Dear All:

OK, this only tangentially falls within the ChoralNet paradigm, but I think some (or one) of you might be able to confirm what I am seeing/hearing.

 

In one aspect of my life, I am a Hebrew tutor, specializing in pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring. Three weeks ago and before, as a Boy Soprano, this one student had absolutely pristine vocal production for his Hebrew... all letters, all words... probably as good as I have ever heard. Starting about two weeks ago (plus or minus), his voice started to drop... like a rock.

 

Now, the "ch" letters, the "chet" and "chaf" (pronounced as in "Bach") are almost impossible for the student to pronounce with any accuracy, whether in reading or chanting/singing. Either the "ch" sounds come out with too much "ch" or they come out with a 'normal' "h" sound. This is frustrating to my student -- literally three weeks ago, this student had really great Hebrew prononciation -- and the family is wondering if there is something wrong.

 

I told him, and his mother, that this is all normal and not to worry, and just not to push the issue with his voice. (BTW, the older brother's voice did not go through these issues...) The younger brother's vocal cords are thickening and the body just needs time to wait until they are done growing. Then, the vocal apparatus will relearn to produce this "ch" sound. So far, this is the only vocal sound from the student that is experiencing this issue.

 

Any of you middle school vocal music teachers think I am right or wrong? Any thoughts or suggestions for him?

 

Ron Isaacson

Germantown, MD