Closing the vocal cords effectively involves techniques that impact vocal fold closure and the resulting sound quality. While the provided reference is brief, it touches on the concept of vocal fold closure in relation to breathy onsets and tonal qualities. It suggests that vocal fold closure affects the overtone production and overall sound quality when singing.
Here's an elaboration based on general vocal pedagogy principles, incorporating the reference's insight:
Understanding Vocal Fold Closure
Effective vocal fold closure is crucial for a healthy and resonant voice. It refers to the degree to which the vocal folds (or vocal cords) come together during phonation (sound production). Incomplete closure leads to a breathy tone, while excessive closure can cause a strained or pressed sound.
Techniques to Improve Vocal Fold Closure
While the provided reference mentions a breathy onset which avoids complete closure, here are techniques to achieve better vocal fold closure, understanding that the degree of closure is what's ultimately manipulated for different vocal effects:
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Gentle Onset/Release:
- Avoid "glottal attacks" (hard onsets) where the vocal folds slam together.
- Instead, aim for a coordinated onset where breath and vocal fold closure happen simultaneously.
- A smooth release is just as important to avoid breathiness at the end of a phrase if that is undesired.
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Vowel Exercises:
- Certain vowels (like /i/ and /e/) naturally encourage better vocal fold adduction (closure).
- Practice scales and arpeggios on these vowels to improve closure.
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Humming:
- Humming can help bring the vocal folds together in a relaxed and balanced way.
- Pay attention to the sensation of vibration in your face and chest.
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Consonant-Vowel Exercises:
- Using consonants like /m/, /n/, or /ŋ/ before vowels can also improve vocal fold closure.
- For example, try "mee," "nay," "ngah" with a focus on clear, resonant sound.
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Posture and Breathing:
- Good posture supports efficient breath management, which is essential for proper vocal fold closure.
- Focus on diaphragmatic breathing to provide a steady stream of air.
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Avoiding Breathiness for Clarity: As the reference alludes to, a breathy onset reduces overtones. To close the vocal cords more effectively (when not aiming for a breathy effect), concentrate on a more defined onset.
Vocal Fold Closure and Tone Quality
The degree of vocal fold closure significantly impacts tone quality:
| Closure Level | Tone Quality | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete | Breathy | Air escapes during phonation; fewer overtones. Example: Ethereal, jazz vocal style. |
| Optimal | Resonant, Clear | Balanced adduction; full and clear sound. |
| Excessive | Strained, Pressed | Too much tension; forced sound. |
It's important to note that the "best" vocal fold closure depends on the desired sound and musical style. As the reference suggests, a breathy tone (incomplete closure) may be suitable for specific genres or sections of a song.
