Vocal Anatomy
What are the main 3 articulatory organs?
- Lips
- Tongue
- Teeth
What is duration?
How long a sound is held
What is the correct way to breathe for singing?
By expanding the abdomen (abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing)
Name one part of the body that we should stretch before singing.
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Back
- Chest
- Abdomen
What 3 body cavities act as resonators?
- Mouth (oral/buccal cavity)
- Nose (nasal cavity)
- Throat (pharynx, larynx)
What are the main 3 stages of vocal production (in order)?
1. Breathing
2. Phonation
3. Articulation
What is the difference between pitch and intensity?
- Pitch: how high or low the sound is
- Intensity: how loud or soft the sound is
What is vibrato, and what is it used for?
A smooth and regular oscillation in pitch.
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It adds warmth and expressiveness to the voice.
Why is warming up important? (Explain one benefit)
- It prepares the muscles for singing better
- It relaxes the muscles to avoid tension
- It is a safe way to practice and improve technique
- It is a safe way to expand the vocal range
What does air do to the vocal cords as it passes through them? And what does this create?
The air leaving makes the vocal cords vibrate.
This creates sound.
What is a difference between speaking and singing?
Singing requires:
- more precise breath control
- being on pitch / in tune
- clear, resonant, and projected sound
What do you call children's voices?
Treble voices
Forms of voice projection:
How does chest voice sound different from head voice? And what are their different purposes?
Chest voice:
- Sounds strong and powerful
- Used for speaking or low notes
Head voice:
- Sounds light and flute-like
- Used for high notes
Why is stretching important? (Explain one benefit)
- It makes it easier to breathe with the diaphragm
- It reduces tension
- It prevents injuries
- It improves flexibility, allowing for more freedom
- It improves circulation
What are the body cavities in charge of doing?
They modify and amplify the quality of the voice, allowing resonance to occur.
What is the purpose of abdominal control in singing?
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BONUS QUESTION (DOUBLE POINTS!):
What are 2 things that using abdominal control can help you manage?
For breath support; to direct, control, and maintain the air flow in order to produce a sustained/controlled sound.
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BONUS ANSWER (DOUBLE POINTS!):
- Intensity
- Tone / sound quality
- Note duration
What is timbre?
The unique color of a voice
Forms of voice projection:
What does mixed voice sound like, and what is it used for?
- Sounds like a combination of chest and head resonances
- Used for transitioning smoothly between registers
List 3 things that are bad for your voice.
- Smoke
- Alcohol
- Clearing your throat
- Overusing your voice
- Tension
List and locate 7 parts of the body that we use for singing.
(Hint: They can be specific if you want.)
- Nose
- Mouth
- Throat (Pharynx; Larynx which contains vocal cords/folds)
- Lips
- Teeth
- Tongue
- Soft palate
- Abdomen
Explain the entire vocal production process.
Breathing: Air enters lungs
--> (Breath support: Abdomen directs air)
--> Phonation: Air makes vocal cords vibrate
--> (Resonance in throat, nose, mouth)
--> Articulation: Sound becomes words
List the voice classifications for females (3) and males (3) from highest to lowest.
Female:
1. Soprano
2. Mezzo-soprano
3. Contralto
Male:
1. Tenor
2. Baritone
3. Bass
Give 3 types of vocal warm-ups and explain what they help with.
- Vocalizations/vowels in different keys: resonance, different ranges
- Hums: gently stretch and relax vocal cords
- Lip trills: loosen/relax mouth area, consistent air flow
- Sirens: stretch vocal cords, flexibility, expand range, find resonance, smooth out breaks / transition in between registers
- Glides: flexibility, transitioning between notes
- Tongue twisters: articulation
List 4 things that are good of your voice.
- Hydration
- Healthy foods rich in vitamins A, E, and C
- Humidifier
- Vocal rest
- Warming up
- Proper technique
- Medical check-ups
- Exercise