The Yodeling reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Yodeling

Yodeling (or Yodelling) is a form of singing that involves rapidly switching from the "chest voice" to the "head voice" making a high-low-high-low sound. It was probably developed in the Swiss Alps as a method of communication between mountain peaks, and it later became a part of the traditional folk music of the region.

To yodel, sing a scale continuously upwards, until your voice "breaks" (switches octaves) into your "head voice" (also known as falsetto in men). This point is your "voice break". Then go back down a note, and up again, over the voice break. Do this loudly, many times.

In "Hodl - Ay - EE - Dee", the "EE" switches to the head voice.

Yodeling has developed in two main styles: the country/western style and the traditional Swiss/alpine style. Some good examples of alpine yodeling can be heard in the songs of Franzl Lang, Stefanie Hertel, Zillertaler Schürzenjäger, Ursprung Buam and Mary Schneider. Examples of country/western yodeling can be heard by Kerry Christensen, Elton Britt, Wilf Carter, Slim Whitman and Patsy Montana. Imitating these singers is the best way to expand the range and complexity of your yodeling.

"Appenzeller" and "Bravourjodler" are yodeling standards which are performed by many different singers.

The best places for yodelling are those with an echo. They include lakes, rocky gorges, anywhere with a distant rock face, the outdoor areas between office buildings, in a canoe next to a rocky shoreline, or down a long hallway, and best of all, a mountain range.

External link

• The Internet Yodeling Course (ten step course with audio samples)

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