This lesson will build upon previous vocal and breathing exercises, focusing specifically on nasal resonance and its impact on vocal quality and sensory experience. The lesson will successfully integrate theoretical knowledge of nasal anatomy and resonance with practical, experiential learning.
In the theoretical section, students will gain insight into the concept of nasal resonance and its role in enhancing vocal quality. They will learn about the different nasal channels and how focusing on specific pathways can alter the resonance and create unique sensations in the face and head. This foundational knowledge will prepare them for the hands-on exercises to follow.
During the practical portion of the lesson, participants will:
By combining anatomical understanding with experiential exercises, students will achieve a more nuanced comprehension of nasal resonance and its effects on vocal production. This approach will foster a deeper connection between students and their vocal instrument, enhancing their ability to control and refine their vocal quality.
The lesson will lay the groundwork for improved vocal technique, greater expressive range, and a more profound appreciation for the complexity of the nasal resonance system. Students will leave with enhanced self-awareness and practical tools to continue developing their nasal resonance skills, setting the stage for more nuanced, expressive, and impactful vocal communication.
Furthermore, by incorporating playful exploration of different nasal channels and pitch variations, students will develop a more holistic understanding of their vocal potential. This may lead to increased confidence in their vocal abilities and a greater sense of connection with their unique voice. The focus on alternating between different nasal pathways and comparing resonance qualities will provide concrete examples of how small adjustments can create significant changes in vocal output, empowering students to use nasal resonance as a tool for enhancing their vocal expressiveness and authenticity.
Ultimately, this lesson will help students unlock new dimensions of their vocal expression, enabling them to communicate with greater clarity, nuance, and emotional depth through refined use of nasal resonance. They will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between their nasal anatomy and vocal quality, paving the way for continued exploration and growth in their vocal journey.
Welcome back, young explorers! In our last lesson, we discovered the fascinating world of nasal breathing and how it can affect our senses and well-being. Today, we'll be taking it a step further and exploring how nasal resonance can transform the way we use our voice!
Through some fun exercises and observations, we'll learn about the connection between our nasal channels and the quality of our voice. Get ready to embark on a magical journey into the world of nasal harmony!
Have you ever noticed how your voice sounds different when you hum or sing through your nose? That's because our nasal cavity is like a secret chamber that can make our voice sound richer and more vibrant! Let's find out more about this amazing process.
First, let's watch a short video that shows us how nasal resonance works.
[ Play video: NASAL RESONANCE - What is it and Why do you need it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC_1K_tzfX4 ]
Now that we've seen how nasal resonance can enhance our voice, let's explore it further.
1. When we hum or sing through our nose, the sound vibrates through the nasal cavity, creating a unique resonance that can make our voice sound fuller and more expressive.
2. Our nasal cavity is divided into different channels, and by focusing on humming through specific channels, we can create different sensations and vibrations in our face and head.
3. For example, when we hum through the top channel of our right nasal cavity, we might feel the vibrations more strongly in the upper part of our face and head.
4. By experimenting with humming through different nasal channels and varying the pitch of our voice, we can discover new ways to use our vocal instrument and express ourselves more creatively.
[Display diagram: A cross-section of the nasal cavity, showing the different nasal channels and how they resonate when humming or singing.]
Take a look at this diagram. Can you see how the sound vibrates through the different nasal channels when we hum or sing? It's like a secret map that helps us understand how nasal resonance works!
But wait, there's more! Did you know that practicing nasal resonance can also help us improve our vocal health and clarity? When we hum or sing through our nose, it can help us relax our throat and reduce strain on our vocal cords. This can make our voice sound smoother and more effortless!
Try focusing on different nasal channels and see how it changes the sensation!
Wow, the world of nasal resonance is truly magical! The next time you hum or sing, pay attention to how the sound vibrates through your nasal cavity and creates different sensations in your face and head. Experiment with focusing on different nasal channels and varying the pitch of your voice, and see how it affects the quality and expressiveness of your sound.
In our upcoming lesson, we'll practice some exercises to help us improve our nasal resonance and unlock the full potential of our vocal instrument. Get ready to become a master of nasal harmony!
Hello everyone! Today, we'll be diving into the fascinating world of nasal resonance and its impact on our vocal quality and sensory experience. Through a series of focused exercises and observations, we'll explore how humming through different nasal channels can alter the resonance of our voice and create unique sensations in our face and head. By developing a deeper awareness of these interconnected elements, we'll work towards enhancing our vocal control and expressiveness.
Remember, this is a process of discovery and experimentation, so let's approach it with curiosity and an open mind.
Are you ready to begin?
Before we start, let's record a vocal reference so that we can compare the quality of your voice now with it at the end of the lesson.
Let's pretend you are hired as the professional voice talent for a fictional audiobook.
Here is your paragraph.
"In the quiet evening, the small waves gently talked to the sandy beach. Each word was clear and floated easily through the cool air. As I listened, the soft sounds of the waves mixed with the whispering leaves, making a beautiful song that made me feel calm and happy about the world around us."
Let's say it a couple more times and listen to how your voice resonates.
What kind of action is involved if you decide to say it louder?
What changes in your torso, breathing, face?
How loud can you get without straining?
And how would you know if you're straining?
Now, observe what is involved in saying it really quietly.
What happens to your breath?
What happens to the muscles of your throat, your jaw, your face?
Notice if the sounds flow smoothly together or if they're a bit disconnected and choppy.
What is the connection between the flow of the breath and the flow of the sounds?
Pay attention to the relationship between the amount of air that you store in your lungs and the requirement of speaking out the entire paragraph.
Don't worry if you can't find the answers right now.
What's important is that you look for the answers.
Record yourself on a phone or computer saying this paragraph and once you're done lets begin the lesson.
1. Begin by bending your knees and standing your feet, lying comfortably on your back.
2. Breathe in and out through your nose.
3. While exhaling, sustain an ‘M’ sound (as in ‘merry’).
As you hum, notice the gentle vibrations in and around your nose. Feel the resonance of the sound spreading through your nasal cavity and face.
4. Hum like this for two or three more exhalations.
5. Notice the vibrations in and around your nose.
6. Observe which nasal channels vibrate more.
7. Gently close your right nostril with your right hand fingers.
8. Force the ‘M’ sound to pass through the three channels on the left side of your nasal cavity.
9. Hum and notice the quality of the resonance on the left side of the nasal cavity and face.
10. Switch sides: gently close the left nostril with the fingers of your left hand.
11. Hum through the three channels of your nasal cavity on the right side.
As you alternate between the left and right sides, compare the quality of the resonance. Do you notice any differences in the vibrations or sensations?
12. Compare the quality of the resonance on the right side to the left side.
13. Alternate between closing one nostril, then the other, on the next exhalation.
14. Compare the resonance on each side of your face.
15. Lower your arms and rest on your back.
16. Notice if you have new sensations in your face.
17. Bend your knees and put your feet standing again.
18. Close your left nostril and hum through the top channel of the right side of your nasal cavity.
19. With each new exhalation, sustain an ‘M’ sound and slowly raise the pitch.
20. Drop the pitch towards the lower range and notice the resonance.
As you vary the pitch of your humming, observe how the resonance changes. Do higher or lower pitches create different sensations or vibrations?
21. Lower your arm and rest on your back for a moment.
22. Close your right nostril and hum through the middle channel of the left side of your nasal cavity.
23. Breathe in through the same channel.
24. Pay attention to the vibrations and how they spread to specific areas of your cranium.
25. Vary the pitch of your voice and observe the resonance.
26. Close your right nostril and find a way to hum through all three channels of the left side.
27. Lower your arm and legs, and take a rest on your back.
28. Pay attention to the quality of your breathing.
29. Bend your knees and put your feet standing.
30. Alternate closing your right and left nostrils with your fingers.
31. Compare the resonance of your voice on each side.
32. Roll toward your side, sit up slowly, and when ready, slowly stand up.
These questions can be asked during the activity or at the conclusion.
Remember the audio recording we did before the start of the lesson?
Here is the paragraph again.
"In the quiet evening, the small waves gently talked to the sandy beach. Each word was clear and floated easily through the cool air. As I listened, the soft sounds of the waves mixed with the whispering leaves, making a beautiful song that made me feel calm and happy about the world around us."
Recite it a few times in a standing position. Pay attention to flow of breath and how whether or not the sounds are smoother and more effortless.
Play around with volumes and go over the questions review the questions you might not have had the answers to before the first time.
Finally, record yourself saying the paragraph and once you're done, compare the quality of your voice now relative to the quality you had before doing this lesson.
Great work today, everyone! You've just taken a significant step in enhancing your awareness and control of nasal resonance.
Take a moment to reflect on the sensations you experienced during the exercises and any new insights you gained about the relationship between your nasal channels, vocal resonance, and sensory experience.
Remember, by becoming more attuned to these interconnected elements and practicing conscious control, you can expand your vocal expressiveness and cultivate a deeper sense of presence.
Keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering the power of your unique voice!
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