THE REFERENCE
Complete Vocal Technique (CVT)
An approach to singing grounded in anatomy and physiology rather than in vague images — and one that sets out to cover every sound the human voice can produce, from the gentlest to the most extreme.
Where CVT comes from
Born in Denmark and developed by Cathrine Sadolin and her team at the Complete Vocal Institute in Copenhagen, CVT draws on more than twenty-five years of research into the singing and speaking voice.
Their work is published in scientific journals, and the method is taught today by several hundred certified teachers around the world.
Four areas
The method is organised into four areas. By combining their elements you can produce the sound you are after — and, just as importantly, pinpoint where a difficulty comes from.
The 3 basic principles
- Twang
- Support
- Jaw position
The 4 modes
- Neutral
- Overdrive
- Edge
- Curbing
Sound colour
From darkest to brightest.
- Position of the larynx and soft palate
- Position of the tongue
- …
Effects
- Distortion, growl, rattle
- Creak and creaking
- Vibratos
- Air added to the sound
- …
The four vocal modes
Neutral refers to soft sounds. It is the only mode where air can be added to the sound.
Overdrive refers to loud, powerful sounds.
Edge refers to loud, cutting sounds.
Curbing refers to slightly loud, held-back sounds.
All four modes are used across every musical style.
In fact, any sound can be placed in one of these four modes. Everyone can learn to use them and to move from one to another depending on the sound they are looking for.
Many voice problems come from not knowing the advantages and the limits of each mode.
Conversely, a thorough grasp of the modes and of the rules that govern them lets a singer not only extend the notes within reach, but above all develop the range and richness of their own artistic expression.
« There are songs I never thought I could sing, but by using the right modes I learned to break out of my own boundaries. » Jérémy C. — professional singer and songwriter, pop/folk (translated from french)
Everyone can learn to sing
This is the founding premise of the method. So-called modern sounds — power, distortion, very high and very low notes — can all be produced healthily, and everyone can widen the range of sounds available to them.
My certification
I trained at the Complete Vocal Institute in Copenhagen from 2018 to 2021, on the three-year course for singers and singing teachers. I am an Authorised CVT Teacher.
The certification requires regular updating: the method evolves alongside the research. You can find every certified teacher in the official Complete Vocal Institute directory at completevocalinstitute.com
Working with CVT
Go to the source
The full presentation of the method, with sound examples, on the Complete Vocal Institute website.
Tout chanter! École de la voix 