Anatomy of Voice

by Calais-Germain, Blandine; Germain, François; Curtis-Oates, Martine

• ISBN13: 9781620554197
• ISBN10: 1620554194
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2016-01-01
• Publisher: Healing Arts Pr

Summary

An illustrated guide to the dynamic physiological structures that create and individualize the voice

• Explores the structures of the vocal tract and their functional relationships to the entire musculoskeletal system with detailed drawings

• Examines the components of the larynx and pharynx, the effects of muscular tensions on the vocal cords, the importance of skeletal alignment, and the complex roles of the diaphragm, soft palate, lips, and tongue in vocalization

• Provides exercises and techniques for increased air flow, correct posture, proper tongue position, jaw relaxation, and toning of the soft palate to improve the voice

When we use the voice, we involve the entire body. Our internal balance, muscular tone, skeletal alignments, soft tissue flexibility, and even our eye movements are reflected in the voice we project to our audience, whether one person or thousands.

Using the signature anatomical style of Blandine Calais-Germain’s groundbreaking book Anatomy of Movement, this illustrated guide presents a dynamic, integrated study of the physical structures of the vocal tract and their functional relationships to the entire musculoskeletal system. From the individual bones and muscles of the head and neck to the intricate structure of the shoulders to the abdominal muscles and pelvis, the authors explain how each part of the body moves, flexes, vibrates, and supports the creation and individualization of the voice.

With detailed drawings and clear, concise text, they examine the individual components of the larynx and pharynx, the effects of muscular tensions on the vocal cords, proper alignment of the skull, rib cage, and pelvis, the intimate relationship between breath and voice, and the complex roles of the diaphragm, soft palate, lips, and tongue in vocalization. They provide simple exercises and techniques for increasing air flow and force, correct posture, proper positioning of the tongue, relaxation of the jaw, and toning of the soft palate.

Whether singer, teacher, actor, lawyer, politician, or workshop leader, this book reveals how understanding your vocal anatomy enables you to express your best voice.

Author Biography

After studying physiotherapy at the French School of Orthopedics and Massage in Paris, dancer and physical therapist Blandine Calais-Germain developed an innovative method for teaching the physical structures of anatomy in relation to movement. The author of several books, including No-Risk Abs and the bestselling Anatomy of Movement, she teaches workshops to students from all over the world. She lives in Limoux, France. Fran篩s Germain holds a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Montreal and is an assistant professor of piano, vocal coaching, and opera at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

Table of Contents

Foreword in Three Voices

Preface

Acknowledgments

1.    Introduction
Some Rules for Describing Movement
The Vocal Apparatus
The Moving Body (Including Static Posture), Breathing Body, and Vocal Body

2.    The Skeleton of the Voice
The Spine: The Link between the Trunk, Neck, and Head
The Three Major “Blocks”: Pelvis, Rib Cage, Head
The First Major Block: The Pelvis
The Second Major Block: The Rib Cage--the Transformable Block
The Third Major Block: The Head--the Vocal Skull

3.    The Generator
Introduction
The Two Cavities
The Organs of Respiration and the Surrounding Area
The Muscles of Respiration and the Voice
The Expiratory Muscles: The Muscles That Produce the Vocal Breath
The Inspiratory Muscles
The Postural Muscles: Support for the Generator

4.    The Larynx
The Larynx: The Source of Voice
The Laryngeal Cartilages
Ligaments and Membranes
The Laryngeal Joints
The Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx
The Laryngeal Mucosa
The Three Levels of the Larynx
The Extrinsic Muscles of the Larynx

5.    The Vocal Tract
The Vocal Tract in the Neck
The Pharynx
The Mouth
The Soft Palate
The Tongue
The Lips
The Nose and the Nasal Cavities
The Ears

6.    Some Terms Used in the Vocal Professions
Matter
Gas and Pressure
From Pressure to Sound
Pitch, Intensity, and Duration of Sound
Timbre

Bibliography

Index