SOVTEs Part III
This week, we expand on the overall benefits of SOVT exercises.
In our last newsletter, we defined semi-occluded vocal tract: partially blocking or closing the vocal tract (everything between the vocal folds and your lips or nose). These sounds create a “cushion” of air above and below the vocal folds and allow the vocal folds to vibrate in the most efficient way.
Think of it this way: If you exercise in water (for example, in the pool), you can get cardio and strength benefits without as much impact as if you were exercising on dry land. Similarly, with SOVTEs, you get the benefit of exercising without forceful collision of the vocal folds. This can be very beneficial if you have a voice injury, but is also a great all-around exercise for your voice.
SOVTEs also help the vocal folds get into just the right shape to produce the most power and flexibility, can help smooth out transitions between registers and decrease register breaks, and can help you get the most acoustic power for the least amount of effort.
For example, in a lip trill, the occlusion is created by the lips, in humming, by sending the air through the narrow passages of the nose. The partial occlusion generates air pressure that goes backwards through the system (from the lips or nose to the vocal folds) meeting the air pressure coming up from the lungs.
This creates a kind of “cushion” of air above and below the vocal folds that allows the vocal folds to vibrate with the least amount of collisional force. Singing on these sounds allows you to exercise your voice in a way that creates less stress and less impact on the vocal folds.
Until next time,
Your SonoVoice Team
Next Week: Next Week: How to Practice with SOVT Sounds
You are a vocal athlete!
Athletes put superhuman demands on the human body. They practice to stay in shape, get better and prepare for the event. No athlete expects to perform at their best without working on their technique, practicing skills, and preparing for the game.
The same goes for you as a vocal athlete. Practice will help you be prepared for your event: performance. Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut! If you want to be at your best as a singer, you’ll need to establish a regular vocal exercise and practice regimen.
In our weekly Vocal Fitness Friday email, SonoVoice's team of experts in science-based voice training will be sharing information about how the voice works, tips on keeping your voice healthy, and ideas for vocal exercises for peak vocal fitness.
