August 21, 2024
About the Author: Stefan Joubert
Open-throat singing is a technique that is widely recognised among vocalists for its ability to produce a full, resonant, and powerful sound.
This method, rooted in classical singing traditions, allows singers to maintain vocal health while achieving a rich tone.
In this article, we’ll explore what open-throat singing is, why it’s beneficial, and how you can incorporate it into your practice.
What is Open-Throat Singing?
Open-throat singing, sometimes referred to as “appoggio” in Italian opera, involves singing with a relaxed and open vocal tract, allowing the sound to resonate freely without unnecessary tension or constriction.
The term “open throat” is somewhat metaphorical, as it doesn’t literally mean keeping the throat wide open but rather maintaining a sensation of openness and freedom in the throat, mouth, and vocal cords.
This technique is especially important in producing a sound that is both strong and sustainable over long periods, making it essential for opera singers, classical vocalists, and even contemporary artists who perform demanding vocal pieces.
The Benefits of Open-Throat Singing
Engaging in open-throat singing provides a multitude of benefits:
1. Enhanced Vocal Power and Projection
Open-throat singing enables a singer to project their voice more effectively, filling larger spaces without the need for amplification. By minimising tension, the vocal cords can vibrate more freely, creating a louder and more resonant sound.
2. Improved Tone Quality and Resonance
This technique helps singers produce a richer, warmer tone by allowing sound to resonate fully in the vocal tract.
The enhanced resonance also amplifies sound, creating fuller tones and richer harmonics, which are particularly beneficial for live performances.
3. Increased Vocal Range and Stamina
Many singers find that open-throat singing naturally expands their vocal range, enabling them to access higher and lower notes with greater control.
Additionally, by reducing strain on the vocal cords, this technique helps prevent vocal fatigue, allowing singers to sustain longer performances with less effort.
4. Better Breath Control and Support
Open-throat singing works hand-in-hand with proper breath support.
This synergy allows for more controlled breathing, enabling singers to manage their air supply efficiently and maintain a consistent sound.
5. Reduced Vocal Strain
One of the key advantages of open-throat singing is the significant reduction of strain on the vocal cords.
Singers often experience less fatigue and discomfort, even after extended periods of singing, making it a sustainable technique for frequent performers.
6. Enhanced Emotional Expression
Open-throat singing enables a deeper connection to the music, allowing for more powerful and expressive performances.
The ability to produce a full, resonant sound enhances the emotional delivery, making the performance more impactful.
How to Practise Open-Throat Singing
1. Relaxation and Posture
Begin by ensuring that your body is relaxed and your posture is correct.
Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders, back, and chest open. This posture helps to keep the vocal tract aligned and open.
2. Yawning Sensation
To find the feeling of an open throat, start by yawning.
Notice how your throat feels wide and relaxed during a yawn.
This sensation is similar to what you should aim for when singing. Practise making gentle vocal sounds while maintaining this yawn-like openness.
3. Breath Support
Engage your diaphragm by taking deep breaths and using your abdominal muscles to control the airflow.
Avoid raising your shoulders or tensing your chest. Proper breath support is crucial in sustaining the open-throat technique.
4. Vowel Exercises
Practise singing open vowels such as “ah,” “oh,” and “ee” while focusing on keeping your throat open and relaxed.
Start with gentle scales and gradually increase the volume, ensuring that you maintain the sensation of openness.
5. Monitoring Tension
Pay attention to any tension in your throat, jaw, or tongue. If you notice any tightness, stop and reset your posture and breath.
It may take time to build the muscle memory needed for consistently open-throat singing.
6. Vocal Warm-Ups
Incorporate open-throat techniques into your vocal warm-up routine.
Gentle humming, lip trills, and sirens can help you find and maintain an open throat before you start singing more demanding pieces.
7. Practise Resonant Vowels
Practising specific vowel sounds in an open-throat manner can help singers build the necessary muscle memory.
Focusing on vowels like “ah,” “ee,” and “oo” while maintaining an open throat encourages the development of resonance.
8. Seek Professional Guidance
Working with a vocal coach who is experienced in open-throat techniques can be invaluable.
They can provide personalised feedback and help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring that you’re practising the technique correctly.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Tension in the Throat
Many singers struggle with tension, especially when trying to reach higher notes.
If you feel tightness, stop and focus on relaxing your muscles. Revisit breathing exercises and make sure your posture is correct.
2. Breathiness or Weak Sound
If your voice sounds breathy or weak, it might be due to insufficient breath support or improper vocal cord closure.
Practise engaging your diaphragm more fully and experiment with gentle vocal exercises to strengthen your cords.
3. Overextending the Jaw
Some singers mistakenly believe that open-throat singing requires them to overextend their jaw.
This can lead to unnecessary strain. Remember that the openness should come from within the throat, not from excessively opening your mouth.
Conclusion
Open-throat singing is a powerful technique that enhances vocal power, clarity, and stamina.
By incorporating this method into your practice, you can achieve a richer, more resonant voice while protecting your vocal health.
Whether you’re performing in a grand venue or a small studio, mastering open-throat singing can elevate your vocal performance.
Interested in Learning More?
Our expert instructors at the Online Singing Institute offer personalised online lessons to help you master open-throat singing and other essential techniques.
