Do you sound woofy? Nasal? Try this exercise – you can find a balanced tone by just holding your nose and singing La La La!
This exercise is a great all-rounder: it can be used right up into the very top of the range, and can help you find any spots where you’re letting your palate drop and the sound is falling into the nose.
It also gives you a great chance to refine how you’re making your consonants – if you find yourself using the back of the tongue to make the L sound, check out the My My My video linked below to remind yourself of the “Two Mouths” idea.
How to do the LaLaLa with Nose Hold:
- Hold the nose firmly, so you’re completely blocking off the air.
- Using only the very tip of the tongue to make the L, sing LaLa-LaLa-LaLa-LaLa-LaLa on Do-Re-Mi-Re-Do, keeping the nose held.
- Repeat, with the fingers released but keep the sound in the same place – high and forward!
- If the sound is very nasal when you’re singing with the nose held, your palate is not raised enough. Imagine biting an apple, pressing the thumb against the hard palate, or adding “oo” to the tone.
That’s it! Let me know how this one works for you – I love it. And thanks for practicing!
Links to Related Exercises . . .
Two Mouths Video (My My My): https://youtu.be/2VIAPD7TIWA
Thumb Lift Video: https://youtu.be/hTxzswvRbiY
Held Lip Loo Video: https://youtu.be/lTbF1I6sscs
Mimimimi Video: https://youtu.be/_lJV5o-Tgsk
