Related Experiment Videos
Defining 'open throat' through content analysis of experts' pedagogical practices
Helen F Mitchell1, Dianna T Kenny, Maree Ryan
1Australian Centre for Applied Research in Music Performance, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology
|December 23, 2003
Summary
Singing teachers widely use the "open throat" technique, aiming to maximize pharyngeal space for improved vocal quality, especially in classical singing. However, its precise definition and physiological basis remain inconsistently understood among experts.
Area of Science:
- Vocal Pedagogy
- Singing Technique
- Applied Phonetics
Background:
- The term 'open throat' is prevalent in singing instruction.
- There is a lack of consensus on its definition and application among vocal pedagogues.
- Understanding expert perspectives is crucial for standardizing singing training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore expert singing pedagogues' understanding of the 'open throat' concept.
- To investigate the perceived definition, function, and physiological basis of the 'open throat' technique.
- To assess the role of the 'open throat' in vocal training and its impact on sound quality.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- Fifteen expert singing pedagogues were interviewed.
- Exploration of terminology, pedagogy, sound quality, and perceived physiology.
Main Results:
- Most interviewed pedagogues consider the 'open throat' technique fundamental to singing training.
- Positive perceptions regarding the sound quality achieved, particularly in classical singing.
- Commonly cited purposes include maximizing pharyngeal space and/or achieving ventricular fold abduction.
Conclusions:
- The 'open throat' technique is a widely adopted but variably defined concept in singing pedagogy.
- Expert consensus on the precise physiological mechanisms and consistent application is lacking.
- Further research is needed to clarify the 'open throat' for effective vocal training and scientific understanding.