Methods of starting sound (onset)
How we initiate a pitch has a substantial effect on the quality of the sound throughout a musical phrase. If a phrase begins with excellent technique, it is more likely to be maintained. Conversely, if a singer uses poor technique to start a phrase, it is very difficult to make an adjustment mid-phrase.
There are three basic approaches to sound initiation, plus one special method, the “vocal fry onset.” These include the following:
Coordinated onset should be used for most singing
In most cases a coordinated onset should be used to initiate sound. As noted above, this involves controlling the timing of breath exhalation and closure of the glottis so that they occur simultaneously. The abdominal and intercostal muscles must be engaged just before singing to provide sufficient breath support for the coordinated onset of sound. Even when somewhat firm vocal fold closure is desired (e.g., for mix belting), a coordinated onset is appropriate. The same holds when a singer desires a lighter vocal fold closure to create an airy sound.
Steps to achieve a coordinated onset
To encourage a coordinated onset, singers should observe the following sequence:
An exercise for achieving a coordinated onset:
There are three basic approaches to sound initiation, plus one special method, the “vocal fry onset.” These include the following:
- Coordinated Onset involves inhaling, then closing the glottis at the same time as exhalation of air. This onset method usually is preferred.
- Glottal Onset, involves inhaling, closing the glottis, and then beginning to sing. Glottal tension is eased just enough to cause the vocal folds to vibrate and produce sound.
- Breathy Onset occurs when singers inhale and then start to exhale while leaving the glottis open or partially open.
- Vocal Fry Onset (Growl Onset) typically involves very relaxed vocal fold closure and high airflow. It is a unique technique used for growls and similar sounds in rock, gospel, and jazz styles and may resolve into a clearer tone with firmer vocal fold closure (Guzman et al., 2018). Vocal fry is considered in more detail in Chapter 8 of Vocal Technique.
Coordinated onset should be used for most singing
In most cases a coordinated onset should be used to initiate sound. As noted above, this involves controlling the timing of breath exhalation and closure of the glottis so that they occur simultaneously. The abdominal and intercostal muscles must be engaged just before singing to provide sufficient breath support for the coordinated onset of sound. Even when somewhat firm vocal fold closure is desired (e.g., for mix belting), a coordinated onset is appropriate. The same holds when a singer desires a lighter vocal fold closure to create an airy sound.
Steps to achieve a coordinated onset
To encourage a coordinated onset, singers should observe the following sequence:
- Imagine both the pitch and vowel to be sung
- Create the space necessary for both the pitch and vowel (Chapter 4 on resonance and Chapter 5 on vowels)
- Fully open the glottis
- Inhale silently without extraneous movement
- Engage the breath support muscles
- Exhale and close the glottis at the same time with the desired firmness of vocal fold closure
An exercise for achieving a coordinated onset:
ay ay ay --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sing the same note three times on any vowel with the goal of a coordinated onset. (Your first two attempts may be breathy or glottal, but by the third try you will hopefully achieve a coordinated onset.) Immediately following the third attempt, sing a simple five-note ascending and descending scale. Once your onset is consistently coordinated, sing the exercise without the “false starts.” Notice how a supported, free sound can continue through a phrase. Use a variety of vowels, particularly "ee," which is one of the most difficult vowels to sing with a coordinated onset. Try singing this exercise with a vocal fry onset as a variation.
Some of the additional topics covered in Vocal Technique include: original illustrations of vocal tract anatomy, vocal fold closure, glottal tension, a detailed discussion of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, methods of releasing sound, as well as numerous exercises.
Sing the same note three times on any vowel with the goal of a coordinated onset. (Your first two attempts may be breathy or glottal, but by the third try you will hopefully achieve a coordinated onset.) Immediately following the third attempt, sing a simple five-note ascending and descending scale. Once your onset is consistently coordinated, sing the exercise without the “false starts.” Notice how a supported, free sound can continue through a phrase. Use a variety of vowels, particularly "ee," which is one of the most difficult vowels to sing with a coordinated onset. Try singing this exercise with a vocal fry onset as a variation.
Some of the additional topics covered in Vocal Technique include: original illustrations of vocal tract anatomy, vocal fold closure, glottal tension, a detailed discussion of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, methods of releasing sound, as well as numerous exercises.