Dear Caio and Vocalisters:
You asked: "isn't it possible for you to train not to activate them (adducting the vocal folds)as you push with the rib cages? Can't those muscles be disengaged?"
COMMENT: Yes it is perhaps possible, but not likely. The closing action of both the true and false vocal folds when the lower ribs are compressed is a body reflex to hold air in the lungs for a lifting action. When we lift heavy weights the muscle action begins in the lower rib areas. This compression of the lower ribs "triggers" the closing and tightening of the vocal folds so that air will be held in the lungs as a protective cushion for the back. It the body did not have this automatic protective syndrome most of us would experience substantial back pain when we lifted a medium to heavy weight object.
Consequently, it is much easier to teach singers to never "pull that trigger" by keeping the lower ribs out during the singing tone.
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA Professor of Voice, Pedagogy School of Performing Arts Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011
|
| |