Singing straws promise stronger, easier, and healthier singing—but what does the science really say?

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs)—with a spotlight on the ever-popular singing straws. From lip trills to submerged straws, these exercises are everywhere in voice training and rehabilitation. But are they really as effective as they claim to be?

🔬 We’ll break down:

• What SOVTEs are and how they work
• Why singing straws gained so much popularity
• What the research actually says about their effectiveness
• Who might benefit from them—and who might be better off without
• The surprising truth about adduction, air pressure, and head voice development
• Better, science-backed alternatives for singers chasing vocal power or mix voice clarity

Whether you’re a singer, teacher, or just voice-curious, this episode will give you a clear, evidence-based perspective on one of the most hyped tools in modern vocal pedagogy.

👉 Spoiler: SOVTEs have value—but the way they’re marketed doesn’t always align with what your voice actually needs.