Dynamics of the Singing Voice

by Bunch, Meribeth

• ISBN13: 9783211829851
• ISBN10: 3211829857
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-05-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

The book is designed as a reference text for teachers of singing, singers, choral conductors and organists, speech and voice therapists, laryngologists and other health professionals, psychologists and those in linguistics. It discusses the physiological, psychological, musical and emotional aspects of the voice, particularly as they relate to singing but also to speaking. Important features of this work are the clear illustrations, the broad coverage of the topic and the extensive bibliography. The book provides a greater understanding of how the voice works and the many factors involved in singing as well as an objective discussion of singing without reference to specific techniques.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(7)
Terminology used to describe singing	2	(1)
Understanding the processes of producing sound	2	(2)
Relating functional processes to the teaching of singing	4	(1)
Relating function to artistry	4	(1)
Relating personal growth to singing and artistry	5	(1)
How to use this book	5	(2)
Psychological aspects of singing	7	(16)
Psychological factors	9	(2)
Physiological factors	11	(4)
Acoustic factors	15	(1)
Perception	16	(7)
Psychological aspects of teaching and studying singing	18	(1)
Sensory-motor awareness	19	(1)
The language and communication involved in teaching and learning	19	(1)
The contribution of the teacher	20	(1)
Contribution of the student	21	(2)
Posture and breathing in singing	23	(33)
Posture	24	(6)
Respiration	30	(21)
Inspiration	31	(6)
The diaphragm	37	(1)
The intercostal muscles	37	(8)
Other muscles of inspiration	45	(2)
Expiration	47	(1)
The abdominal muscles	47	(3)
Other muscles of expiration	50	(1)
Subglottic pressure	51	(2)
Summary: breathing for singing	53	(3)
Phonation	56	(26)
The anatomy of the vibratory mechanism	57	(12)
The function of the vocal folds in singing	69	(11)
The attack	70	(2)
Neurological factors of phonation	72	(1)
Physiological factors of phonation	72	(1)
Pitch	73	(1)
Range	74	(1)
Vibrato	75	(1)
Registers	76	(4)
Subglottic pressure and vocal intensity	80	(1)
Summary	80	(2)
Resonation and vocal quality	82	(29)
The anatomy and physiology of the pharynx	85	(8)
The constrictors	89	(1)
The longitudinal muscles	89	(1)
The soft palate	89	(4)
A summary of the acoustics of the vocal tract	93	(16)
Vowel formation	99	(3)
Vocal quality	102	(1)
Factors which affect vocal quality	102	(3)
Focus and intensity	105	(2)
Some misconceptions regarding resonance	107	(2)
Conclusion	109	(2)
Articulation	111	(12)
Vowels and consonants: a summary of their articulation	112	(1)
Vowels	112	(1)
Consonants	112	(1)
The mechanism of articulation	113	(1)
Anatomical aspects of articulation	114	(7)
Fixed structures	114	(1)
Movable structures	114	(1)
The mandible or lower jaw	114	(3)
The lips	117	(2)
The tongue	119	(2)
Summary	121	(2)
Vocal problems: their prevention and care	123	(15)
General health and nutrition	123	(2)
Hoarseness	125	(5)
Allergies	125	(1)
Respiratory disease	126	(1)
Vocal misuse	127	(3)
Hoarseness of psychogenic origin	130	(1)
Drugs	130	(1)
Smoking	131	(1)
Special vocal problems of women	132	(1)
Surgical procedures pertinent to singers	132	(2)
Singers and their doctors	134	(1)
Other professionals in health available to singers	135	(1)
Care of the voice	135	(3)
Co-ordination, spontaneity and artistry	138	(12)
Co-ordination	139	(1)
Spontaneity	140	(3)
Artistry	143	(3)
Love of singing	143	(1)
Dedication to the work of singing	144	(1)
Individuality	144	(1)
Emotional involvement	145	(1)
Personality and magnetism	145	(1)
Performance that transcends the ordinary	146	(1)
On becoming a dynamic singer	146	(4)
Singing from the heart	150	(6)
Life energy	151	(1)
Physical aspects	151	(1)
Rhythm	151	(1)
Mental attitude	151	(1)
Vibration	152	(1)
Quantum influences	153	(1)
Sound and healing	153	(1)
Pure emotion	153	(1)
The singer of the future	154	(2)
References	156	(33)
Author index	189	(2)
Subject index	191