The Benefits of SOVT Exercises to Heal Your Voice

Plastic straws

Introduction

Occasionally, individuals approach me with vocal problems due to vocal overuse. This overuse might stem from singing loudly, speaking in noisy environments, or simply not knowing the correct singing techniques. In addition to breathing exercises, the first thing I teach new students is the advantages of SOVT, which stands for Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract.

Why do we use SOVT singing exercises?

SOVT exercises create back pressure on the vocal tract. This back pressure allows the vocal cords to vibrate with less effort and greater efficiency, resulting in a clear, full, and resonant sound.

What are some SOVT Exercises?

Humming, buzzing, lip trills, and tongue trills are types of SOVT exercises. SOVT stands for semi-occluded vocal tract. An open vocal tract occurs when the sound exits directly from the mouth, as in the vowel AHH, without obstruction by the lips or teeth. A semi-occluded vocal tract happens when the lips or teeth come together to shape the sound. The airflow is partially closed to produce sounds like M, N, Z, V. Vowels such as Ooo and Ohh are also semi-occluded. A fully closed vocal tract is when the mouth is completely shut, and only the nasal passage is open for breathing.

How do SOVT Exercises Work?

SOVT exercises release the pressure originating from the lungs. Some airflow is blocked from leaving the mouth due to the lips and teeth. Consequently, the airflow moves backward toward the vocal cords. SOVT exercises exert less impact and pressure on the vocal folds, allowing them to stretch into a balanced position. The back pressure of the air alleviates stress on the vocal folds. More back pressure in the vocal tract means less energy is needed from the vocal folds, enabling more efficient singing and reducing fatigue. Another SOVT exercise I practice with students is called straw phonation.

What is Straw Phonation?

Straw phonation involves humming through a straw while keeping the mouth closed. This method narrows the opening, making it harder for air to escape and creating back pressure to relieve tension in the vocal tract. This exercise is excellent after vocal fatigue or injury. Straw phonation also enhances breath control and promotes efficient vocal resonance improvement.

How to Practice SOVT Exercises:

Practice SOVT exercises for 15 minutes daily to enhance your voice. Start with a large Boba straw. You can use different straw sizes and thicknesses, or even multiple straws, but begin with this large straw. The straws are meant to mimic the vocal tract. To maximize pressure through the straw, ensure no air escapes around your lips or nose. Start by humming up and down, sliding your voice. Once you feel the back pressure, use that M to begin the vowel OO. Then open your vowels to OH, AH, AY, and EE. Afterward, remove the straw and work with vowels preceded by an M, N, V, or Z, keeping them buzzing at the front of your mouth. You will have started each vowel with a semi-occluded vocal tract, which then opens to an unobstructed vocal tract with the vowel.

What Teachers Should You Look for?

I always advise students against learning to sing through YouTube or other pre-recorded videos because your voice is your unique instrument. Everyone has a distinct voice and learning style for mastering the correct and healthy singing techniques. Learning something incorrectly can be challenging to unlearn without significant effort. Choose a voice instructor or vocal coach who is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing to ensure healthy singing practices. There are no board certifications for voice teachers, and my experience has shown that many vocal “professionals” have only taken one or two music courses. You wouldn’t trust a dentist with just a couple of classes in dentistry, would you?

Remember, your voice is part of your body, and you only have two vocal cords. They don’t regenerate like shark teeth, and if injured, you may face serious voice issues requiring a laryngologist and voice therapists. Voices cannot heal themselves, so carefully select a voice specialist to help protect your valuable instrument.