Demystifying and Utilizing Nasal Resonance in the Voice Studio

Nasal resonance, achieved by lowering the soft palate and allowing sound energy to resonate through the nasal passages, has recently gained attention for its potential benefits to singers. Research by Sundberg suggests that incorporating nasal resonance can improve vocal efficiency and offers more effective mitigation of voice breaks than traditional semi-occluded vocal tract exercises like straw phonation.

Despite common misconceptions, the voice quality often labeled “nasal” by the general public typically refers to a bright, twangy sound unrelated to true nasal resonance or velum lowering. For voice professionals, it is essential to distinguish between these separate acoustic phenomena, even when they are used together artistically. Lowering the soft palate also lowers all formant frequencies, making this technique a powerful strategy for relieving vocal pressure in high-intensity tasks such as belting or pressed phonation.

This presentation explores the science and practical application of nasal resonance, taking participants through a step-by-step process of identification and utilization of nasal resonance in singing and speech. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of when, why, and how to use it effectively in vocal performance and pedagogy.