From: john schweinfurth
To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Subject: Re: False cords
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

On Mon, 07 Feb 2000 14:22:48 +1030, VOCALIST wrote:

When you sing demanding repertoire (for example
> opera or broadway), the intrinsic effort in making these large sounds
> may trigger constriction in the false folds, resulting in what is
> typically termed "pressed voice" - I prefer the term "constricted
> voice". This may also apply to high notes and to anything in singing
> that provokes anxiety. Short term effects may include a harsh voice and
> huskiness. Long term result may include vocal nodules.
> David Cox
> South Australia

Use of the false cords in phonation is never normal and always pathological.
The term "pressed voice" has nothing to do with false cord constriction, but
rather with the thickness of the true cords "stacked up" along the vibratory
margin. In this scenario, higher pitch is obtained by increasing the
density, or hardness, of the true cord instead of stretching the cord
thinner. (A more solid, or dense, object vibrates at a higher frequency) We
usually refer to the sound obtained as "brassy." As you mentioned, this is
high risk behavior that can end up causing benign vocal lesions.

I've spent just a little time on the other end of the fiberoptic scope.

John M. Schweinfurth, MD
Laryngology and Professional Voice Care
Assistant Professor
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
(615) 322-6180





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