The multiplicity of singing sounds heard on Broadway stages and cast albums often leaves singers and voice teachers asking the question “what do I call that sound?” The answers to that question are varied and often not related to a cohesive pedagogical framework. This session aims to help singers and voice teachers ground and clarify their singing and critical listening by identifying the physiological option a singer is making (which laryngeal mechanism they are in) and what acoustic registration option they are employing. Clear identification of these data points, and how they interact with one another, helps both singers and teachers achieve a target sound in a replicable, reliable, and, most importantly, musically expressive manner. This session will provide practical pedagogy tools to help singing teachers and singers:

Identify and make the laryngeal mode of vibration for the desired vocal color (Mode 1 or chest-like; Mode 2 or head-like)
Identify and make the acoustic registration option for the desired vocal color (Open, Closed, Loft)
Connect speaking to singing in multiple styles
Utilize both structured and unstructured vocalizes as tools for individual vocal and artistic development

The workshop will include group vocalizing sessions in which all attendees will become familiar with both the physiologic and acoustic registrations options explored. The presenters will also use two singers as models to demonstrate how to explore these vocal options while vocalizing and singing repertoire.

The methods proposed will be applicable to all levels of singers for both the development and maintenance of a flexible, compelling singing voice in addition to helping voice teachers, music directors, and SLPs clarify their pedagogical framework.