Simple scales

Start with a major scale which is half-hummed, half-sung:



Develop 'rich humming' by opening wide cavity in mouth (ah shape with lips closed) and bringing sound forward so bridge of nose vibrates irritatingly. Emphasise similarities in shape between the hummed and sung notes.

Repeat and develop any way you like. For instance:


 * raising the starting pitch on each repetition
 * changing the point of closure for humming (mm / nn / ng)
 * changing the vowel (ah / ee / air / o / oo)
 * reversing the dynamics (f > p < f)
 * reversing the pattern of humming and singing (ah…mm…ah)
 * asking high voices to descend a third above the others:




 * changing mode of scale (major / harmonic minor / melodic minor / whole tone / whatever’s relevant to your current repertoire)
 * singing in contrary motion:




 * changing tempo, rhythm, style, breathing patterns