--- In vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com, "user3095d"
<user3095d@y...> quoted an author:
> "The modes of vibration of two oscillators (left and right vocal
> folds) have to be entrained (drawn into synchrony and rhythm) by a
> common airflow to produce nearly periodic vibration. Unfortunately,
> there is often an asymmetry in the larynx that causes
> desynchronization of the vocal fold movement. The result is the
> emergence of subharmonics and low frewquency modulations
> (bifurcations) that are perceived as roughness or unsteadiness in
the
> voice"
Its too bad that the original author did not take the time to
describe these asymmetries. :-( However, I think its fair to say
that we _all_ have asymmetries, to a greater or lesser extent.
Cartilaginous structures, muscles, nerves, blood supply... these are
not in _perfect_ lateral symmetry in any individual. To me, its a
question as to the extent, and whether it really has an undesirable
effect on singing.
I do not think that small asymmetries have an undesirable effect.
They _may_ contribute to the individual nature of voices, making them
distinct. I do think, though, that large differences, especially in
the horizontal laryngeal position, the overall geometry of the
larynx, and the intrinsic muscles can have the effect the author
describes. Of these three, the ones you can remediate with speech
and voice training are the horizontal laryngeal position, and the
strength of the intrinsic muscles.
To get some basis for further thought, I think you should ask your
doctor what the actual asymmetry is... cartilege, muscle or
positioning of the larynx itself.
You mentioned in an earlier post that you go to a voice coach. Though
I am really meddling now, I think you should expect your singing
teacher to help you get your technique firmly in order, so that you
can know fairly well what your voice can do with what you have
today. Its been my experience that _very_ many vocal problems
(including strange sounds) melt away as the result of seemingly
subtle changes in technique, especially when it comes to breath
energy. Learning to sing well will help bring into workable balance
the muscle groups.
Here is a story of hope: After Graduate school, I attended a 3-week
Oren Brown Vocal Workshop in Amherst, MA. While there, a wonderfully
exotic soprano sang 'Vissi D'arte' from Tosca for the assembled Class.
It was a captivatingly expressive performance. While some of of her
onsets were a little less than smooth, the overall effect was
compelling, and the climax of the piece was glorious.
Then, Dr. Brown asked her to tell her story. When younger, she had
had a heart problem, and it had pinched the Superior Laryngeal Nerve
to the point that it paralyzed completely and permanently one vocal
chord... more properly, the Thyro-arytenoid on one side would no
longer flex as a result of nerve damage. Disaster for a singer,
right? No! Through voice and singing therapy she had been able to
adjust her technique so that the 'limp' vocal chord was approximated
with the other, and she could sing.
The moral I gleaned from the story is this: If she could learn to do
THAT, I should always be hopeful that those with lesser problems can
overcome them with concerted, effective effort. It fuels my
fundamental optimism that very much can be accomplished vocally when
good technique is used.
Best Regards,
Steven Fraser
|
