What's different about Vocal Balance Technique?

In our opinion some of the other vocal techniques confuse and befuddle students with too much information. This makes it difficult to understand and hard to apply new methods. For instance, in order to sing well, do you really need to know the 13 structures that influence voice quality? We have seen at first hand how “Paralysis by Analysis” can have an extremely detrimental effect on singers. We believe the basic premise for any singer, unless you are into heavy rock or industrial metal, is to maintain a stable larynx and clean sound. In order to achieve this you need to establish three things: air flow, vocal cord closure and effective use of vowels. Achieving “Vocal Balance” is the single most important thing that a singer must learn.

"The 'Vocal Balance' technique is methodical, clever and scientific in its foundation yet for the singer it is made SIMPLE! You can’t fail to leave every lesson with more confidence in your voice and in yourself"

The science ... in simple terms

The vocal folds sit inside your larynx horizontally. They open every time you breathe and come together every time you make a sound, resisting the flow of air emanating from the lungs.

To quickly experience the vibration, try forming an "mmm" sound and you will straightaway feel the opposing forces at work, that of the air flowing up from through the wind pipe and the horizontally closing vocal folds resisting that air flow.

If there is too much flow, the air is likely to overpower the folds resulting in a whispered, husky or airy sound. If there is too much vocal fold closure against the air, the sound will be strained or even yelled. Imagine a pendulum: if it swings too far one way the sound can be too airy and with an imbalance in the other direction the resulting effect will be of over muscling or yelling.

When there is equilibrium between the two forces, regardless of what pitch, volume or style you are singing, you have vocal balance - the very cornerstone of a good singing technique.

"Ever since I have begun to work with Richard, the condition of my voice and vocal capabilities have improved significantly. My vocal range has broadened, it grew stronger and more natural at the same time."