What is the primary articulator used in singing?

Question

Singers use their entire body in healthy singing production. But we must be careful to avoid "pushing" or "tightening" - which only leads to a stifled, "tight" tone - a tone that cannot resonate freely.

There are several "articulators" used in the singing/pronouncing/articulation of lyrics and libretti - but which of these body parts is a singer's primary articulator, that when used correctly, produces a warmer, freer and more resonate tone and also aids in better intonation? This articulator also makes singing more effective by ensuring that the listener can clearly understand the words being sung. We often refer to this technique concept as "good/clear diction".

Answer 1

The tongue is a singer's primary articulator. Not the jaw or the lips. Both need to be free and relaxed, but the tongue is the articulator mainly involved in good and clear diction. Sometimes singers will use the jaw too much - but if we examine a Ventriloquist's technique, we can understand the importance of the tongue with regards to clear pronunciation, and, hence, the importance of minimizing jaw movement, while all along keeping the jaw and lips relaxed. Try saying this simple phrase with minimal jaw and lip action: "Hello! How are you?" Try other phrases - making sure NOT to let the jaw tighten. Now, try singing the song "Twinkle! Twinkle! Little Star!" - and you'll find that you can sing almost the entire song with minimal jaw or lip involvement. What are the words in this song which require the most jaw and lip involvement for clear diction?

The objective of this lesson: recognizing the importance of keeping the jaw relaxed (and the lips, as well). Many singers will "pucker" the lips to an extreme, or they may jut the jaw out - BOTH of these "flaws" could become habits which will need to be replaced by healthy habits and the right "feeling" - and then the tone color will become more appealing as it freely resonates!

Here's to healthy, happy singing! - G Posch, Sept 3, 2022