As we're nearing the end of the agility series on YouTube, the final few videos offer a singular challenge that will have a dramatic impact on your success. I don't think I bring it up at all in the videos, so here it is:
Be light on the bottom.
What I mean by this, is that if the scale starts at the tonic, then begin the phrase with what I call the least viable sound.
If the scale starts at the fifth, and descends to the tonic, try to get to the least viable sound by the time you're at the tonic.
If the exercise goes back and forth and up and down; get to the least viable sound each time you're at the tonic.
What is the least viable sound you say?
Quite simply, it's the softest, narrowest tonal production that is consistent with the rest of the scale. It should sound the same as all the other notes in the scale, but just lower in volume, lacking any vowel modification or elongation of the vocal folds if it is thyroarytenoid dominant.
