WHY IS IT CALLED ‘ENERGY SINGING’?

The name ‘Energy Singing’ is inspired by the teachings of one of the greatest vocal masters in history, Francesco Lamperti, and his equally admired son, Giovanni Lamperti.

In Vocal Wisdom, the author mentions how “Lamperti never intended his students to relax, but accumulate the outermost energy and then release it as demanded by word and tone”. This concept of energy as breath forms the basis of our vocal technique, as we try to automate as much of the singing process as possible through the use of breath energy, leaving our muscles free to move as they are designed to. The less ‘doing’, the better for our voices.

The Foundational Role of LCA and Transversus Activation and the ‘Coup de Glotte’ in Energy Singing

In vocal pedagogy, the importance of a strong and coordinated intrinsic laryngeal foundation cannot be overstated. Within the framework of Energy Singing, the first and most crucial step in vocal training is the activation and refinement of the lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) and interarytenoid (IA or transversus) muscles,

as expressed through a healthy coup de glotte. This initial focus forms the bedrock of all subsequent vocal development, enabling singers to achieve powerful, expressive, and sustainable sound production.

 

1. False-Fold Compensation: The Hidden Obstacle

Many singers, particularly those at the beginning stages of formal training or those with ingrained vocal habits, habitually overuse the false folds (ventricular folds). False folds are situated above the true vocal folds and are not designed to vibrate in primary phonation. Their overuse is almost universally compensatory, arising from underactive or poorly coordinated true fold adduction. When LCA and IA muscles fail to medially approximate the folds effectively, the body instinctively recruits the false folds to:

- assist in achieving glottal closure,

- create medial compression, and

- resist subglottic pressure.

 

While this may produce a superficially audible sound, it comes at a significant cost: tension, restricted resonance, and inefficient energy transfer. Over time, false-fold dominance can lead to vocal fatigue, limited dynamic range, and difficulty producing clear onsets, which are antithetical to the aims of energy singing.

 

2. The Critical Role of the LCA and Transversus

The lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) is responsible for the anterior-medial rotation of the arytenoid cartilages, bringing the vocal processes together. This action establishes the initial medial approximation of the true folds, setting the stage for vibration along the edges. The interarytenoid (IA or transversus) complements this by closing the posterior glottis through adduction of the arytenoid bodies, stabilising the fold edges and ensuring complete closure. Together, these muscles form a precise, balanced glottal seal, which is essential for efficient vibration of the vocal folds without reliance on the false folds. Proper engagement of the LCA and transversus ensures:

1. Consistent medial closure, eliminating breathy onset.

2. Stability under subglottic pressure, allowing the singer to project energy without strain.

3. Freedom for the vocalis (thyroarytenoid) and cricothyroid muscles to adjust pitch, thickness, and resonance.

 

In essence, the LCA and IA are the primary engines of vocal energy, while the false folds represent an unhelpful "brake" that limits expressive freedom.

 

3. The Coup de Glotte: Establishing Correct Onset

The coup de glotte, or glottal attack, is the moment at which the vocal folds come together to initiate vibration. In Energy Singing, a healthy coup de glotte is the mechanism through which LCA and IA engagement is first established. For singers with false-fold overuse, attempting a gentle onset is often impossible because the folds are too far apart. A slightly firm, controlled coup de glotte, one that brings the true folds together without supraglottic compression or false-fold engagement, provides a clear onset.

Through repeated practice, this approach teaches the nervous system:

- to rely on true folds rather than false folds,

- to coordinate anterior and posterior closure simultaneously, and

- to produce sound efficiently from the outset of phonation.

 

Thus, the coup de glotte is not merely an ornament of classical technique but a foundational training tool for all energy-intensive vocal production.

 

4. Sequence of Muscle Engagement in Chest Voice

In chest voice, the correct sequence of activation is:

1. LCA (lateralis) engages first - anterior-medial approximation of the folds.

2. IA/transversus activates - posterior glottal closure and edge stabilisation.

3. Vocal fold edges begin vibration - initial onset of tone via the coup de glotte.

4. Vocalis (thyroarytenoid) engages - thickening and shaping the fold mass, producing full, rich chest resonance.

 

By establishing this precise sequence, singers can bypass false-fold compensation, ensuring that energy flows naturally from breath to vibration without tension or obstruction.

 

5. Why This is the First Step in Energy Singing

The priority placed on LCA and transversus activation through the coup de glotte in Energy Singing is deliberate and strategic:

- It establishes a reliable, healthy glottal foundation.

- It prevents maladaptive compensatory patterns, such as false-fold engagement and supraglottic compression.

- It provides immediate kinesthetic and auditory feedback, reinforcing correct muscle coordination.

- It allows subsequent training, including resonance, range expansion, and dynamic expression, to be built on a stable, efficient core.

 

Without this step, advanced vocal techniques risk inefficiency, strain, or incomplete expression. By contrast, a singer who masters this foundation experiences freedom, power, and precision from the very first onset of sound.

 

6. Practical ImplicationsIn practice, Energy Singing begins with exercises that focus on:

- Developing a slightly firm, true-fold-only coup de glotte.

- Engaging LCA and IA without false-fold interference.

- Maintaining open supraglottic space for resonance and comfort.

- Coordinating breath flow to match the closure, establishing efficient energy transfer.

 

Through this systematic approach, singers learn to trust their true folds, disengage compensatory structures, and produce a full, dynamic, and sustainable voice. The subsequent exploration of pitch, range, and stylistic energy becomes both safe and expressive.

 

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the first and most essential step in all vocal training within Energy Singing is the activation of the lateral cricoarytenoid and interarytenoid (transversus) muscles through a controlled coup de glotte. This foundational focus addresses false-fold compensation, establishes a reliable glottal seal, and provides the kinesthetic and auditory feedback necessary for progressive vocal development. By prioritising this step, singers develop a voice that is powerful, efficient, and sustainable, laying the groundwork for all subsequent techniques in resonance, expression, and stylistic energy.