Renee Saxon writes:

Subject: Singing 101

I think this is a good article, but a bit dated. I would like to address two points: first, the references to "vocal cords"; and, second, comments regarding children taking voice lessons.

Voice professionals have for some time now been referring to the vocal cords as vocal folds, which more accurately describes them and how they work. They are not like strings (hence, the movement away from "cords"), but rather they are oscillating folds. Numerous pictures and videos of how the vocal folds work can be found online by searching for "vocal folds."

Second point: I understand the recommendation that children not take voice lessons until they are in their teens. However, I find in my studio practice with children, that due to their imitative natures, children are abusing their voices at much earlier ages. Several factors come into play here, not the least of which is that much of the music children hear on radio and television is sung by adults. Depending on style, techniques that should be developed over time (e.g., belting, vibrato) are imitated by children, resulting in development of bad habits (e.g., false vibrato) or worse, potential voice damage. A child with sufficient attention span to take piano or violin lessons, is adequately equipped to take voice lessons with someone who has experience with developing the child's voice, and, of course, ear.

Renee Saxon, Voice Teacher and Coach Renee Saxon Music Ltd.