Three Approaches for Teaching Laryngeal Stability

Many singers struggle with the issue of laryngeal instability. A larynx that moves upward significantly during singing causes a variety of vocal complications, yet it too often goes undetected or unaddressed by voice teachers. Tenors in particular are prone to laryngeal elevation due to the frequent tessitura demands in the repertoire which exploit the transition into the high voice known as the passaggio. Tenors who struggle with laryngeal stability are often referred to as "necktie tenors." Many classical singers acquire a stable laryngeal position early on in their training by establishing good posture and breathing skills, but some singers escape their early training with persistent habits of laryngeal instability. Once these habits solidify, they can be particularly difficult to correct. This text is intended to provide strategies to teachers and singers which will allow them to identify and correct varying degrees of habitual instability of the larynx in classical singing.