Singing: Does anyone know a way to keep your tongue flat and slightly grooved fo

Question:

Singing: Does anyone know a way to keep your tongue flat and slightly grooved for a brilliant tone? I can't.

If you know any aids, such as saying a word before you start to sing, or some other method, please let me know. Right now my tone varies from dull to quite bright, but in an unpredictable manner. Unfortunately, when I am singing with the group they are so loud I can barely hear myself, so I can't judge except by the tape, later.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Keeping your tongue flat is only a very small part of obtaining a brighter tone. It actually had more to do with placement of the actual tone. To get a nice, bright tone, you have to lift your soft palete (the soft part of the roof of the mouth) and stretch the sound upwards, as if you were yawning. I have my students touch a spot on top of their heads very lightly, so it almost tickles, and I tell them to sing to that spot. Never fails. ALWAYS keep your mouth very open and vertical, a horizontal opening will make you go flat. The best way to achieve this is to let the jaw drop. Dont' force it, just let it relax. To keep your tongue flat, try letting you tongue "fall" out of your mouth (my teacher used to make me pant like a dog..that was fun:), then slowly bring it back into your mouth until it is touching your bottom teeth. Make sure that as you are singing it stays in that position during your vowels. If you find that when you are singing your tongue is curling into the back of your mouth, try pulling it out, holding it with a tissue or a paper towel, and then singing "ah"s up five notes, then back down. This will "retrain" your tongue to stay flat while singing. I always tell my students to practice in front of a mirror, so they know that they are doing all of this correctly. It's very hard to feel what's right, and what's not, but when you can see it it's easier to correct. One last thing......while you are singing, if you feel anything tighten, such as your throat, jaw, or tongue, deflect the tension by squeezing your butt cheeks. I know it sounds dumb, but it is an absolute failsafe...you'll notice everything opens up, and your tone will improve dramatically. I wish you the best of luck!!