>Taylor wrote:
>> Quoting Zemlin's book: Speech and Hearing Science
>>
>> "CLOSURE of the velopharyngeal port is achieved by ELEVATING
>> and retracting the soft palate. The posterior wall may well move
>> anteriorly to meet the soft palate in some individuals and may be
>> seen as a compensatory gesture in instances of a short palate."
>>
. . . then from Lloyd Hanson:
>Simply, raise the soft palate with the simultaneously lowering of the
>larynx. Establish this feeling then do the same with the mouth closed as
>you inhale through the nose. The palate is still slightly raised but the
>velopharyngeal port is open to permit the inhale through the nose and the
>larynx has descended as it does with the raising of the palate.
>
When a lowly graduate student, I did a paper on the measurement of the
velopharyngeal port for my craniofacial class. Several kinds of
instruments have been developed. The more sensitive instruments revealed
that the structure of the soft palate that is visible may appear to be down
while a complete seal is achieved superior/anterior to the suspected
structures (i.e., uvula & soft palate). The converse was also observed.
It's never as simple as you think.
After doing this paper, I concluded that what I'd been taught by most voice
teachers about this function was only half true--and I've heard it all. I
hasten to add that teaching by sensation is valid and if you get results
with what you've been teaching, then by all means, continue.
Those people who have posted extensively on this list certainly have my
respect. The approach to the anatomy of singing has been well thought out
in most instances and demonstrate good minds and good hearts at work.
That's my .02
Michael E. Chesebro, M.A.,C.C.C., S.L.P.
Voice & Fax: 562/983-9965
Wireless: 562/884-2122
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