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In vocal music, vowels carry the sound, consonants communicate the meaning of
the text. If we are to effectively communicate to our audience we must create clean,
clear and vibrant consonants.
Never elongate the sound of consonants. Doing so will create unpleasant sounds.
(for example, sustain these consonants l, r, w and notice the obnoxious sound
produced) and compromise the clarity and crispness of the vocal line. All consonants
must be short in duration.
In speech, consonants need not be emphasized but in singing they must be. This
will enhance intelligibility and give the music structure. All consonants must be
energized.
To form consonants, we use the hard palate and articulators: the lips, the teeth, the
tip of the tongue.
There are two types of consonants: untuned and tuned.
Untuned (also called voiceless)
These consonants cannot be tuned to a particular pitch
The sound can be whispered
These consonants require a blowing of air
Ex. t, p, f
Tuned (also called voiced)
These consonants can be tuned to a particular pitch
These consonants can be sustained (though this is undesirable)
The sound cannot be whispered
Ex. m, z, w
For every untuned consonant there is a corresponding tuned consonant that is formed
using the same parts of the embouchure.
Untuned
Tuned
t d
f .. v
p . b
k . g (as in go)
th (as in thin) th (as in thine)
s (as in see) . z
sh (as in shine) .... s (as in measure)
ch (as in cheer) j (as in joy) and g (as in George)
wh (as in what) w (as in wise)
h
(no corresponding sound)
1
Practice singing these words: bed, died, throb, herb, snub, drag, flog, snag