Humming is a fundamental exercise in vocal warm-ups, serving as a cornerstone for resonance and preparing the voice for a challenging vocal lesson or a well anticipated performance. Yet, the age-old debate between humming on "Mmm" and "NG" sounds persists, often leaving vocal students divided based on their training preferences. In this blog post, we'll unravel the nuances of these two approaches and shed light on the potential pitfalls associated with each.
The "Mmm" Camp:
1. The Pharynx Blueprint:
Humming on "Mmm" has become a go-to for many, including myself as a teacher and vocalist. The beauty lies in its ability to encourage students to focus on creating space in the pharynx and lifting the soft palate – a crucial foundation that can lead you developing a beautiful sound.
2. Potential Pitfalls:
While humming on "Mmm" has its merits, there's a need for caution, especially in the higher range. For developing singers, guidance is needed to avoid nasality, throat tightening, and tension in facial and neck muscles.
The "NG" Dilemma:
1. Jaw Relaxation and False Space:
Humming on "NG" can initially seem beneficial, promoting jaw relaxation and creating the illusion of more space for the sound. However, a common pitfall arises as singers may unintentionally train the tongue to touch the soft palate to resonate their sound. This warm up on "NG" can spill over into producing unpleasant open sounds built on this resonance.
2. Compromised Vowels and Register Shift Challenges:
Excessive use of "NG," particularly in early training stages, can pose challenges. It may lead to compromised vowels, hinder a balanced tone, and impede a stable shift of registers when moving from lower to higher ranges with a narrowing of the space for the sound at the top.
The Balanced Approach:
1. The Decision:
Recognising that there's no one-size-fits-all approach, it's crucial to understand that both "Mmm" and "NG" are approaches to humming by successful and talented singers in either camp, although as just mentioned, just because one sound is good for one person, it doesn't mean it will magically work for everyone.
2. Guiding Students to "Mmm":
While acknowledging the versatility of both methods, guiding students toward humming on "Mmm" can offer a focused approach. This technique emphasises creating space in the pharynx and lifting the soft palate, providing a tangible blueprint for opening the mouth to sing.
Conclusion:
In the humming dilemma, the choice between "Mmm" and "NG" is a matter of personal preference and instructor guidance. While each method has its merits, understanding potential pitfalls is crucial. Embrace the individual journey toward vocal excellence. Happy humming!
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