Training the Singing Voice - online book

An exploration of the theories, methods & techniques of Voice training.

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CONCEPTS OF DYNAMICS
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at least moderate loudness, helps to build a strong fundamental quality Into the voice. [57]
Unanimity of opinion is lacking on any of these aspects of vocal train­ing. It would appear from these discussions that the control of loudness is an inherent rather than an acquired characteristic of all vocal utterance. If this belief could be substantiated by conclusive objective evidence, the training of this faculty would be superfluous and the responsibility of the singing teacher would resolve itself into a refinement of technical abilities that the singer already possesses, rather than the cultivation of new skills where none existed. This theory of inherent dynamic vocal control holds important pedagogical implications, namely:
1.  That proficiency in controlling the dynamic range of the singing voice is not a product of vocal training.
2.  That the average person possesses the ability to sing with suffi­cient intensity to meet the average requirements of song literature.
3.  That the control of vocal dynamics in singing cannot be disso­ciated from the control of phonation since the former is an attribute of the latter.
4.  That the intensity component of the singing voice is an automatic resultant of the initial energy of phonation and the pitch level or vi­bratory frequency of the vocal cords and is beyond the voluntary con­trol of the singer.
In conclusion, a word of warning is given regarding the abuse of vocal power in untrained voices. Those who attempt to actuate the laryngeal mechanism voluntarily by means of breath pressure and local muscular effort run the risk of straining some of the delicate intrinsic muscular fibres in the glottis with resultant vocal disturbances such as impaired phonation, chronic inflammation (hoarseness), and singer's nodes. Many singing students show one or more symptoms of vocal abuse caused by earlier straining of the vocal cords. It is presumed, therefore, that reedu-c:ative and remedial techniques of vocal study are needed along with other teaching procedures.