From: David Cox
Organization: Arts Management
To: VOCALIST MAIL LIST
Subject: Re: False cords
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hi, I'm new to this list - apologies in advance if I break the
protocols!

"There are False vocal folds but they are above the true folds and have
no phonation function." Barry Bounous

I think that Barry is correct in strict terms. However the false folds
play a very important role in voicing. They constrict to protect the
airway (for example when swallowing) but also in response to physical
effort (to lock air in the chest and stabilise the torso for greater
muscular efficiency). 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.

Prevention - Laughter is the best medicine - it retracts the false folds
and allows free voicing (we know this intuitively, as we usually sing
better when we are happy). That's often why voice workshops work well -
not because the explanations are good, but becasue everybody is having a
good time.

Many thanks to Jo Estill for first explaining this to me (and lots of
other people) and demonstrating the process with nasendoscopy.

Cheers,

David

--
David Cox
South Australia