My vocal teacher notices quite often that I have a closed throat when singing. My problem is I don't have the physical awareness to know when my throat is open or closed. What are some techniques to help develop awareness of how open or closed my throat is.
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1Surely your teacher can explain that better than anyone? Maybe try out a few other teachers.– Dave EngineerNov 14, 2014 at 12:22
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Back in my clarinet days, I had a little sign over my stand that read "egg in throat" . Amazing how that helped me remember to keep my airway wide open.– Carl WitthoftNov 14, 2014 at 14:28
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@Dave My teacher did. I just want to get different opinions on how different singers approach opening the throat.– thank_youNov 15, 2014 at 4:20
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@Carl Witthoft's suggestion is what my teacher told me, too (calling it 'hot potato in throat'). You could also practice in front of a mirror, as a tense throat is quite easily spotted from the outside.– user13400Nov 17, 2014 at 10:01
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1 Answer
One technique to relax the muscles in your throat (and open it up) is to keep your lips together and create a motorboat sound. You do this three times, each time until you run out of breath. It may sound silly but it does work. I had vocal cord surgery a couple of years ago to supplement a paralyzed vocal cord. When I had no voice I had developed a technique (unconsciously) that tightened up my throat so I could be heard -- but after the surgery I needed to stop doing this in order to not sound stressed. I went to a speech therapist and that was one of the exercises that she gave me to open up my throat, and relax my vocal cords.
I don't know how to have physical awareness, although I've tried. Using exercises like the one I mentioned should help open up your throat, if that's desired.
