As some of you might recall, I have been dealing with a larynx problem for over a year now. A problem that has kept me from
Ruthie Rosauer
singing for quite some time. I received a ‘second opinion’ from an Ear, Nose, Throat doctor this Spring who said my problem is actually acid reflux, which goes up to my larynx and causes granuloma and lesions — even though I have no symptoms of heartburn. I have had, however, a great deal of throat clearing; which I understand is also a sign of acid reflux. And the vocal equivalent of hitting your vocal folds (cords) with a ball peen hammer.
I am now on Nexium for the acid reflux (not happy about the potential side effects) and working with a Vocal Coach, Dr. Sharon Radionoff, who specializes in singers with medical problems that affect their voices. I have had seven sessions with her so far. The first five were dedicated entirely to a) breathing technique and b) consonants. No opportunity to ‘buy a vowel’ yet!
I thought I’d share with you a little of what I am learning. First, although I have always known there was a physiological component to singing (witness the wicked effect of mucus on the voice, the raked raw feeling of a throat after prolonged coughing, or the inability to take a good deep breath due to fluid in the lungs) I always thought this component was strictly those parts of the body directly involved in sound production — like my throat and lungs. However, I am learning that the entire body is my ‘instrument.’
In years past choir directors would admonish me, “Sit up straight!” And so I stuck out my chest and arched my back to show him/her that I was making a genuine effort to sit up straight. I wasn’t, though. Sitting like that is “overextension.” The goal is to sit with a back that is literally straight. It is helpful to use a mirror to know when you are sitting straight, because all my life I have been ‘overextending’ instead.
Another thing I have been doing wrong is holding my chin up when I sing (‘elevation’). This might be the result of trying to look at the printed music through my bifocals. Although you don’t want to tuck your chin downward into your chest, the chin should not be sticking out. Nor should you be ‘leading’ with your chin (‘protrustion’). As I became aware of sitting and standing ‘straight’ and not sticking my chin up or out — I began to notice that I had poor posture all day long!!! Walking the dog, talking to a friend, standing at a kitchen counter . . . I was constantly leaning forward! I also have had chronic neck pain and discomfort for several years. I’m sure there is a correlation.
The muscles in the neck affect the muscles and cartilage ‘inside’ the throat — which in turn affect the shape, position and tension of the vocal folds (cords) — which affect your vocal quality. So the first job for me in learning to sing again has been to learn how to ‘sit up straight’ and how to position my head.
In Singing Meditation we do not teach vocal technique, or offer voice instruction. But so many of us have problems with our voices/necks from time to time that I thought some of you might find this of interest. These are relatively simple adjustments to make once we become aware of them.
If you would like to read more about correct posture and breathing, Dr. Radionoff has written a book, “The Vocal Instrument.” It includes many helpful photographs. Here is the link to the publisher’s website:
http://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication_vi.htm
I, too, have been trying to learn how to sing the last month or so, after spending fifty some years singing unsatisfactorily. We probably have the same bad habits. Nice post, I look forward to more tips.