Vocalist.org archive


From:  Greypins@a...
Date:  Sat Dec 7, 2002  5:41 am
Subject:  Re: [vocalist] Consonants and breath flow

In a message dated 12/5/2002 2:57:16 PM Eastern Standard Time,
dgrogan@e... writes:

"Sundberg says...
Also inhalatory behavior is commonly assumed to be important to phonation,
as mentioned. This assumption does not appear unrealistic, as inhalation
affects the laryngeal configuration. For example, inhalation is associated
with vocal fold abduction and in most subjects with a lowering of the
larynx as well."

'assumed', 'does not appear' and 'associated', to me, imply
uncertainty. i wouldn't argue that inhalation affects laryngeal
configuration, i only argue against breath volume as having much, if any, sig
nificant effect on larynx height. as breath volume is probably the most
varying factor in the action of singing, if breath volume were to play a s
ignificant role in larynx height, it would be the least desirable method to
use in controlling larynx height.

david also writes:

"I think they may be on to something.  I wouldn't want to try to
contradict
someone of Sundberg's stature."

what if he's wrong? someone who is right most of the time is likely
to be wrong at least once and, idiots are even right occasionally (if i were
handing out grant money, i would be more likely to bet on sundberg than moe,
larry and shemp). the merits of a scientific investigation should be judged
solely on the matter of the investigation, not the reputation of the
investigator. the great isaac newton is rumored to have done mercury
experiments on himself. should we follow? (i think i'd rather do red wine
experiments on myself.)

regarding personal experience vs. a formal study: the burden of proof
lays heavily on those making the claim. disproving the hypothesis takes far
less so, my personal experiments tell me that breath volume has little
effect, if any, on larynx height.

my informal results suggest that my larynx drops at the instant of
inhalation. if i continue to keep the action of inhalation going, my larynx
will stay low, unless i do something else in counteraction (like flex my
constrictor muscles). i also notice that, if i 'hold my breath' (close my
larynx completely), if i engage the action of inhalation, my larynx will
lower (it actually feels like it is being pulled firmly downward) and i have
yet to be able to counteract this (i'll keep trying). with maximum breath
volume, i am able to raise and lower my larynx at will, unless in engage the
action of inhalation. this would suggest that resisting exhalation, with
the action of inhalation, is responsible for maintaining a lowered larynx,
not breath volume.

david, thank you for your detailed response.

mike











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