Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Techniques

Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) techniques are widely used among voice therapists and singing teachers for both voice rehabilitation and training. There are many variations of these techniques, but all of them involve producing voice with a change in the configuration of the anterior oral cavity, usually by creating a narrow constriction of the tongue or lips and sometimes also by increasing the effective length of the vocal tract by means of a tube or straw held between the lips. SOVT techniques represent an important class of voice training practices, which have seen a significant increase in prevalence among Speech–Language pathologists and singing teachers since 2008 and are [Page 1690]supported with a growing body of clinical and scientific research. This entry reviews the history and scientific ...