Dynamics of the Singing Voice

About this textbook

• Reference text for singers, teachers of singing, therapists and other target groups involved with voice and speech
• Contains clear illustrations, broad coverage of the topic and extensive bibliography
• New arrangement of content and new chapter on vocal pedagogy of the 21st century

During the past decades, "Dynamics of the singing voice" has successfully been established 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. 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.

In this fifth edition, the author has now updated and rearranged the content. Furthermore she has added a new chapter on vocal pedagogic aspects in order to meet the requirements of the art of singing of the 21st century. Thus this new book provides the reader with the established concepts in combination with the latest knowledge about modern approaches to the singing voice.

Written for: Teachers, students, therapists

Keywords:

• articulation
• core singing
• human energy field
• phonation
• resonation
• singer
• vocal health
• vocal pedagogy
• vocal quality

Table of contents

Foreword
Preface and Acknowledgements

1 Core Singing: New approaches to singing for the 21st Century
Key issues in singing today
The approach to teaching and learning
The language of the mind
Developing talent
Learning to trust the voice
Awareness and responsibility

2 The Human Energy Field and Singing
Defining the human energy field
Components of the energy field
Invisible aspects of the energy field
Mental aspects
Emotions
Psychological influences
Psychic aspects
Spiritual aspects
Physical aspects
Singers as masters of their own energy field
Responsibility for learning
Responsibility for thoughts and language
Mindful attention to each practice and lesson
Treat colleagues, peers and teachers with respect
Be centered and aware

3 Vocal Pedagogy in the 21st Century
Working with the whole Student
Right-Left Brain Balance in teaching and Learning
Co-responsibility in learning and the establishment of trust
Use of language that enriches teaching and learning
Self-development as the core of teaching and learning
The responsibility of the teacher
Continue to be a lifelong student
Learn to coach the mental aspects of performance
Create a positive studio atmosphere
Be grateful for each student who arrives at your door
Be professional about the business of singing
The responsibility of the student
Objectivity
Extra-curricula development complementary to singin
Elimination of mind chatter and excessive self-criticism
Meaningful practice and rehearsal
Find ways to monitor progress
Have the courage to take performance risks
Be grateful for your talent
The future of vocal pedagogy

4. What Every Singer Needs To Know: Co-ordination, Spontaneity and Artistry
Co-ordination
Spontaneity
Artistry
a) Love of Singing
b) Dedication to the Work of Singing
c) Indivuality
d) Emotional Involvement
e) Personality and Magnetism
f) Performance That Transcends the Ordinary
On Becoming a Dynamic Singer

5. The Role and Function of the Voice: An Overview
Psychological factors of communication
Physiological factors
Acoustic factors
Perception

6 Posture and breathing in singing
Posture
Respiration
Inspiration
a) The diaphragm
b) The intercostal muscles
c) Other muscles of inspiration
Expiration
a) The abdominal muscles
b) Other muscles of expiration
Subglottic pressure
Summary: breathing for singing

7 Phonation
The anatomy of the vibratory mechanism
The function of the vocal folds in singing
The attack
Neurological factors of phonation
Physiological factors of phonation
Pitch
Range
Vibrato
Registers
Subglottic pressure and vocal intensity
Summary

8 Resonation and vocal quality
The anatomy and physiology of the pharynx
The constrictors
The longitudinal muscles
The soft palate
A summary of the acoustics of the vocal tract
Vowel formation
Vocal quality
Factors which affect vocal quality
Focus and intensity
Some misconceptions regarding resonance
Conclusion

9 Articulation
Vowels and consonants: a summary of their articulation
Vowels
Consonants
The mechanism of articulation
Anatomical aspects of articulation
Fixed structures
Movable structures
a) The mandible or lower jaw
b) The lips
c) The tongue
Summary

10 Vocal Health
General health and nutrition
Hoarseness
a) Allergies
b) Respiratory disease
c) Vocal misuse
d) Hoarseness of psychogenic origin
Drugs
Smoking
Special vocal problems of women
Surgical procedures pertinent to singers
Singers and their doctors
Complementary health professionals available to singers
Care of the voice

11 Practical Considerations for FutureVoice Research
12 Appendices: Study Outlines for Vocal Anatomy

References
Author index
Subject index