Some basic knowledge of the actual workings of the voice is essential to any effective vocal training. The human voice is a complex instrument, depending on the intercomputation of airflow, vocal folds and resonating cavities. Better understanding of them can help singers and speakers make sound more effectively, with less effort, and with greater expressive potential. In the absence of an understanding of how the voice operates, students often develop habits that either inhibit progress or make them uncomfortable. Through investigating the science of how they produce sound, students are equipped with a structure to practice in an intentional way that shows definite results.
“If you understand how to breathe while singing, you’ll instantly have more control of your voice.”Breathing Singing is sneaky because it seems like it should be so simple. Good control of the breath when you sing depends on the action transmission/coordination between diaphragm, intercostal muscles and abdominal action. When breath is controlled consciously, the voice becomes more stable and functional, with the result that students can sustain long phrases easily, project safely and navigate between registers. Good breath control also releases tension in the neck and shoulders, leading to a sound that is more relaxed and full. This anatomy wisdom gives students the ability to work smarter, not harder with their practice.
Resonance and timbre are influenced by the vocal tract, which serves as an acoustic amplifier for sound. The tongue, soft palate and larynx can darken or brighten, make the voice carry more or less, or be clearer, etc. Pupils who explore resonance learn to discern between the physical and auditory senses, resulting in a more assured sound. Being aware of the subtle ways that shape and airflow changes can impact tone quality is a skill that really separates professional singers from newcomers.
Vocal fold musculature co-ordination is another important factor in performance. Alignment and closure of balance, tensions and vibrations are required in order to produce clear, sustained tones. Without the right training, the vocal folds can be forced to work too hard or not enough, causing them to tire out or injure. Systematic flexible, pitch accuracy and dynamic range exercises provide the foundation for developing precision and control of sound color. With time and this systematic approach, reliability will be achieved, allowing a large dynamic range, in particularly for the high notes (vocalisation), to avoid vocal strain.
At the end of the day, vocal expertise is a combination of what you know and are conscious of injected with intensive practice. The best learning environments teach voice mechanics through mindful discovery. By combining science with technique, students not only advance at a faster pace, but also are able to sustain a more lasting relationship with their own instrument. It can work that way, and believing it does is the first step toward growth based on solid principles of anatomy. Knowing what you are doing makes all the difference in the world!