Over the past few weeks, we have discussed strengthening the diaphragm for breath support and opening up the spaces in the mouth to find resonance. Today, I will share with you about the final element of vocal mechanics: working with articulation, specifically, using plosive consonants to propel vowel sounds forward. In the video above, I demonstrate the articulation of consonants, represented by three plosive consonant groups: “K” and “G” sounds, “T” and “D” sounds, and “P” and “B” sounds. I encourage you to explore pronouncing these consonant sounds.
“K” and “G” Sounds
The mid-tongue group, “K” and “G,” is formed by the mid-tongue coming up against the hard palate. You will notice air exploding forward, separating the mid-tongue from the hard palate. The “K” sound is unvoiced, while the “G” sound is voiced. The special trick is: vowel sounds that follow these two consonants need to be propelled in a forward direction, not back and down the throat. After pronouncing the “K” or “G,” see if you can be aware of the mid-tongue, and keep the mid-tongue moving forward as you form a vowel following the consonant.
“T” and “D” Sounds
The “T” and “D” plosives are formed when the tip of the tongue presses the hard palate, just behind the front teeth. You will notice the air exploding forward, separating the tongue tip from the palate behind the top front teeth. The “T” is an unvoiced sound, while the “D” is a voiced sound. Again, after pronouncing these consonants, keep the mid-tongue feeling as if it is moving forward as you pronounce the subsequent vowel sound. The goal is to propel the vowel sound forward after the consonant, not back down the throat.
“P” and “B” Sounds
The same principle holds true for “P” and “B.” These plosive consonants are formed when the lips press together and the air explodes through the lips. The “P” sound is unvoiced, while the “B” sound is voiced. The easiest way to propel the following vowel sounds forward is to articulate the “P” and “B” using the full, fleshy inside of the lips rather than using the edges of the lips, as if you were imitating a fish.
Further Exercises
If you practice this exercise, make sure to take advantage of diaphragmatic breathing. Engage your whole torso while you articulate the plosive consonants.
Practice each of these plosive consonants followed by the vowel sounds sequence I mentioned in Voice Tip #4, where we discussed vowel sound exercises to open the throat.
If you wrote out your lyrics, as mentioned in Voice Tip #2, where I shared my special five-step process for learning a new song, take a look at the text and notice the plosive consonants. Practice speaking the text while propelling the vowel sounds forward.
I know that this week’s voice tip was a bit advanced, but I encourage you to open your curiosity. Singing can be much easier when the text becomes a series of forward-moving syllables, supported by the breath, passing through the resonance. See if the ideas we discussed about plosive consonants and articulation increase your awareness of vocal mechanics and help you to sing more easily.
