What is Straw Singing? How it helps

Straw singing, also known as straw phonation or straw exercises, is a simple yet highly effective vocal technique that falls under a broader category called Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTEs). At its core, it involves making sound (phonating) into a narrow straw, often while the other end is submerged in water, but it can also be done into the air.

The principle behind straw singing is to partially close or "occlude" the vocal tract, creating a small amount of back pressure above the vocal folds. This resistance makes it easier for the vocal folds to vibrate optimally and with less effort.

How it Works: The Science Behind the Straw

When you sing through a straw, several beneficial things happen physiologically:

1. Increased Back Pressure: The narrow opening of the straw creates a column of air pressure that extends back through your vocal tract to your vocal folds. This "back pressure" (or positive pressure above the vocal folds) helps to balance the pressure coming from your lungs below the vocal folds.

   
   

2. Efficient Vocal Fold Vibration: This balanced pressure allows your vocal folds to vibrate more easily and efficiently. They come together (adduct) more gently and completely, reducing the force of collision between them. Think of it like a gentle "cushion" of air that helps the folds meet precisely.

   
   

3. Lowered Phonation Threshold Pressure: This means it takes less effort and less air pressure from the lungs to get the vocal folds to start vibrating and sustain sound.

   
   

4. Reduced Tension: Because the vocal folds are working more efficiently, there's less need for surrounding muscles in the larynx, jaw, and neck to tense up to compensate. This helps release excess tension that can inhibit vocal freedom and cause fatigue.

   
   

5. Improved Vocal Fold Closure (Adduction): The back pressure encourages the vocal folds to come together more completely, which leads to a clearer, less breathy tone.

   
   

6. Enhanced Resonance: The changed shape and pressure in the vocal tract can help singers discover and optimize their vocal resonance, leading to a richer, fuller, and more "forward" sound. You might feel vibrations around your lips and face, indicating good forward resonance.

   
   

7. Vocal Tract Stretching: The elongated vocal tract (by adding the straw) can encourage a more relaxed and open pharyngeal space.

The diameter of the straw is important: a smaller diameter creates more resistance and a greater effect, but it's also more challenging. It's often recommended to start with a wider straw and gradually move to thinner ones. Submerging the straw in water adds another layer of resistance and provides visual feedback (even bubbles) for breath control.

How Straw Singing Helps Singers

Straw singing offers a wide array of benefits for singers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and can be used for warm-ups, cool-downs, and vocal rehabilitation:

1. Reduces Vocal Strain and Fatigue: By making vocal fold vibration more efficient and reducing compensatory tension, straw singing allows singers to produce sound with less effort. This is incredibly valuable for long rehearsals, performances, or when recovering from vocal overuse or a minor cold.

   
   

2. Improves Breath Management and Support: The resistance of the straw makes it impossible to push out too much air too quickly. This encourages a slower, more controlled, and consistent airflow, training your abdominal muscles to provide steady breath support.

3. Smoothes Vocal Transitions and Breaks: The gentle, balanced vocal fold function promoted by straw singing helps to "iron out" cracks and instability when transitioning between vocal registers (like from chest voice to head voice or through the "passaggio"). It encourages a more seamless "mix" voice.

   
   

4. Enhances Vocal Tone and Clarity: By promoting efficient vocal fold closure and optimizing resonance, straw singing can lead to a clearer, less breathy, and more resonant tone quality.

   
   

5. Expands Vocal Range: With improved vocal fold coordination and reduced tension, singers often find it easier to access both higher and lower notes with more ease and control.

   
   

6. Aids Vocal Rehabilitation: Due to its gentle nature and benefits for vocal fold health, straw phonation is widely used in voice therapy for individuals with vocal issues like nodules, polyps, or muscle tension dysphonia. It helps the vocal folds heal and recover without excessive stress.

   
   

7. Provides Immediate Feedback: When used with water, the bubbles provide instant visual feedback on the steadiness of your airflow. Even without water, you can feel the vibrations around your lips and cheeks, which helps you become more aware of your vocal tract sensations.

8. Versatile Practice Tool: You can use straw singing for almost any vocal exercise: sirens (gliding through your range), scales, arpeggios, or even singing entire songs through the straw.

   
   

Tips for Practicing Straw Singing:

• Lip Seal: Ensure a good seal around the straw with your lips so all the air goes through it.

• Relaxed Posture: Maintain good posture and keep your body, especially your jaw, neck, and shoulders, relaxed.

  
  

• Gentle Airflow: Don't force air through the straw. Focus on a steady, easy stream of air. If using water, aim for consistent, gentle bubbles.

• Start Simple: Begin with simple hums or glides through your comfortable range before attempting more complex exercises or songs.

• Experiment with Straws: Try different straw diameters to find what feels most beneficial for your voice.

While straw singing is a powerful tool, it's not a magic fix for all vocal issues. It's best used as part of a comprehensive vocal practice routine and can be particularly beneficial under the guidance of a voice teacher or vocal health professional.

Do you have a straw nearby that you could try some of these exercises with?

Top 3 Straw Singing Products

When looking for straw singing products, here are three highly regarded options often recommended by vocal coaches:

1. OOVO Vocal Straw:

   • Why it's popular: Widely endorsed for its precise calibration, aiding in range expansion, smoothing vocal breaks, and reducing strain.

   • Features: Available in various materials (like stainless steel) and often comes with accessories like the "Sing Ring" for convenience.

   • Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/OOVO-Vocal-Straw

2. Voice Straw™ (and Voice Cup Combo Kit):

   • Why it's popular: Backed by extensive research, offering a comprehensive set of straws with different diameters and unique "Voice Cups" for varying water resistance levels.

   • Features: Excellent for strengthening and balancing the voice, ideal for warm-ups, cool-downs, and building endurance.

   • Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Straw-Cup-Combo-Kit

3. Singing / Straw™ (Original and PRO versions):

   • Why it's popular: Known for its effective, reusable metal straws, emphasizing efficient vocal fold closure and tension release.

   • Features: The Original comes with multiple 3mm straws, while the PRO version offers a wider range of diameters for more nuanced resistance, catering to both beginners and advanced users.

   • Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Straw

When choosing a straw, consider the material (stainless steel for durability, silicone for a softer feel) and the diameter, as smaller diameters provide more resistance. Remember, consistency in practice is key to getting the most out of straw singing!