Dear vocalisters:
Asymmetry in the Larynx and Asymmetry of Oscillation are not necessarily related. I have read little about asymmetry of the larynx but I am aware of the comments from Ingo Titze about asymmetry of oscillation. The latter condition is often caused by improper onset of oscillation. The vocal folds are more likely to begin with a symmetrical oscillation if they are preset to the proper position for that more correct oscillation pattern. We, as singers, have only one method of determining if that proper preset condition exists and that is by judging the results of our vocal onset or attack of tone. The value of onset exercises is not so much learning how to begin a tone correctly as it is how it trains us to preset the vocal mechanism for the beginning of tone. This presetting is called pre-phonatory tuning and it is crucial to developing a balanced and natural vocal production.
Asymmetric oscillation means simply that the vocal folds are not working together, one with the other, in a symmetrical way. The oscillation pattern of one of vocal folds is different from the other. It is logical that this condition will produce a tone that has non-harmonic features and non-harmonic sound patterns do not produce the tonal quality desired in classical singing. The do represent a desired sound pattern for Louis Armstrong.
I have found that onset emphasis is the easiest way to correct asymmetric sound production. -- Lloyd W. Hanson
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