Vocal lesson 4
Vocal cords
Larynx
The vocal cords are located inside the larynx, also known as the voice box. This is where sound is produced. The vocal cords are positioned above and across the windpipe. When we breathe in and out silently, the cords are open, and air passes between them into and out of the lungs. We can close the vocal cords as we exhale, causing their mucous membranes to vibrate and produce sound.
The vocal cords are located inside the larynx, also known as the voice box. This is where sound is produced. The vocal cords are positioned above and across the windpipe. When we breathe in and out silently, the cords are open, and air passes between them into and out of the lungs. We can close the vocal cords as we exhale, causing their mucous membranes to vibrate and produce sound.
How it works
- Anatomy of the LarynxThe larynx consists of many parts. The thyroid cartilage, situated around the front of the vocal cords, serves to protect them and formsContinue
a pointed structure that can be felt at the front of the neck (Adam’s apple). Inside this pointed structure, the vocal cords join together at the front. They are situated above and across the trachea. At the back, both vocal cords are attached to the arytenoid cartilage. The arytenoid
cartilages are situated at the edge of the cricoid cartilage, which forms the upper part of the trachea. In fact, it is the arytenoid cartilages that move from side to side, opening the vocal cords when we breathe, or closing them when we speak or sing. The arytenoid cartilages can also tilt up or down, thereby altering the length of the vocal cords. When the vocal cords are stretched and lengthened, the pitch
rises.
- LarynxAbove the vocal cords lie the false folds (ventricular folds).Continue
They consist of ligaments, muscles and glands. On the outside, they are covered by a mucous membrane, just like the rest of the body’s internal surface. This mucous membrane is not as flexible as that of the true vocal folds. The epiglottis is attached to the front of the upper edge of the thyroid cartilage. When we swallow, food slides down the tongue and the epiglottis tilts backwards. This helps prevent food from entering the trachea (windpipe), which could cause choking (see ‘Swallowing’). Once the food has passed, the epiglottis returns to its original position, lifting away from the thyroid cartilage. The hyoid bone is located at the very top, attached to the thyroid cartilage (the hyoid bone is not shown in the diagram).
- Bones and cartilage of the larynxThe bones and cartilages of the larynx, viewed from the back of the neck. The left cricoid cartilage is transparent (circled in red) so that the vocal cords, which join at the front on the thyroid cartilage, can be seen.Continue
SOUND
Sound is a vibration or pulsation of air. The faster these pulsations, the higher the pitch of the sound. Pitch is determined by the number of pulsations per second, also known as hertz (Hz). It is the vocal cords and their mucous membranes that create the pulsations we use to speak or sing. The note A4 is 440 Hz, so to sing A4, the mucous membranes of the vocal
cords must vibrate 440 times per second when you sing this note!
cords must vibrate 440 times per second when you sing this note!
- Vocal cord vibrations and volumeThe vocal cords are two bands of tissue controlled by muscles and the arytenoid cartilages, which are covered by a flexible mucous membrane. This membrane produces sound through its movements, forcing air out and creating vibrations. The stronger the vibrations of the air, the louder the sound.Continue
The vocal cords form a narrowing in the airway (a).
When air flows through this constriction, a partial vacuum is created, which draws the vocal cords closer together (b–e).
(The same effect occurs when a bus passes you at high speed; you may find yourself being sucked in behind it.)
The movement in which the vocal folds close is called the ‘closing phase’ (f-j). The closing phase begins with a suction-like movement at the base of the vocal folds and moves upwards, as if rolling. In the closed phase, the flow of exhaled air stops momentarily, leading to an increase in pressure beneath the vocal cords. The rolling-up movement ends when the pressure is released and the vocal cords separate (k).
The vocal folds have now completed one pulsation/vibration and are ready for the next. This repeated interruption of the airflow by the mucous
membranes coming together creates a series of pulsations known as the ‘sound wave’.
When air flows through this constriction, a partial vacuum is created, which draws the vocal cords closer together (b–e).
(The same effect occurs when a bus passes you at high speed; you may find yourself being sucked in behind it.)
The movement in which the vocal folds close is called the ‘closing phase’ (f-j). The closing phase begins with a suction-like movement at the base of the vocal folds and moves upwards, as if rolling. In the closed phase, the flow of exhaled air stops momentarily, leading to an increase in pressure beneath the vocal cords. The rolling-up movement ends when the pressure is released and the vocal cords separate (k).
The vocal folds have now completed one pulsation/vibration and are ready for the next. This repeated interruption of the airflow by the mucous
membranes coming together creates a series of pulsations known as the ‘sound wave’.
Airflow velocity
For the note A4, the mucous membrane vibrates at a rate of 440 vibrations per second, which requires a very stable airflow.
As the airflow increases, the vacuum intensifies and the mucous membrane begins to move with greater force, creating a larger volume. At a certain point, the air is exhaled so forcefully that it pushes the membranes apart. This disrupts the even vibration, so to produce the note, the vocal cords must be brought together through uncontrolled constriction. Now the singer encounters problems. Uncontrolled compression restricts the movement of the vocal folds, which in turn limits the volume. This is what is known as ‘straining’ the voice, which causes significant damage. Consequently, there is a limit to the speed at which air should exit during singing. Above this limit, the voice does not function effectively. Even at very high volumes, the airflow speed should not be so high that you no longer feel as though you are holding back the air. This is why, when singing and speaking correctly, there is always a sensation of holding back the air.
Maintaining the airflow within a range in which the vocal cords can move freely is a balancing act and requires sustained energy. This is even more important when you reach the extremes of your vocal range and volume. With very powerful notes, there is a high risk of ‘strain’. With very soft notes, it is often more difficult to avoid uncontrolled constriction, and here even a slight change in airflow can disrupt the subtle vibrations. Thus, sustaining both powerful and soft notes requires both physical and technical effort. It is not enough for a singer to be technically skilled; they must also be in excellent physical condition and possess great stamina.
As the airflow increases, the vacuum intensifies and the mucous membrane begins to move with greater force, creating a larger volume. At a certain point, the air is exhaled so forcefully that it pushes the membranes apart. This disrupts the even vibration, so to produce the note, the vocal cords must be brought together through uncontrolled constriction. Now the singer encounters problems. Uncontrolled compression restricts the movement of the vocal folds, which in turn limits the volume. This is what is known as ‘straining’ the voice, which causes significant damage. Consequently, there is a limit to the speed at which air should exit during singing. Above this limit, the voice does not function effectively. Even at very high volumes, the airflow speed should not be so high that you no longer feel as though you are holding back the air. This is why, when singing and speaking correctly, there is always a sensation of holding back the air.
Maintaining the airflow within a range in which the vocal cords can move freely is a balancing act and requires sustained energy. This is even more important when you reach the extremes of your vocal range and volume. With very powerful notes, there is a high risk of ‘strain’. With very soft notes, it is often more difficult to avoid uncontrolled constriction, and here even a slight change in airflow can disrupt the subtle vibrations. Thus, sustaining both powerful and soft notes requires both physical and technical effort. It is not enough for a singer to be technically skilled; they must also be in excellent physical condition and possess great stamina.
Uncontrolled contraction
The functioning of the vocal cords is a very delicate process, and it doesn’t take much to disrupt these subtle, rapid movements. Singers aim to create the best possible conditions for their vocal cords by controlling the flow of air and preventing uncontrolled constriction in the throat. A reliable support technique is vital; otherwise, the vocal fold membranes become fatigued from the constant pressure of the exhaled air. This can result in fatigue, swelling of the vocal folds and irregular vibration. It is very tiring for the vocal fold muscles to keep them closed under constant pressure from the exhaled air. This can lead to uncontrolled tightening around the vocal cords. This uncontrolled tightening can lead to tension or incorrect use of vocal modes, which ultimately causes hoarseness and an inability to reach the desired pitch.
Pitch control
When we produce high and low notes, the vocal cords tense and relax under the influence of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, which move closer together, as well as under the influence of the movements of the arytenoid cartilages and a number of muscles. When the vocal cords tense, they vibrate more rapidly and produce a higher pitch. For low notes, the vocal cords relax, become shorter and vibrate more slowly. This is how pitch is regulated.
THE LARYNX SHOULD ALWAYS RISE WHEN SINGING HIGH NOTES AND FALL WHEN SINGING LOW NOTES.
Movements of the larynx
The position of the larynx varies depending on whether you are singing high or low notes. If you want to produce relaxed and unhindered notes, you MUST allow the larynx to rise on high notes and lower on low notes.
If a singer holds the larynx in too low a position, high notes become unattainable. To reach the desired notes, it is important NOT to fix the position of the larynx, but to allow it to reach the correct position for the pitch. You can then raise or lower the larynx slightly within the correct position for the pitch to make the sound brighter or darker.
The position of the larynx varies depending on whether you are singing high or low notes. If you want to produce relaxed and unhindered notes, you MUST allow the larynx to rise on high notes and lower on low notes.
If a singer holds the larynx in too low a position, high notes become unattainable. To reach the desired notes, it is important NOT to fix the position of the larynx, but to allow it to reach the correct position for the pitch. You can then raise or lower the larynx slightly within the correct position for the pitch to make the sound brighter or darker.
• The vocal cords are located inside the larynx, above the windpipe.
• When we breathe in, the vocal cords separate, but when we sing or speak, they close.
• Sound is the vibration of air. These vibrations are created by the vocal cords and their mucous membranes; the faster the vibrations, the higher the note. For example, when producing the note A4, our vocal cords and their mucous membranes vibrate 440 times per second!
• The vocal cords stretch for high notes and relax for low notes.
• The larynx rises for high notes and lowers for low notes.
• When we breathe in, the vocal cords separate, but when we sing or speak, they close.
• Sound is the vibration of air. These vibrations are created by the vocal cords and their mucous membranes; the faster the vibrations, the higher the note. For example, when producing the note A4, our vocal cords and their mucous membranes vibrate 440 times per second!
• The vocal cords stretch for high notes and relax for low notes.
• The larynx rises for high notes and lowers for low notes.
Manfred Schmitz
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Vlad Eremeev
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All photographs, text and video material belong to their respective owners and are used for illustrative purposes only. Please do not use this content for commercial purposes.
