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Unit 2 · The slow stream

Trill the hill

On a lip trill or "vv", step up five notes and back down in one breath, keeping the buzz even while the pitch moves. First with the guide, then alone. Free.

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More in The slow stream

What it teaches

The air stays even while the pitch moves: up to so and back, in one breath.

A lip trill or "vv". Whichever buzzes easily

Up and back. Do to so and home

One breath. Even all the way

What you sing

  1. With the guide: step up do, re, mi, fa, so and back down, on a trill or "vv", in one breath. Step, don't glide.
  2. Now on your own, in one breath. Did the buzz keep going all the way? That's yours to hear: we hear the notes.

Singing safely

Don't lock your stomach. Stop if you feel dizzy, wheezy or tight, and sit for long holds. With asthma, another lung or heart condition, or if pregnant, keep holds short and easy. Skip it when hoarse or ill.

Free tools by Stackapella

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Stackapella teaches you to sing harmony one part at a time, right in your browser.

Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up.
  • A guide sings your partHear your line over the others, slow it down, then take your turn.
  • Your notes light upEach note shows where you landed, and a hint when to go up or down.
  • Record every part yourselfStack your takes in time until you're the whole choir.
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