Phonation & Posture Flashcards
Define Elastic recoil
ability of a stretched object or organ to return to its resting position or equilibrium (state of balance: stable, neutral, instable)
Male & Female Vocal fold length
Female 12.5mm-17.5mm
Male 17mm-25mm
The Bernoulli Effect
Increased motion of gas molecules=decreased pressure
6 steps of Self-Sustained Vocal Fold Vibration
No Bernouli Effect required
- Vocal folds have a stable equilibrium when adducted
- Airflow, generated by lung pressure, moves folds apart (away from equilibrium)
- Elastic recoil kicks in (folds want to return to equilibrium)
- Momentum carries folds past equilibrium
- Folds want to, again, return to equilibrium (from the other direction)
- Airflow, generated by lung pressure, again moves vocal folds apart (away from equilibrium)
4 Factors that determine Fundamental Frequency (F0) and Intensity of Sound:
- Vocal fold tension or glottal resistance
- Aerodynamic power (ratio of Psub to air flow)
- Length of the vocal folds
- Mass of the vocal folds
How much airflow do singers use compared to non-singers?
Singers get 2-3X greater peak airflow for a given lung pressure than non-singers -they achieve optimum transfer between vibrator and resonator
What is Subglottic Pressure AKA “Psub”?
Pressure that builds up at the vocal fold level
Glottis
opening between the vocal folds
4 Indications of an improper amount of Subglottic pressure
- Decreased flexibility/stability
- Voice cracking/excess noise in the sound
- Breathy sound/lack of clarity in the sound (not enough)
- Outward signs of strain (perhaps this goes without saying)
How much Psub for each?
Very soft Phonation
Normal Speech
Loud sounds
Heavy lifting
Very soft Phonation-3cm H2O
Normal Speech 4-9 cm H2O
Loud sounds - 20-70 cm
Heavy lifting - 150 cm
Gauffin & Sundberg (1989) “Flow Phonation” is…
Highest possible air flow with complete [optimal-Dr. Gill] glottal closure
1mm increase in glottal width achieves…
Boost of 3dB for 1mm increase in glottal width due to increased air flow (possible to achieve up to 4-7dB increase with GW increase as opposed to 8-9dB with doubling Psub.)
dB increase from doubled Psub?
8-9dB increase with doubling Psub
3 Results of over-adducting the vocal folds?
- Causes Potential tissue damage and fatigues intrinsic and extrinsic musculature
- Suppresses natural modes of vibration, diminishing their effectiveness as an acoustic power source
- Cause constrictive tensions that can diminish the efficacy of good resonances
At low frequencies, what regulates pitch and intensity?
glottal resistance (degree and closure time)
Divergent vs. Convergent
Divergent (top edge of vocal fold is apart)
Convergent (top edge of vocal fold is together)
“Up” vs. “Down”
Up signifies anticipation, confidence, optimism
Down signifies depression and dejection
Up means balanced neck -torso bond, lengthened and widened back, erect chest
Down - depressed neck and spinal column, dropped rib cage
Why is posture important?
Voice is only musical instrument housed inside the body
Definition of posture
position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose
Kinesthesis
-ability to feel movement of the limbs and body
Proprioception
-ability to sense stimuli within the body
6 Suggestions for Efficient Singing Posture
- Head is erect on shoulders, not projected forward or pulled back
- Chest is comfortably high with the rib cage in an open position
- Shoulders are slightly back, but relaxed and down
- Arms hang loosely at the sides and do not “invade” the chest area
- Pelvis rests in a suspended position below the spread-out rib cage
- Stand buoyantly as if ready for action. Do not put your weight on your heels, but balance directly above the arch of your foot to take advantage of this tiny trampoline.
4 Signs of Poor Body Alignment
- Jutting Chin
- Locked Jaw-undue muscular tension that can be heard in the sound
- Sunken Chest
- Overly Tight Abdominal Muscles (balance board/rocking on feet)
* **be sensitive to student discomfort. When posture is ideal, the chest (as well as the psyche) feels unduly exposed
Alexander Technique
achieving a balanced relationship between head, neck, and torso
Founded by F. M. Alexander - Aussie singer/actor
End-gaining
“As long as the end is held in mind instead of the means, the muscular act, or series of acts, will always be performed in accordance with the mode established by old habits.” - Man’s Supreme Inheritance by F. M. Alexander (Mouritz, 1996)
What is Release?
acquiring energy and freedom for action
What is aerodynamic power’s relation to the larynx?
Below the larynx - aerodynamic power derived from Psub and air flow
Within the larynx - aerodynamic power converted to acoustic power
