Freedom of tone is secured by the delicate adjustment and elasticity
in the action of those parts which form the transient resonant molds.
The hindrances to freedom of voice are produced by holding the vocal
organs too rigid and close while forming these molds.
I have spoken of the deleterious effect upon the health caused by the
misadjustment of the tongue in its relation to the pharynx, which
results in “clergyman’s sore throat.” Another malformation of a resonant
chamber is produced by holding a portion of the tongue too near the
posterior portion of the roof of the mouth. A third is produced by
holding the tongue too near the hard palate; a fourth by holding the
tongue too near the front teeth. All these false adjustments are
reported in throaty, rasping, and squeezed tones of the voice. The first
object in the cultivation of the voice should be to establish habitual
openness and freedom throughout the vocal aperture and this, too, by the
shortest possible method. This method should consist, not in giving
definite attention to first one portion of the vocal tube and then to
another, but in securing a unified action of all the parts. By vocal
practice, while holding the right mental concept, a clear and open
passage from the vocal cords to the anterior portion of the nares can
easily be secured.