Mastering Laryngeal Position for Healthy Singing: The Ultimate Guide to Vocal Health

When it comes to singing with ease, power, and vocal longevity, understanding the importance of proper laryngeal positioning is crucial. Singers who master laryngeal control can maintain vocal health, achieve clearer tones, and access a wider range of vocal dynamics, regardless of their style—whether classical, contemporary, or pop. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the concept of laryngeal position, why it matters for healthy singing, and share proven exercises from renowned vocal pedagogues to help you improve your technique. If you’re serious about mastering your voice, Ted’s Voice Academy is here to help you unlock your vocal potential.

What is Laryngeal Position and Why Is It Important?

The larynx, also known as the voice box, houses your vocal cords. Its movement and position during singing can significantly impact tone, resonance, vocal health, and even vocal range. Ideally, for healthy vocal production, the larynx should remain neutral or slightly lowered, especially in classical singing styles. This positioning allows for a relaxed, open throat, leading to better resonance, easier airflow, and less strain on the vocal folds.

When the larynx is too high, tension can build, resulting in a tight, strained sound. On the other hand, if the larynx is forced too low, the voice can sound overly dark or “covered,” reducing flexibility and clarity. The key is balance—a larynx that stays flexible and adjusts naturally as you sing through different pitches and dynamics.

Maintaining a healthy laryngeal position allows singers to:

• Reduce strain and fatigue during long singing sessions.
• Improve vocal resonance, projection, and tone quality.
• Protect the voice from vocal damage, such as nodules or vocal fold strain.
• Achieve smoother transitions between vocal registers.

To achieve this ideal balance, many pedagogues have developed exercises to help singers cultivate a relaxed and flexible larynx. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most effective exercises for encouraging proper laryngeal positioning.

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Top Exercises for Achieving Proper Laryngeal Positioning

Here’s a comprehensive list of exercises drawn from the most respected vocal pedagogues in the field. These exercises will help singers keep their larynx relaxed and stable, improving their overall vocal technique and health.

1. Inner Smile with Lifted Soft Palate

• Source: Richard Miller (The Structure of Singing), David Jones (A Modern Guide to Old World Singing)
• How it Works: Engaging an “inner smile” while lifting the soft palate encourages a slightly lowered larynx and creates space for resonance.
• Exercise:
  1. Imagine a silent inner smile, with lifted cheeks and palate.
  2. Hum or sing a vowel (“oo” or “ah”) while maintaining this lifted sensation.

2. Breathing Through an Imaginary Straw

• Source: Ken Bozeman’s work in acoustic voice pedagogy.
• How it Works: Visualizing a straw while breathing helps relax the throat and naturally lower the larynx.
• Exercise:
  1. Inhale as if through an imaginary straw, feeling the larynx lower.
  2. Exhale with a hum or vowel, keeping the relaxed feeling.

3. The Beginning of a Yawn

• Source: Richard Miller and Barbara Doscher (The Functional Unity of the Singing Voice)
• How it Works: The initial sensation of a yawn naturally lowers the larynx and opens the throat.
• Exercise:
  1. Start to yawn, but don’t fully yawn. Instead, stop when the throat is open.
  2. Sing vowels or hum, maintaining the open, relaxed throat.

4. Surprise Breath (Silent Inhalation)

• Source: Cornelius Reid and Ken Bozeman.
• How it Works: Inhaling silently, as if surprised, engages the breath and slightly lowers the larynx.
• Exercise:
  1. Take a quiet surprise breath.
  2. Hold this position as you vocalize on a vowel, keeping the throat relaxed.

5. Inhaling Through the Nose with a Laryngeal Sound

• Source: David L. Jones (A Modern Guide to Old World Singing)
• How it Works: Inhaling through the nose with a gentle sound in the throat lowers the larynx and opens the throat.
• Exercise:
  1. Inhale through the nose while making a soft sound at the larynx.
  2. Hum or sing a vowel while maintaining the relaxed throat and low larynx.

6. Inhalation with Straw Phonation (SOVT)

• Source: Ingo Titze’s Principles of Voice Production.
• How it Works: Phonating through a straw creates gentle back pressure, which balances the vocal folds and stabilizes the larynx.
• Exercise:
  1. Take a straw, inhale deeply, and exhale while humming through the straw.
  2. Move through different pitches while keeping the larynx relaxed.

7. Sirens or Glissandos with a Yawn Sensation

• Source: Richard Miller and Ken Bozeman.
• How it Works: Sirens help keep the larynx relaxed as you glide through different pitches.
• Exercise:
  1. Begin with the sensation of yawning.
  2. Glide up and down the scale, maintaining a relaxed, low larynx.

8. Lip Trills (or Lip Bubbles)

• Source: Ingo Titze and Jeannette LoVetri.
• How it Works: Lip trills engage breath support and keep the larynx neutral or slightly lowered.
• Exercise:
  1. Start with gentle lip trills (like a motorboat sound).
  2. Move through scales, keeping the airflow steady.

9. The “Ng” Exercise

• Source: Richard Miller.
• How it Works: The “ng” sound helps balance resonance and encourages a neutral larynx.
• Exercise:
  1. Hum on “ng” (as in “sing”), moving through your range.
  2. Transition into an open vowel, maintaining the same throat position.

10. The Whimper (Puppy Whine)

• Source: Ken Bozeman and other classical voice pedagogues.
• How it Works: A soft whimper (like a puppy) naturally lowers the larynx and softens the vocal folds.
• Exercise:
  1. Whimper lightly on a high pitch.
  2. Transition to singing while keeping the larynx low.

11. Pre-Vomit Sensation

• Source: Occasionally used in vocal studios for laryngeal awareness.
• How it Works: Simulating the pre-vomit reflex opens the throat and lowers the larynx.
• Exercise:
  1. Simulate the sensation without triggering the reflex.
  2. Once the throat is open, phonate a vowel while keeping the throat open.

12. Creaky Voice (Glottal Fry)

• Source: Jeannette LoVetri.
• How it Works: Glottal fry encourages relaxed vocal folds and a lowered larynx.
• Exercise:
  1. Produce a low, creaky sound.
  2. Transition to light phonation while maintaining the larynx position.

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Call to Action: Want to Learn More?

If you’re ready to take your vocal training to the next level and learn how to apply these exercises or master other vocal skills, Ted’s Voice Academy is here to help! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced singer, I offer personalized lessons and training designed to build your vocal power, health, and technique.

Contact me today at ted@tedsvoiceacademy.com and schedule your first session. Let’s unlock the full potential of your voice together!

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Conclusion

Mastering laryngeal positioning is a fundamental step in building a healthy and flexible voice. By incorporating these exercises into your practice, you’ll notice improvements in tone, range, and overall vocal ease. These exercises—drawn from some of the most respected vocal pedagogues—are designed to help you gain control of your larynx, reduce tension, and sing with more freedom and resonance.

Ted’s Voice Academy is committed to helping you achieve your vocal goals. Reach out today to start your journey toward a healthier, more powerful voice!