The palate can be divided into two sections: the Hard Palate and the Soft Palate.
Moving the soft palate is not a voluntary action but reacts to the passing air alone when you are singing. We do not “lift” the soft palate, but we allow it to lift itself once we inhale.
Make sure to also watch:
- Open Throat: https://youtu.be/e_GnlkN3yMo
- Legato: https://youtu.be/zJLWpY8EgWI
- Vowels: https://youtu.be/C6uRIc443Fo
- Consonants: https://youtu.be/CYWxRwYSi5k
Inalare la voce
Inalare la voce (inhaling the voice) means we maintain the inhalation position while singing. Technically speaking, when we breathe in to sing, the soft palate lifts and the throat opens, we then start the first sound on that position and maintain the constant breath support until the end of the melodic phrase (until we need to breathe again). This means we create a form, a structure in our pharynx. This structure needs to stay the same throughout singing, otherwise, the sound could go in all directions, jeopardizing its quality.
In the “Open Throat” episode, I’ve mentioned the importance of allowing the body to do what it is supposed to. It is hard at first because we want to do well, hence we start controlling. But this will cause us to go against the courant of what the body wishes to do. So the key is to practice and let go.
The following saying is very much applicable to singing:
The best way out is through
Feeling it solves it
Place a thumb in your mouth, where the palate starts getting soft. You can do this in front of a mirror as well. Investigate and try things out by breathing in and out and noticing how the soft palate moves and under what conditions. Within a few sessions, you will get the hang of it and understand how you need to use this task in singing in order to have a vibrant and round sound.
Singing from the MASK?
This expression always made me think of a German Shepherd wearing a muzzle. I do not necessarily rely on this phrase while teaching music, nor do I believe the sound should be concentrated on the cheeks and the lips.
However, the sound should go up towards the head. Place a finger in the middle of your forehead and try to release the sound at that spot. This could also be associated with your third eye, so if it speaks to you why not? Once you inhale and allow the sound to come up (not out), the soft palate will automatically lift itself and stay in place.
The Vowels of the Palate
The vowels are concerned with the soft palate because this is where they are mostly formed. So do watch the VOWELS episode and practice: https://youtu.be/C6uRIc443Fo
I honestly advise you all to watch the following videos as well:
- Open Throat: https://youtu.be/e_GnlkN3yMo
- Legato: https://youtu.be/zJLWpY8EgWI
- Vowels: https://youtu.be/C6uRIc443Fo
- Consonants: https://youtu.be/CYWxRwYSi5k