If a vocal student's tone is choked and tense, which approach is recommended?

• A. Use 'Foster' rather than glottal attacks
• B. Increase breath support
• C. Raise the larynx
• D. Tense the jaw muscles

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the starting moment of phonation shapes tone. A choked, tense sound usually comes from a hard or abrupt onset that tightens the throat and grips the vocal folds. Using a Foster onset means starting the voice with a gentle, supported, and smooth onset—letting air flow in before the vocal folds close and controlling the closure so it’s gradual instead of abrupt. This approach reduces laryngeal tension and lets the vocal folds meet with less strain, producing a freer, more open tone.

To try it, imagine breath already in motion and begin phonation with a soft touch of the vocal folds—no sudden jolt or pinch. Keep the jaw and tongue relaxed and maintain steady, even air. While simply increasing breath support helps overall, it doesn’t directly fix the abrupt-onset issue as effectively as a smooth, Foster-style onset. Onsets that raise the larynx or tighten the jaw tend to make the tone more constricted, not freer.