1. Teach Proper Mouth Positioning for Optimal Acoustics
- Source: Titze, I. R. (2000). Principles of Voice Production. National Center for Voice and Speech.
- Relevance: This source explains how the positioning of the mouth and vocal tract shape the acoustic properties of the voice. It discusses resonance and how slight adjustments in articulation can enhance vocal projection without straining the vocal folds.
- Source: Sundberg, J. (1987). The Science of the Singing Voice. Northern Illinois University Press.
- Relevance: Sundberg's work is essential in understanding the role of the vocal tract in sound production. It provides insight into how open mouth positions can optimize resonance.
- Source: Sapienza, C. M., & Ruddy, B. H. (2012). Voice Disorders. Plural Publishing.
- Relevance: This book discusses the importance of differentiating between healthy phonation and potentially harmful behaviors like yelling. It also highlights how children are particularly vulnerable to vocal misuse, and how educators can guide them toward safe vocal habits.
- Source: Boone, D. R., McFarlane, S. C., Von Berg, S. L., & Zraick, R. I. (2019). The Voice and Voice Therapy (9th Edition). Pearson.
- Relevance: This comprehensive text addresses the physiological consequences of yelling versus supported singing, offering strategies for voice teachers to foster healthier vocal habits in children.
- Source: Welch, G., & Sundberg, J. (2002). Solo Voice Pedagogy. In R. Colwell & C. Richardson (Eds.), The New Handbook of Research on Music Teaching and Learning. Oxford University Press.
- Relevance: This chapter addresses how to safely expand the vocal range of young singers without causing strain, providing research on voice development in children and recommended practices for staying within safe limits.
- Source: Chapman, J. L. (2012). Singing and Teaching Singing: A Holistic Approach to Classical Voice. Plural Publishing.
- Relevance: Chapman offers insights into the safe development of vocal range, particularly for young voices, emphasizing age-appropriate exercises that encourage vocal growth without overexertion.
- Source: Behrman, A. (2021). Speech and Voice Science (2nd Edition). Plural Publishing.
- Relevance: This text covers how vocal exercises can affect the muscles of the vocal mechanism, highlighting the importance of variety to prevent overuse and vocal fatigue, especially in young, developing singers.
- Source: Verdolini Abbott, K. (2008). Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy: Clinician Manual. Plural Publishing.
- Relevance: Verdolini Abbott’s work discusses the importance of resonance-based techniques that reduce vocal effort and fatigue. It stresses the need for balance and variety in vocal exercises to promote healthy, long-term use of the voice.
- Source: McKinney, J. C. (2005). The Diagnosis and Correction of Vocal Faults. Waveland Press.
- Relevance: This book outlines common postural issues that can impact vocal health, emphasizing the importance of good posture and relaxation for optimal voice production. It also provides corrective exercises to improve vocal function.
- Source: Callaghan, J. (2000). Singing and Voice Science. Singular Publishing Group.
- Relevance: Callaghan discusses the physiological benefits of good posture and relaxation techniques for singers, particularly young ones. It connects vocal technique to overall body alignment and tension management.
Memory updatedHere’s a simplified and more accessible version of the information for a website aimed at teachers:
Understanding Vocal Development in ChildrenDesigning vocal exercises for children requires an understanding of how their voices grow and change:
Avoiding Common Vocal Strain
Healthier Vocal Practices
Understanding Vocal Development in ChildrenDesigning vocal exercises for children requires an understanding of how their voices grow and change:
- Early Development: The vocal folds begin forming as early as the fourth week of pregnancy (Titze, 2000). At birth, the larynx (voice box) is positioned high in the neck, allowing infants to breathe and swallow at the same time. As children grow, the larynx lowers, and the vocal folds lengthen, resulting in a deeper voice, especially during puberty (Beckett & Bartlett, 2005; Kent & Vorperian, 2011).
- Voice Changes During Puberty: Boys, in particular, experience significant growth in their vocal folds due to hormonal changes, which contributes to a much lower pitch. By age 18, vocal anatomy is fully developed (Zemlin, 1998; Hirano et al., 1983).
- Vocal Health Concerns: Children’s voices are more vulnerable to strain because their vocal folds are still developing. Overuse, improper technique, or singing in an uncomfortable range can cause fatigue or injury (Boone et al., 2005). Unfortunately, practices like shouting, singing too loudly, or singing in inappropriate ranges are often encouraged in choirs and musical theater, leading to vocal strain (Titze, 2000; Zemlin, 1998).
Avoiding Common Vocal Strain
- Inappropriate Techniques: Instructors may ask children to "sing louder" or smile while singing to improve tone, but these techniques can lead to unnecessary tension in the vocal tract and increased pressure on the vocal folds, leading to fatigue and possible injury (Scherer & Guo, 1990; Baker et al., 2023).
- Risk of Injury: Pressing the vocal folds together too tightly or singing without proper breath support can increase the risk of vocal damage, including nodules or trauma (Rosen & Murry, 2000; Patel et al., 2018).
Healthier Vocal Practices
- Balanced Exercises: Modern teaching emphasizes semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (e.g., lip trills, straw phonation) to help manage pressure on the vocal folds and promote healthy vocal fold closure (Titze & Verdolini Abbott, 2012).
- Breath Support: Proper breath support distributes pressure evenly, protecting the vocal folds and ensuring a more efficient and safer way to sing (Colton et al., 2011).
References
load here when finished creating page