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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