Vowel Only     back to exercise directory

vowel only

By it's very nature singing is a language of vowel. Most consonant with the exception of the voiced consonants, M, N, R G, and Z cannot be sustained. Learning to identify and define vowels helps the vocal line and flow of a song. It also helps maintain a healthy vocal production by eliminating excess tension from consonants.

For purpose of demonstration,  I will use the song "If I Loved You" from the musical Carousel..

My first example uses the phrase "If I loved you, time and again I would try to say". but without any consonants. Click on the play button twice to start the demo. Click on it again to stop it. be sure to stop one demo be fore going to the next or they will both play together. you will also probably want to use the volume button to turn the sound down a bit.

If  the demos don't play it is because your browser wants permission to play active X controls.  look at the top of the browser for a line asking you if you wish to play active X controls.

    

 And now, with the consonants.

  

The second phrase, "All I'd want you to Know". vowel only

  
 
Now with the consonants.



Learning to identify the diphthong.

A diphthong is a combination of two vowels sounds without a consonant between them. The word Hi contains the most common  diphthong ah-ee. Identifying and presenting diphthongs will help in the vowel line as well as produce a clearer diction which will lead to greater comprehension by the listener. A diphthong is made up  of a sustained or stressed vowel and a disappearing or unstressed vowel. In the word, Hi, the "ah" sound is the sustained and stressed vowel while the "ee" vowel is the unstressed or disappearing vowel  In the above examples "I", "time", "try", "say",  "you", "know". are all diphthongs. You may notice that the stress in the word "you" is on the second vowel sound "oo" rather than on the first sound. Another word which has the second vowel stressed are "your" - "ee" "oh". Some might call this a trip thong because of the voiced consonant, "r" at the end of the word.

To be honest, I have found very few students who were really willing to do this work,  but those that did generally improved faster than those who didn't.

Again, Don't hesitate to call me with any questions you may have about this exercise.
My number is 970 667 7593 or click here to email me.