How to Add Intensity to Your Singing

One of my favourite ways to help singers access more power, depth, and presence in their voice is through what I call the “U-position” of sound.

Many singers chase intensity by pushing, forcing, or over-darkening the voice but true vocal intensity comes from efficient technique, not effort. And one of the easiest gateways into this is the pure “U” vowel.

Why the “U” Vowel Works

Singing a clean, unmodified “U” naturally encourages:

• A lowered, relaxed larynx

  Not manufactured—just released. This added space allows richer resonance to form.

  
  

• Closer vocal fold adduction

  The vocal folds come together more efficiently (not tightly), producing a clearer, more exciting tone with more natural ring.

  
  

• A deeper, more focused sound

  The “U” vowel narrows the acoustic space just enough to boost intensity without strain.

  
  

When these elements align, the voice gains a richer colour with more warmth, clarity, and a bold core to the sound that carries beautifully.

What This Feels Like

Many students describe the “U-position” as:

• A sense of vertical depth in the sound

• A feeling of suspension rather than push

• A more vibrant ring without added pressure

• A stable, confident core to the tone

  
  

It’s a technique that works across styles, Broadway, classical, contemporary—and helps singers avoid the breathy, unfocused tone that often appears when the folds aren’t adducting cleanly.

See How I Demonstrate It

In the video above, I walk you through:

• How to shape the “U” vowel

• How to avoid lifting the sound

• How to maintain freedom while increasing intensity

• Exercises to bring that intensity into other vowels and phrases

  
  

If you’re looking for more colour, more drama, and more expressivity in your singing, the “U-position” is a brilliant tool to master.