Vocal Compression: NOT What You Think!

Compression or glottal compression has been confused so many other singing teachers, it’s almost impossible to know what they’re talking about Often in singing tube, other coaches talk about compression as a way of adding distortion or rasp to the singing voice Vocal compression is also different from compression in musical instruments In music, compression is a way of squashing the sound so that the loudest is softer and the softest is louder In vocals, compression actually refers to the full, warm vocal tone that comes from bringing the vocal folds together to resist the air from your lungs effectively Like instrumental compression, vocal compression does involve volume but only indirectly If the cords come together, you’re able to sing stronger because the air is vibrated more effectively by the cords The stream of water is like your breath. However, when you phonate or bring the cords together, it’s like you’re pressing down on the end of the hose The more you press, the further the water will squirt. Likewise with the vocal cords, the more glottal compression you have, the more sound you’ll get However, you always want to stay in balance The perfect balance between muscle and air in singing is called “flow phonation” Too tight is called “pressed phonation” when the amount of muscle is more than the amount of breath pressure Too light is called breathy phonation Well in order to find the perfect amount of vocal compression, you have to just ask yourself one question: are you singing too breathy or too pressed? If you’re not sure, take a quick recording of yourself singing something Is the tone light, airy and a bit dull? Then you’re probably not singing with enough compression However, if your tone is brassy, rich and resonant, then you’re probably singing with enough or too much compression If too breathy, try 5T Nae It too heavy, try 5T Fuh Remember, the goal with compression is to always be in balance You can get a beautifully strong sound without destroying your voice and often if you’re too breathy, singing with more compression will often feel like your throat opens up Check this out: https://ramseyvoice.com/breathing-for-singing/ Find Your Range in 6 Seconds (Free App): http://rangefinder.ramseyvoice.com/ Master Your Voice Singing Course: https://ramseyvoice.com/special-offer