that I hope will help free you on your vocal journey.
For voice lessons or Skype lessons with the NYVC staff
visit us at NewYorkVocalCoaching.com.
If you'd like a vocal course that you can do at home check out the
Voice Lessons To The World Vocal Course.
This twelve part program takes you on a singing journey from beginner
to master level vocal exercises.
You can find it at VoiceLessonsToTheWorld.com.
Or, if you'd like free vocal tips sent to you each day
sign up at DailyVocalTips.com.
And now, here's Justin with this week's vocal benediction.
It's very easy to get discouraged as a singer.
It's a long journey and you might have people standing against you.
People who don't believe in you, people who might even say things
to tear you down.
But, whenever this happens you know exactly what to do.
Just follow your nose.
That means to trust yourself and keep going where you're headed.
I'll see you when we get there.
♬