The sound of hng will always place the voice in proper focus by developing the resonance of the nose and head. The thin bones of the nose will first respond to the sound and after practice the vibrations can be felt on any part of the head and even more distinctly on the low than on the high tones. To attain this, repeat the sound hung times without number, prolonging the ng sound at least four counts. To insure the proper course of the vowel sounds through the nasal passages, follow hung with the vowel ee, as this vowel is more easily focused than any other; then with oo, oh, aw and ah.
Ah is by far the most difficult sound to focus and should never be used for initial practice. Much valuable time has been lost by the custom of using this sound at first. It should come last.
The h is chosen to introduce the vowel sound because in the preparation to produce the sound of the letter h the epiglottis is wide open and the vocal cords entirely relaxed, and because less change of the tongue is required when the vowel sound follows.
Preliminary Exercise
Practise this softly on any pitch easy for the voice.
Begin the tone quietly on an easy pitch and continue it softly to the end. Later, after these exercises are mastered on one pitch, use every note within the easy compass of the voice. Leave stridency of tone to the locust. It is no part of a perfect tone. It never appeared in the voices of the most famous singers. Those who allowed themselves to use it passed off the stage early in life. Much better results will be obtained by practising without any accompaniment. The sound of the piano or other instrument distracts the pupil, prevents both pupil and teacher from hearing the voice, and hinders progress.
[IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS]
The manner in which [Exercise I] and those that follow is practised is of the utmost importance. Therefore carefully note and apply the following: