Muscle Function
Which muscle is responsible for abducting the vocal folds?
PCA - Posterior Cricoarytenoid
A singer is breathy, what is not happening to the glottis?
Full Closure is not occurring.
Which muscle group is positioned between the arytenoid cartilages?
Interarytenoids
What is the best way to breathe?
What does SOVT stand for?
Semi-occluded Vocal Tract (Exercise)
Which muscle is responsible for depressing and protruding the tongue
Genioglossus
Which muscle group is the primary culprit for a swallowed tone?
The Tongue
What is the only fully circumferential structure in the throat?
Cricoid Cartilage
A singer is suffering from a cold and taking a nasal decongestant (dries up mucus), why is understanding basic vocal fold histology helpful when working with this student?
Hydration for the voice is managed by the Epithelial Layer of the vocal fold.
The vocal ligament (Epithelial layer and lamina propria) are comprised of mucosal tissue.
What provides sensation and innervates the CT?
Superior Laryngeal Branch of the Vagus Nerve
Which two muscles are primary for inhalation?
Diaphragm and External Intercostal
A singer is working on "Think of Me" from Phantom of the opera. What kind of breath should they utilize and why?
A low classically influenced breath.
Phantom of the Opera, though a musical, is rooted in classical and requires a "legit" vocal technique/production.
What is responsible for keeping food and liquids out of the larynx/trachea?
Epiglottis.
Why as teachers do we work so hard to hone our ears to hear problematic technique?
We cannot see the voice or the inner mechanics of the singer. Thus, we have to rely on our ears to hear what is happening inside the voice and use visual clues to help guide the ears.
What are the three phases of exhalation?
1. Release of the diaphragm, natural elastic recoil of the lungs, and gravity
2. Addition of Thoracic Muscles
3. Addition of the Abdominal Muscles
Which muscle contracts to produce higher pitches?
Cricothyroid
A singer is pitchy, what are three points to check on?
Breath support (too high or too low?)
Is there Tongue Tension?
How is their Alignment?
These muscles are innervated by the recurrent branch of the laryngeal nerve.
Thyroarytenoid
Lateral Cricoarytenoid
Interarytenoids
Posterior Cricoarytenoid
A singer developed a node, what exercises do you focus on for rehabilitation?
SOVTs and focus on reducing tension.
(It is SUPER important to check with the student regarding directives from their ENT and stay within those guidelines. Even if you think the singer can handle more, do not push them outside of the ENT's boundaries.)
Which nerve innervates the larynx? What are the two branches?
What is the function of the Quadratus Lumborum?
Contracts to depress the lower ribs.
If a singer needs to work on achieving a full glottal closure, which exercises would best target the weak muscles?
Staccato and Coup de la Glotte
What are the three structures responsible for the larynx's shape?
Thyroid Cartilage
Cricoid Cartilage
Arytenoid Cartilage
A singer has asthma and is struggling to make it through phrases...what should you suggest as a starting point?
Taking a smaller breath!
What part of the vocal structure is responsible for navigating the passagio?
Lamina propria