What is SOVT?
SOVT stands for Semi Occluded Vocal Tract, which simply means that the mouth is partially closed. Some examples of SOVT exercises are lip trills, straw phonation or vocalising with puffy cheeks. SOVT exercises can be used for improving singing technique, strengthening the voice and aiding good vocal health.
Why are SOVT exercises so good?
When the mouth is partially closed, the subglottic pressure (air from the lungs) is balanced with the back pressure. This helps the vocal folds to vibrate more efficiently, making vocalising easier and requiring less effort.
SOVT also assists with larynx mobility and helps to ease throat tension. You can see why SOVT is often used in voice rehabilitation!
Another bonus to using SOVT is that exercises such as straw phonation can be done quietly.
Performers can often find themselves with limited time or space before an audition or show, making it difficult to warm up. SOVT straw exercises can be done quietly and subtly making you feel more confident in your voice ready for your performance.
What is Straw Phonation?
Straw phonation is a popular SOVT exercise, doing vocal exercises with a straw means there is less impact and less stress on the vocal cords. It’s a great way to strengthen your voice, recover a tired voice and avoid straining.
Try vocalising through a straw at speaking pitch, then introduce gentle sirens. The pressure difference through the straw will optimise the closure of your vocal cords.
This can be done with or without water, doing the exercises into water will create a massage effect which can be soothing for tired voices.
Can I use any straw?
Absolutely. However there are now specialist SOVT straws available, the benefit of these is that we can vary the length and width, and therefore the air pressure.
Visitors to this site can receive a discount on the SOVT Straw from Rayvox as shown above, just use the discount code JENNIFERGREENE.
When should I use SOVT exercises?
Using SOVT is a great way to start your vocal warm ups. The nature of SOVT means that it’s hard to get wrong and your vocal cords will appreciate the gentle start!
You could also try using SOVT if you’re experiencing trouble with a difficult phrase during a song. Singing the phrase using SOVT could help train your breath control and may alleviate any unnecessary tension you might be carrying.
If you find your voice is sounding tired, do some SOVT exercises and see if they relieve any hoarseness.
How can I introduce this to my singing?
The idea is that you then translate the experience of SOVT into your singing practise. Try to replicate the sensations, the resonance, the breath control and think about the openness you feel.
Give SOVT a try and see if it has a positive effect on your voice.
Let me know how you get on!
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