Firmness of Vocal Fold Closure Varies by Style
The only internal (intrinsic) muscles of the larynx over which we have conscious control are those that open and close the glottis, the space between the vocal folds. How firmly the glottis (the space between the vocal folds) is closed has a direct impact on the nature of the sound created. For example,
Different styles of music require different degrees of glottal closure to create the desired quality of sound. Anchor points are:
Vibrato is most likely with Level 4, but is possible to some extent with Levels 3 and 5. See the Vibrato page for more on this subject.
- If the glottis is firmly closed, the sound level will be higher with numerous overtones (harmonics); done excessively, in an untutored fashion, this can create a strained, pressed quality in the sound.
- If the folds are held together lightly or slightly apart, the sound will have an airy or breathy quality as air escapes through the folds. There will be few overtones.
Different styles of music require different degrees of glottal closure to create the desired quality of sound. Anchor points are:
- Very relaxed--in which the folds are held together lightly or slightly apart to create a breathy sound.
- Very firm--in which the folds are tightly compressed together to create a heavy belt sound.
- Moderate--associated with a classical/legit sound. This degree of closure produces what Sundberg (1987) refers to as flow phonation.
Vibrato is most likely with Level 4, but is possible to some extent with Levels 3 and 5. See the Vibrato page for more on this subject.
Degree of glottal closure does not fully define a style: numerous other aspects of technique contribute to differences among styles. Furthermore, some styles, particularly pop, use a range of closures. Vocal Technique addresses many other aspects of style differences.
Try this exercise to experiment with fold closure and the resulting sound:
Sing any pitch in the middle range on "ah" ([ɑ] or [a]) using light vocal fold closure, creating an airy or breathy sound. If this is difficult, trying using an “h” to start the sound and keep lots of air moving as you exhale but ultimately aim for a coordinated onset. As you sustain the pitch, gradually firm the vocal fold closure to reduce the amount of air in the sound, creating a clearer tone quality. Try the exercise in reverse, starting with firmer vocal fold closure.
Try this exercise to experiment with fold closure and the resulting sound:
Sing any pitch in the middle range on "ah" ([ɑ] or [a]) using light vocal fold closure, creating an airy or breathy sound. If this is difficult, trying using an “h” to start the sound and keep lots of air moving as you exhale but ultimately aim for a coordinated onset. As you sustain the pitch, gradually firm the vocal fold closure to reduce the amount of air in the sound, creating a clearer tone quality. Try the exercise in reverse, starting with firmer vocal fold closure.