Seeking Open Throat – No Constriction, Please

Constriction is a red flag. It is a physical symptom telling us that the muscles in our larynx are not playing well together. When the "closers" and "stretchers" fight for control, the result is a voice that feels trapped rather than free.

Signs of Vocal Constriction

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with chronic throat constriction:

• A tight, squeezing, or choking sensation in the throat.
• An excessively elevated larynx.
• Fatigue that leads to increasing discomfort as you sing.
• Persistent soreness that doesn't go away after a short rest.

Healthy Tiredness vs. Technical Problems

As with all physical activities, there is "good" soreness and "bad" soreness. If your muscles feel tired after an intense, healthy vocal workout where you performed new movements, that is a positive sign—much like a good day at the gym. However, if you "always" leave choir rehearsal in pain, or if the tightness gets worse over weeks and months, you have become "stuck" in an unhealthy muscular pattern.

The Path to "Playing Nice"

Serious constriction is rooted in the improper development and coordination of the arytenoid (closer) and crico-thyroid (stretcher) muscles. To solve this, a knowledgeable teacher will often prescribe isolation exercises:

• Focusing on Falsetto: Isolating the stretcher muscle to build the "head voice" coordination.
• Vigorous Chest Voice: Accessing a firm response from the closer muscle at the bottom of the range.

By exercising these muscles independently, they stop fighting for dominance. Once they are strong enough to do their respective jobs, they can begin to coordinate and learn how to be "friends." When the muscles that adjust your vocal cords for pitch are playing nice, constriction simply disappears.

The Myth of "Opening" the Throat

Many singers are told to "open their throat" through excessive yawning or other forced maneuvers. In reality, you don't have to do anything to get an open throat. Your throat is naturally open and free of constriction whenever the arytenoid and crico-thyroid systems are functioning well. An "open throat" is not a physical pose; it is a result of functional freedom.

Conclusion: The Goal is Freedom

Functional freedom is always the goal of vocal training. When you stop the internal muscular war, you stop the pain. Focus on the coordination of your vocal muscles, and let your throat remain the open, flexible channel it was designed to be.