A Guide to Vocal Techniques Across Genres: Part 3 of 10

 

Speech Level Singing Technique: Singing as Naturally as Speaking

Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform.

Welcome back to our series exploring vocal techniques across genres. After our dive into the grandeur of opera, we now shift our focus to a more modern approach to singing - Speech Level Singing (SLS). Developed by Seth Riggs, vocal coach to numerous Grammy-winning artists, SLS offers a technique that promotes singing as naturally as speaking.

Introduction: Understanding Speech Level Singing (SLS)


SLS emphasizes a balanced and effortless approach to singing. It proposes that singing should feel as natural and strain-free as speaking. To achieve this, SLS encourages maintaining the larynx at the 'speech level,' which is its relaxed, neutral position during normal speech. You’ll recall that for opera, singers are trained to allow a lower than neutral position of the larynx.With SLS, the goal is to eliminate any unnecessary muscle tension that can interfere with the free vibration of the vocal cords and the natural, conversational sound of the voice.


The Principle of Singing as Speaking: Vocal Tract, Breath Control, and Resonance


SLS focuses on maintaining a vocal tract shape and larynx position similar to that of speech. By keeping the larynx at speech level, singers can smoothly transition across different vocal registers without strain or breaks.


In terms of breath control, SLS teaches a more conversational approach. Unlike opera, where large amounts of air and high degree of support are required to sustain long phrases and produce a voluminous sound, SLS recommends using only as much air as one would in normal speech. This ensures the vocal cords can vibrate freely without being overloaded with air pressure. In other words, unlike opera, in SLS, there is no need for the high level of breath support - it is much easier for “the masses” to learn to manage.


Resonance in SLS is also unique. It relies on the natural acoustics of the singer's vocal tract rather than consciously shaping the tract to create a certain sound, as seen in opera. The science of this can get into the weeds pretty quickly for many people, but if you have interest, let’s find a time to work together and explore these ideas further.


Differences between SLS and Opera Singing


The primary difference between SLS and opera singing lies in the approach to voice production. While opera promotes a resonant, amplified sound requiring deliberate manipulation (shaping for maximum acoustical amplification) of the vocal tract, SLS focuses on ease and balance, advocating for the voice's natural placement.


Breath control also differs significantly. Opera requires substantial breath support to carry the voice through elaborate phrases and with a power and harmonics that can soar over an orchestra. In contrast, SLS uses a more relaxed, speech-like approach to breath management.


Benefits and Challenges of SLS


SLS comes with numerous benefits. It promotes vocal health by minimizing strain and tension, leading to increased longevity for the voice. SLS also helps in smoothing out vocal 'breaks,' enabling seamless transitions between vocal registers. For all but the most highly trained vocal athletes/opera singers, they would likely cause vocal damage if they attempted the opera techniques without that proper guidance, training and development.


However, SLS is not without its challenges. It can be difficult to maintain the speech level larynx position, especially when singing in the extremes of one's vocal range. Overcoming decades of singing habits to adopt a more speech-like approach can also pose a challenge.


Exercises for Mastering SLS


  1. Speech level exercises: Practice speaking and singing the same phrase, observing the position and feeling of your larynx. The goal is to keep the same relaxed position when singing as when speaking.
  2. Sirens: Start on a comfortable pitch and slide your voice up and down your entire range, as if you're imitating a siren. This helps in maintaining consistent vocal cord engagement throughout your range.
  3. Scale singing: Sing scales on different vowels, focusing on keeping a consistent, easy vocal production throughout.
In the next post, we'll crank up the volume as we explore the world of belting, a popular technique in musical theater and pop music. Until then, enjoy your journey into Speech Level Singing!

Up Next! Here's the link to the next part 4 of 10 in the series: Belting Vocal Technique: Power and intensity in Singing

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