Combining tongue positions, “mmm” voice types, jaw and neck movement
Combine tongue curling or gently holding the tongue between the teeth, switching voice types on “mmm”, and moving the jaw and neck at the same time.
▶ First, watch the movement in the video
Check the technique, then move on to the explanation and audio examples.
Why practice this?
From this lesson, we will add neck movements to the exercises in Beginner 09 and 10.
Exercises and key points
How to combine tongue positions, “mmm” voice types, jaw and neck movement
First, keep moving your neck slowly from side to side. Hold the tip of your tongue over your upper front teeth and sustain a nasal “mmm” hum while practicing the Goo, Choki and Paa switches from earlier. Keep opening and closing your jaw so its muscles do not become fixed, using broad, slow movements as though gently holding and releasing your tongue between your teeth.
Keep these three points in mind. • Keep your tongue tip against your teeth while vocalizing. • Keep your voice continuous. • Do not stop moving your jaw or neck.
If your tongue tip keeps slipping off your front teeth, alternate between barely touching it with your teeth and gently holding it between them. Continue these light movements while practicing jaw and neck movements that do not interfere with your throat.
It gets harder to make a sound when I add neck movement…
If you have practiced repeatedly and still find it difficult, I recommend returning to Introductory lessons 08–10.
Listen to the examples and try
Keep the volume low and play the examples one at a time to hear the differences between the voices.