AApproach Online Vocal School

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Lesson 1 - Cord Closure

I. Lesson Objectives

Coordination: Develop awareness of the necessary amount of pressure -

and accompanying sensation - to efficiently bring the vocal folds together.

Conditioning: Develop solid onset and clearer vocal tone.

II. Exercise: "Huh-oh"

Vocabulary words: glottal stop, Bournoulli effect, vocal folds/cords,

subglottal pressure

III. Lesson Breakdown

Intro
Cord closure is the single most important and fundamental element of
singing. Very simply, the vocal folds have to close in order for sound to be
produced. However, the efficiency and ease with which they close greatly
affects the tonal quality and health of the voice.

Coordination
Some of my British students will pronounce words, using glottal stops in
place of the letter "T". For example, instead of saying "better", they will say
"Beh-uh". They are closing their vocal folds gently and easily, creating the
effect of a consonant without using the teeth or tongue. This is a simple
way of learning to engage the vocal folds, without excess muscle tension/
involvement of the throat muscles.

Conditioning

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We can consciously harness this vocal feat in order to develop a new

muscular reflex. Only, instead of "beh-uh", we will use "Huh-oh". This
sound is merely spoken in a conversational manner; no excess force need
be applied. Once the "huh" part is used to close the cords, we can
maintain the closure while singing the "oh" part through a series of pitches.

When can I move on to the next lesson?

This element of coordination and conditioning is very important. I suggest

using this lesson for at least 1 week (vocalizing with the "huh-oh" sound,
daily), before moving to the next video. However, if you truly feel that
you're experienced with this particular approach already, move on to the
next lesson while continuing to vocalize the "huh-oh" scale daily for the
remainder of the week.

Common Problems

Many singers simply apply far too much force to the "huh" part of "huh-oh".
While there is definitely some energy and effort required, it should be no
more than that of a comfortable conversational speaking tone.

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