The Functional Unity of the Singing Voice

by Doscher, Barbara M.

• ISBN13: 9780810827080
• ISBN10: 0810827085
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1993-12-01
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Summary

Describes the anatomy and physiology of breathing and phonation and examines the acoustical laws necessary for an understanding of resonation. Extensive bibliography.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
International Phonetic Alphabet/Frequency Key	xi
Introduction	xii
Technique and Art	xii
Rationale for the Study of Physiology	xii
Anatomical and Physiological Terminology	xv
The Functional Unity of Singing	xviii
Respiration	1	(29)
Basic Functions	1	(2)
The Skeletal Structure	3	(1)
The Respiratory System	3	(5)
The Lungs	3	(2)
The Thorax	5	(3)
The Inspiratory Muscles	8	(4)
The Diaphragm	8	(3)
The External Intercostals	11	(1)
The Expiratory Muscles	12	(4)
The Internal Intercostals	12	(1)
The Abdominals	13	(3)
Auxiliary Respiratory Muscles	16	(2)
The Breathing Cycle	18	(4)
The Concept of Breath Support	22	(8)
Anatomy of the Larynx	30	(28)
The Hyoid Bone and Major Cartilages of the Larynx	30	(5)
The Hyoid Bone	30	(1)
Cartilages of the Larynx	31	(4)
Definition of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Muscles	35	(1)
The Intrinsic Muscles	35	(9)
The Vocal Folds	35	(2)
The False Vocal Folds	37	(1)
The Crico-Thyroid Muscle	37	(5)
The Crico Arytenoid Muscles	42	(2)
The Extrinsic Muscles	44	(14)
The Depressors	48	(1)
The Elevators	49	(4)
Benefits of Extrinsic Equilibrium	53	(5)
Phonation	58	(11)
Posture	69	(16)
The Physical Nature of Sound	85	(21)
Characteristics of a Sound Wave	85	(1)
Properties of a Musical Sound	86	(11)
Frequency	86	(2)
Amplitude	88	(4)
Timbre	92	(5)
The Phenomenon of Resonance	97	(2)
Vocal Resonance	99	(1)
Acoustical Damping	100	(2)
Acoustical Laws Concerning Cavities	102	(4)
Vocal Resonance	106	(27)
The Voice as a Wind Instrument	106	(1)
The Resonance Cavities	107	(4)
Tuning the Resonators	111	(14)
The Pharynx	111	(2)
The Tongue	113	(4)
The Palate	117	(4)
Jaw and Mouth Opening	121	(3)
The Lips	124	(1)
Timbre or Tone Quality	125	(8)
Fixed Formants and Vowel Modification	133	(38)
What are Formants?	133	(1)
The Fixed Formant Law	134	(5)
Vowel Formants and Harmonic Overtones	139	(1)
The Singing Formant	140	(4)
Vowel Modification	144	(16)
Tuning the Vowel Formants	144	(5)
The Importance of the First Formant	149	(1)
Matching Formants and the Harmonic Series	150	(4)
The First Vowel Formant and the Soprano Voice	154	(3)
Vowel Modification and Intelligibility	157	(2)
Vowel Modification and Dynamic Level	159	(1)
The Mirror Image	160	(2)
Speaking and Singing	162	(2)
The Pure Vowel	164	(7)
Vocal Registers	171	(40)
How Many Registers?	172	(6)
The Female Registers	178	(5)
The Male Registers	183	(5)
Belting	188	(3)
Blending Registers	191	(4)
Voice Classification	195	(3)
Vibrato	198	(13)
Major Characteristics	198	(3)
The Trill	201	(1)
Causes of Vibrato	202	(9)
The Functional Unity of the Singing Voice: A Gestalt	211	(3)
APPENDIX I. VOCAL ABUSE AND MISUSE	214	(37)
Physical Disorders	217	(1)
Vocal Nodules and Vocal Polyps	218	(5)
Physical Characteristics	218	(3)
Causes	221	(2)
Contact Ulcers	223	(1)
Physical Characteristics	223	(1)
Causes	223	(1)
Endotracheal Intubation	224	(2)
Hormonal Changes	226	(2)
The Thyroid Gland	226	(1)
Menstruation	226	(1)
The Male Hormone	227	(1)
Short-term Tissue Changes	228	(6)
The URI (Common Cold)	228	(2)
Tonsillitis	230	(1)
Laryngitis	231	(1)
The Effects of Drugs	232	(2)
Functional Disorders	234	(6)
Prolonged Phonation or Overuse	234	(2)
``Marking''	236	(1)
Choral Singing	237	(3)
The Wrong Tessitura	240	(1)
The Young Voice	241	(1)
The Aging Voice	241	(2)
Am I Too Loud?	243	(1)
Weird Noises	244	(1)
Extended Vocal Techniques	245	(6)
APPENDIX II. VOCAL HYGIENE	251	(8)
Common Irritants	251	(1)
Commonly Used Drugs	252	(1)
Hydration	253	(1)
Rest and Exercise	254	(1)
Clothing and Diet	255	(1)
Emotional Stress	256	(3)
Bibliography	259	(57)
Name Index	316	(3)
Subject Index	319	(13)
About the Author	332