I often see a common issue in many singers when they start working with me: they are working far too hard to produce the sounds they want to hear. It's pretty common to hear me tell them, "Simplify, simplify, simplify... Don't work so hard." And guess what? A fascinating study from 2022 suggests that this urge to “work harder” might actually go against what nature has intended. According to recent research, humans have evolved without a structure called the vocal membrane, something every other close relative our species has... except us. Without the vocal membrane around to clutter things up, humans had more fine-tuned control over our voices for speech and singing. This surprising finding supports the idea that simpler vocal anatomy can yield more stable, clearer tones and better control—exactly what we strive for in vocal performance.
Check out this quote from the study:
We conclude that the evolutionary loss of vocal membranes allows human speech to mostly avoid the spontaneous nonlinear phenomena and acoustic chaos common in other primate vocalizations. This loss allows our larynx to produce stable, harmonic-rich phonation, ideally highlighting formant changes that convey most phonetic information. Paradoxically, the increased complexity of human spoken language thus followed simplification of our laryngeal anatomy.
What Is the Vocal Membrane?
In most nonhuman primates—chimpanzees, for instance—there is a thin, ribbon-like extension of the vocal folds, often referred to as the vocal membrane. According to the scientists in this 2022 study, humans have lost this membrane, which is thought to contribute to more complex (and sometimes unstable) sounds in other primates. By simplifying our vocal anatomy, specifically the larynx, humans gained:
A steadier pitch – crucial for singing in tune.
Less noisy vocal quality – essential for clarity in both speech and singing.
Greater control over vocal fold vibrations – helping us transition smoothly between notes and expressions.
This loss of the vocal membrane dovetails perfectly with the principle I emphasize in my lessons: simplicity. Often, overly complex mechanics result in tension and strain. But by simplifying your approach—just as evolution simplified our vocal folds—you allow your true, authentic sound to emerge.
How Evolution Shaped Our Singing Ability
The 2022 study, published in Science, examined the larynx of humans and various other primates. Researchers discovered that while most monkeys and apes have these thin vocal membranes, humans alone lack them. Surprising as it may seem, this “anatomical simplification” likely made it easier for us to control pitch and tone, paving the way for advanced vocal behaviors like singing and articulate speech. From an evolutionary biology standpoint, this indicates that a less complex structure can be more controllable. The end result for us? A melodious, stable voice capable of the wide emotional and musical ranges we hear in singing performances.
A Nod to Authenticity in Your Singing
In my teaching philosophy, I frequently stress that “less is more.” When singers strain to force a particular sound, they often introduce tension into the throat, mouth, or even the facial muscles. This can choke out the natural resonance and expressive freedom that we desire in performance. Instead, I encourage an approach that honors your individual sound rather than mimicking someone else’s technique or style. This study on the vocal membrane perfectly supports the notion that simplicity in our mechanical setup is biologically baked into who we are as humans and the fundamental purposes that worked together in the evolution of our vocal apparatus. (Plus, our audiences aren't stupid. Ask any audience member watching someone being inauthentic on stage, and they might not be able to pinpoint the exact verbiage, but they'll definitely let you know something with that performance just wasn't right.)
Steps to Embrace Simplicity in Your Practice
Breath Awareness: Focus on natural, comfortable breathing. Avoid pushing too much air through the vocal folds—our bodies are designed to function with efficiency.
Release Tension: Gently stretch your neck and shoulders before practicing. Tense muscles fight the natural ease of your voice.
Explore Resonance: Experiment with humming or siren exercises to let your voice “ring.” Embrace the sound that’s naturally yours.
Listen to Your Body: If you’re straining, ease off. Notice where the tension is creeping in, then recalibrate.
By adopting these simpler, more organic approaches—just like the simplified anatomy of our vocal folds—you can unlock greater vocal control, clarity, and emotional depth in your singing.
Explore More on Vocal Technique
If you want to learn more about how I apply these evolutionary insights to actual vocal technique and singing lessons, be sure to swing by my Vocal Coaching page. And if you want in on the action, I've got you covered over on the Tour de Fierce Booking Page - with several in-person (NYC) and online singing lesson options to suit your taste. Through a combination of anatomical understanding and practical exercises, we can tap into what nature has already given us—a voice free of unnecessary complexity.
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