Moore Vocal Solutions presents an introduction to vocal onsets.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify the three types of onsets so that you may be able to utilize all three effectively.
A vocal onset is the quality of the first sound your voice makes. Whether your first vocal tone is an aggressive, breathy, or balanced one, vocal onsets happen every time you make a sound.
The child pictured to the right is about to fully press the two piano sounds which will cause the connected hammers to hit the piano strings, sound being the result.
You will experience glottal vocal onsets from the pressed initial sounds made when the letters’A, E, I, and O. “The percussive sound at the beginning of these particular letters demonstrate the glottal onset.
Also, saying the letters’D, G, J, and K’cause the pressed initial sound when the tongue separates from the roof of your mouth to sound the letter. The percussive sound at the beginning of these particular letters also demonstrate the glottal onset.
You can experience aspirate onsets when you begin sentences with words such as’Who, What, When, Where, and Why.’
Relaxed onsets are helpful when you want to create a sound filled with passion, especially when singing about love. The aspirate onset should be only used for effect, and sparingly.
You will experience the best balanced vibrations by saying the letter ‘U’. The letters ‘R and V.’
When speaking these letters in particular, there is no breathy or tensed vibration on its onset.
While singing, the balanced onset should be used 90% -95% of the time so that there is no unnecessary stress put on the vocal cords while singing.
When in doubt, make an effort to sing with a balanced onset most of the time.
Now, you try!
* Glottal Onset –Try to sing the “ABC Song” with a percussive voice accenting each letter as you sing it. Here is an example of Jennifer Holiday singing And I Am Telling You, using the glottal effect from 06:12.
* Aspirate Onset –Try to sing the “ABC Song” with a light tone that almost sounds like a whisper. Here is an example of Arianna Grande executing the Aspirate tone flawlessly over Lovin’ You by Minnie Ripperton.
* Balanced Onset- Try to sing the “Alphabet Song” with a smooth and coordinated tone. Here is an example of Usher singing the “ABC Song” with movement, and a steady flow of balanced onsets.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ashton Nickolas Moore has expanded his love for music across the ocean to Japan. He began his musical endeavors as a young boy on Detroit’s west side taking lessons in violin, piano, percussion, and voice. He continued his love for musical knowledge at Michigan State University where he graduated with a Bachelor or Arts, and masters in Jazz Studies in 2005 and 2008, respectfully. He has performed with jazz greats such as
Jon Hendricks, Rodney Whitaker, Wycliffe Gordon, Cyrus Chestnut, Christian McBride and Dianne Reeves. In January of 2005 Ashton performed two concerts of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Goin’ On Suite at Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club in Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York, NY.
In October 2008, he was asked by the State of Michigan to perform the national anthem for then Senator, now Past President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign trail in Lansing, MI. From
2008-2021, Ashton lived and worked in the Tokyo area as a professional singer, vocal instructor,
and songwriter. While humbled by many experiences overseas such as working and performing for brands such as Honda, Global Dining, as well as high-end fashion brands.
Ashton has gained the experience and confidence to perform as a true world-class musician.
Follow Ashton Moore:
Website: https://ashtonmooremusic.com/
Ashton’s Singing Cafe’: ashtonsingingcafe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonsensei
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonsensei
