The Science Underlying Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVT)

Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises have a long history. Humans and animals have discovered that aerodynamic and acoustic pressures above the larynx can position the vocal folds for better self-sustained oscillation.

Two variables are most important, (1) the steady pressure produced behind the semi-occlusion (usually the lips) and (2) the amount of acoustic inertance produced in the supraglottal airway. 

In this course, Dr Ingo Titze and Karin Titze Cox will be exploring this topic in deph and it's relevance to vocal pedagogy.

This workshop will introduce the first book dedicated to Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract methods: Voice is FREE after SOVT. The information presented from the book is inclusive with scientific explanation and application for singer, teacher and therapist alike. The presentation will review the evolution of these methods and is based on a great deal of current peer reviewed literature in the area of voice.

Ingo and Karin will introduce visual examples, diagrams, tables and video links for reference. This should appeal to the scientist at heart searching for why their methods in vocal performance or as successful teachers, coaches or voice therapists work. Singers, teachers, coaches, ENTs, speech pathologists, research scientists and vocologists will be introduced to the comprehensive work, the history and current work being developed to help their clientele and patients even further. This can help trainers, performers and healers as it is heavily referenced with the development of voice science principles. These principles relate to all methods that use semi-occluded vocal tract exercises including the popular method of Straw Phonation popularized and developed extensively by both authors.

A framework for evaluation and training will be introduced to incorporate principles into their own style of teaching and training and translate difficult scientific principles to others.