Dear Caio and Vocalisters:
You asked:
"isn't it possible for you to train not to activate them (adducting
the vocal folds)as you push with the rib cages? Can't those muscles
be disengaged?"
COMMENT: Yes it is perhaps possible, but not likely. The closing
action of both the true and false vocal folds when the lower ribs are
compressed is a body reflex to hold air in the lungs for a lifting
action. When we lift heavy weights the muscle action begins in the
lower rib areas. This compression of the lower ribs "triggers" the
closing and tightening of the vocal folds so that air will be held in
the lungs as a protective cushion for the back. It the body did not
have this automatic protective syndrome most of us would experience
substantial back pain when we lifted a medium to heavy weight object.
Consequently, it is much easier to teach singers to never "pull that
trigger" by keeping the lower ribs out during the singing tone.
Lloyd W. Hanson, DMA
Professor of Voice, Pedagogy
School of Performing Arts
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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