The Vocal Cords & How it all works

Singing without the proper warm-up exercises can strain and swell the vocal chords causing a loss of vocal control and ability. Repeated strain can result in the inability to produce sound and severe damage can occur. Many singers engage in some form of daily routine or warm-up prior to singing; however, many singers do not know the rationale behind choosing various warm-ups or their actual function. Warm-ups should not be confused with vocalizes. Warm-ups, as in weight training, are used to stretch the muscles to prepare them for work without injury.

Special Note:
Remember as you train, you should have your vocal ability analyzed and evaluated so that your routine can be adjusted to better fit your vocal development level. In order to maintain healthy vocal chords and to strengthen your voice, consult with your vocal instructor to evaluate your vocal ability and design a customized routine for warming up, exercising and cooling down your voice.

How it works:
Voice production is a complex action, and involves practically all systems of the body. Voice production begins with respiration (breathing). Air is inhaled as the diaphragm (the large, horizontal muscle below the lungs) lowers. The volume of the lungs expands and air rushes in to fill this space. We exhale as the muscles of the rib cage lower and the diaphragm raises, essentially squeezing the air out.

In order to produce sound, adductor muscles (the vocal cord closers) are activated, providing resistance to exhaled air from the lungs. Air then bursts through the closed vocal cords. As the air rushes through the vocal cords, the pressure between the cords drops, sucking them back together. This is known as the "Bernoulli Effect". This vibration, or the action of the vocal cords being blown apart and then "sucked" back together, is repeated hundreds or even thousands of times per second, producing what we hear as voice. This sound, created at the level of the vocal cords, is then shaped by muscular changes in the pharynx (throat) and oral cavity (including the lips, tongue, palate, and jaw) to create speech.

These muscular changes in the pharynx need to be trained and strengthened for control, power and coordination. With hard work, practice and an experienced vocal instructor by your side (who teaches the correct methods) you can achieve your ultimate vocal goals in vocal training. It is a careful balance of the diaphragm, well trained muscles and vocal shaping that produces your sound. If any one of these things is not used properly in coordination with the other, you will have problems and your voice will seem inconsistent and weak.Set your goals high.. Keep up the good work.. And don't miss your lessons!

With singing in your life, you will never have an unhappy day!

Jacqueline Jax
Director of Artist Development