The Four Pillars of Singing is based on four fundamental concepts that are essential for vocal development: Onsets, Vocal Modes, Acoustic Modes, and Training Routines. Each pillar represents a different aspect of vocal technique and provides a framework for understanding how the voice works and how to train it effectively.
Onsets
An onset is the moment when the vocal cords come together and start to vibrate, producing sound. The quality of the onset determines the quality of the tone, pitch, and resonance of the voice. There are three types of onsets: balanced, glottal, and aspirate.
A balanced onset is when the vocal cords close gently and evenly, creating a clear and smooth sound. This is the ideal onset for most singing situations.
A glottal onset is when the vocal cords close abruptly and forcefully, creating a hard and abrupt sound. This can be used for stylistic effects or to emphasize certain words or notes.
An aspirate onset is when the vocal cords close loosely and slowly, creating a breathy and weak sound. This can be used for soft or intimate singing or to create contrast with other onsets.
The Four Pillars of Singing teaches singers how to master each type of onset and how to use them appropriately in different musical contexts. It also introduces specialized onsets that combine different elements of the three basic onsets to create specific vocal effects and sensations.
Vocal Modes
A vocal mode is a configuration of the vocal cords that affects the quality, range, and power of the voice. There are four vocal modes: chest voice, head voice, middle voice, and whistle voice.
Chest voice is the lowest and strongest vocal mode, where the vocal cords are thick and short. It produces a deep and resonant sound that is associated with speech and low notes.
Head voice is the highest and lightest vocal mode, where the vocal cords are thin and long. It produces a bright and airy sound that is associated with high notes and falsetto.
Middle voice is the intermediate vocal mode, where the vocal cords are neither thick nor thin, but transition between chest and head voice. It produces a balanced and blended sound that can cover a wide range of notes.
Whistle voice is the rarest and most extreme vocal mode, where the vocal cords are very thin and tight. It produces a very high and piercing sound that is beyond the normal range of human hearing.
The Four Pillars of Singing teaches singers how to access each vocal mode and how to switch between them smoothly and seamlessly. It also teaches singers how to extend their range in each mode and how to mix different modes to create various vocal colors and textures.
Acoustic Modes
An acoustic mode is a configuration of the vocal tract that affects the resonance, timbre, and projection of the voice. The vocal tract consists of the throat, mouth, nose, and sinuses, which act as resonating chambers for the sound produced by the vocal cords. There are six acoustic modes: neutral, curbing, overdrive, edge, metal, and opera.
Neutral is the most relaxed and natural acoustic mode, where the vocal tract is open and wide. It produces a soft and warm sound that is suitable for low volume singing or speaking.
Curbing is a slightly more compressed acoustic mode, where the vocal tract is slightly narrowed at the back. It produces a medium loudness sound that is suitable for moderate volume singing or speaking.
Overdrive is a more compressed acoustic mode, where the vocal tract is narrowed at both ends. It produces a loud and powerful sound that is suitable for high volume singing or speaking.
Edge is the most compressed acoustic mode, where the vocal tract is very narrow at both ends. It produces a very loud and bright sound that is suitable for extreme volume singing or speaking.
Metal is a modified version of edge, where the vocal tract is slightly more open at the back. It produces a very loud and distorted sound that is suitable for aggressive or heavy singing styles.
Opera is a modified version of overdrive, where the vocal tract is slightly more open at the front. It produces a loud and resonant sound that is suitable for classical or operatic singing styles.
The Four Pillars of Singing teaches singers how to control their vocal tract and how to use different acoustic modes to enhance their vocal expression and versatility. It also teaches singers how to adjust their acoustic modes to match different vocal modes and onsets.
Training Routines
A training routine is a set of exercises that are designed to develop specific vocal skills and abilities. The Four Pillars of Singing offers a comprehensive and systematic training program that covers all aspects of vocal technique, from breathing and posture to articulation and style. The training routines are divided into four categories: warm-ups, workouts, cool-downs, and maintenance.
Warm-ups are exercises that prepare the voice for singing by increasing blood flow, lubricating the vocal cords, and activating the muscles involved in vocal production. They also help to prevent vocal fatigue and injury.
Workouts are exercises that challenge the voice by increasing the intensity, duration, and complexity of vocal tasks. They help to improve vocal strength, stamina, agility, and coordination.
Cool-downs are exercises that relax the voice after singing by decreasing tension, inflammation, and swelling in the vocal cords and muscles. They also help to restore vocal balance and health.
Maintenance are exercises that sustain the voice by reinforcing good habits, correcting bad habits, and monitoring vocal progress. They also help to maintain vocal consistency and quality.
The Four Pillars of Singing provides singers with over 45 audio and video exercises that can be customized to suit different levels, goals, and preferences. The exercises are accompanied by detailed instructions, demonstrations, notation, and feedback. The exercises are also organized into integrated training routines that combine different pillars to create optimal vocal results.
Conclusion
The Four Pillars of Singing is a comprehensive and innovative vocal training system that can help singers of any genre, style, or level to achieve their full vocal potential. The system is based on four fundamental concepts that cover all aspects of vocal technique: onsets, vocal modes, acoustic modes, and training routines. The system provides singers with a wealth of information, resources, and tools to help them understand how the voice works and how to train it effectively. The system also provides singers with a proven, clear path to building a voice for singing the way theyâve always wanted to and the way they always knew they could.
If you are interested in learning more about The Four Pillars of Singing or want to purchase the book or the online course, you can visit [The Vocalist Studio website] or watch [Robert Lunte's webinar].
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