The following exercises are designed for the primary development of a correct tone and for the test of the perfection of every tone at every stage of development. They are based upon the assumption that all tones of the voice should be focused and delivered precisely alike. Their use should constitute a part of the daily practice of the singer or speaker. I give but few exercises for each point to be gained. Intelligent teachers and pupils will add an infinite variety to suit each case, but the exercises given appear to me to be the best for initial practice. It is important that each exercise in its order shall be thoroughly mastered before taking up the next. Only in this way can rapid progress be made, for it is not the multiplicity of exercises, but the thoughtful application of principles in the few, that leads to results. The sound of _hng_ will always place the voice in proper focus by developing the resonance of the nose and head. The thin bones of the nose will first respond to the sound and after practice the vibrations can be felt on any part of the head and even more distinctly on the low than on the high tones. To attain this, repeat the sound _hung_ times without number, prolonging the _ng_ sound at least four counts. To insure the proper course of the vowel sounds through the nasal passages, follow _hung_ with the vowel _ee_, as this vowel is more easily focused than any other; then with _oo_, _oh_, _aw_ and _ah_. _Ah_ is by far the most difficult sound to focus and should never be used for initial practice. Much valuable time has been lost by the custom of using this sound at first. It should come last. The _h_ is chosen to introduce the vowel sound because in the preparation to produce the sound of the letter _h_ the epiglottis is wide open and the vocal cords entirely relaxed, and because less change of the tongue is required when the vowel sound follows. Preliminary Exercise _Practise this softly on any pitch easy for the voice._ [Music illustration: Hung-ee. Hung-oo. Hung-oh. Hung-aw. Hung-ah. Hung-ee _etc._] Begin the tone quietly on an easy pitch and continue it softly to the end. Later, after these exercises are mastered on one pitch, use every note within the easy compass of the voice. Leave stridency of tone to the locust. It is no part of a perfect tone. It never appeared in the voices of the most famous singers. Those who allowed themselves to use it passed off the stage early in life. Much better results will be obtained by practising without any accompaniment. The sound of the piano or other instrument distracts the pupil, prevents both pupil and teacher from hearing the voice, and hinders progress. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS The manner in which Exercise I and those that follow is practised is of the utmost importance. Therefore carefully note and apply the following: