The Power of “U”: The Foundational Vowel in the Melocchi School
One of the defining principles of the Melocchi school of voice training is its focus on achieving a fully lowered larynx—a key element in building a powerful, resonant, and stable operatic voice. To develop this technique, students begin with a single tool: the vowel “U.”
During the initial phase of training, only the “U” vowel is used. Open vowels are avoided at first because they do not reliably maintain a low larynx. The correctly formed “U” must be pure and deep. Any tendency toward “O” or “A” will cause the larynx to rise and the throat to close. When done properly, the “U” vowel naturally lifts the soft palate and fully lowers the larynx, opening the pharynx—the voice’s primary resonating chamber.
While practicing this vowel, the singer should feel as if they are inhaling the sound, drawing it inward and downward. This internal sensation promotes a continuous, stable laryngeal position as the singer ascends the scale. Any effort to project the sound forward or into the “mask” interferes with this positioning and closes the resonator. These exercises must be done under the guidance of a qualified teacher and continued until the singer can maintain this laryngeal posture throughout their full vocal range. When successful, the result is a voice that is smooth and unified from bottom to top.
Another major benefit of starting with the “U” vowel is how it simplifies the notoriously difficult passaggio. Since “U” is already a closed vowel, there is no need to “cover” or modify it during the transition between vocal registers. With a stable larynx, the cricothyroid muscles can stretch the vocal cords freely without compromising the open throat. This allows the singer to move through the passaggio while retaining volume, roundness, and resonance.
Once the student has developed the strength and control to keep the larynx low with the “U” vowel, they can gradually begin working with more open vowels. The goal is to preserve the same depth and openness established with “U” as the voice becomes more expressive and versatile.
In summary, training with the “U” vowel is a cornerstone of the Melocchi method. It lays the groundwork for healthy, resonant singing by developing the right muscular habits and resonant space from the very beginning.
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