The high soft palate
In this post, I will discuss the crucial role of the soft palate in vocal production and how its position affects the quality of the voice. As seen in the image above, the soft palate serves as a veil between the nasal and oral cavities. This means that sound waves created in the larynx follow a different path depending on the position of the soft palate. For instance, when the soft palate is lowered, the oral cavity becomes smaller, and the sound enters the nasal cavity, resulting in a nasal, pinched, and bright quality. Conversely, raising the soft palate enlarges the pharyngeal space, giving the voice a darker, rounder color.
Melocchi strongly opposed any form of nasality in the voice, instructing his students to keep the soft palate raised. This technique is essential for achieving a rich, round sound. It's important to note that this should not be confused with placing the sound in the head or the mask. Melocchi's concept involved starting the tone under the soft palate, not above it, to prevent raising the larynx and closing off the throat. Additionally, any forcing of the soft palate should be avoided because this would lead to the constriction of the laryngeal muscles.
For students struggling with nasality and soft palate control, the yawn can be a useful tool. Trying to inhale with the sensation of a yawn naturally raises the soft palate without requiring much conscious control or muscular effort. This approach is also mentioned by Franco Corelli in his interview with Jerome Hines. When Hines asked him about raising the soft palate, Corelli responded, "I think the yawn raises it".
The work required on the soft palate varies from case to case. Some students may have nasal speaking voices or find it challenging to coordinate the necessary adjustments to raise the soft palate, while others may naturally have the soft palate raised while singing. It's important to be patient and persistent in practice.
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