Phonation & Posture

Question 0

Define Elastic recoil

Answer 0

ability of a stretched object or organ to return to its resting position or equilibrium (state of balance: stable, neutral, instable)

Question 1

Male & Female Vocal fold length

Answer 1

Female 12.5mm-17.5mm

Male 17mm-25mm

Question 2

The Bernoulli Effect

Answer 2

Increased motion of gas molecules=decreased pressure

Question 3

6 steps of Self-Sustained Vocal Fold Vibration

No Bernouli Effect required

Answer 3

1. Vocal folds have a stable equilibrium when adducted
2. Airflow, generated by lung pressure, moves folds apart (away from equilibrium)
3. Elastic recoil kicks in (folds want to return to equilibrium)
4. Momentum carries folds past equilibrium
5. Folds want to, again, return to equilibrium (from the other direction)
6. Airflow, generated by lung pressure, again moves vocal folds apart (away from equilibrium)

Question 4

4 Factors that determine Fundamental Frequency (F0) and Intensity of Sound:

Answer 4

1. Vocal fold tension or glottal resistance
2. Aerodynamic power (ratio of Psub to air flow)
3. Length of the vocal folds
4. Mass of the vocal folds

Question 5

How much airflow do singers use compared to non-singers?

Answer 5

Singers get 2-3X greater peak airflow for a given lung pressure than non-singers -they achieve optimum transfer between vibrator and resonator

Question 6

What is Subglottic Pressure AKA “Psub”?

Answer 6

Pressure that builds up at the vocal fold level

Question 7

Glottis

Answer 7

opening between the vocal folds

Question 8

4 Indications of an improper amount of Subglottic pressure

Answer 8

1. Decreased flexibility/stability
2. Voice cracking/excess noise in the sound
3. Breathy sound/lack of clarity in the sound (not enough)
4. Outward signs of strain (perhaps this goes without saying)

Question 9

How much Psub for each?

Very soft Phonation
Normal Speech
Loud sounds
Heavy lifting

Answer 9

Very soft Phonation-3cm H2O
Normal Speech 4-9 cm H2O
Loud sounds - 20-70 cm
Heavy lifting - 150 cm

Question 10

Gauffin & Sundberg (1989) “Flow Phonation” is…

Answer 10

Highest possible air flow with complete [optimal-Dr. Gill] glottal closure

Question 11

1mm increase in glottal width achieves…

Answer 11

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.)

Question 12

dB increase from doubled Psub?

Answer 12

8-9dB increase with doubling Psub

Question 13

3 Results of over-adducting the vocal folds?

Answer 13

1. Causes Potential tissue damage and fatigues intrinsic and extrinsic musculature
2. Suppresses natural modes of vibration, diminishing their effectiveness as an acoustic power source
3. Cause constrictive tensions that can diminish the efficacy of good resonances

Question 14

At low frequencies, what regulates pitch and intensity?

Answer 14

glottal resistance (degree and closure time)

Question 15

Divergent vs. Convergent

Answer 15

Divergent (top edge of vocal fold is apart)

Convergent (top edge of vocal fold is together)

Question 16

“Up” vs. “Down”

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Why is posture important?

Answer 17

Voice is only musical instrument housed inside the body

Question 18

Definition of posture

Answer 18

position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose

Question 19

Kinesthesis

Answer 19

-ability to feel movement of the limbs and body

Question 20

Proprioception

Answer 20

-ability to sense stimuli within the body

Question 21

6 Suggestions for Efficient Singing Posture

Answer 21

1. Head is erect on shoulders, not projected forward or pulled back
2. Chest is comfortably high with the rib cage in an open position
3. Shoulders are slightly back, but relaxed and down
4. Arms hang loosely at the sides and do not “invade” the chest area
5. Pelvis rests in a suspended position below the spread-out rib cage
6. 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.

Question 22

4 Signs of Poor Body Alignment

Answer 22

1. Jutting Chin
2. Locked Jaw-undue muscular tension that can be heard in the sound
3. Sunken Chest
4. 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

Question 23

Alexander Technique

Answer 23

achieving a balanced relationship between head, neck, and torso

Founded by F. M. Alexander - Aussie singer/actor

Question 24

End-gaining

Answer 24

“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)

Question 25

What is Release?

Answer 25

acquiring energy and freedom for action

Question 26

What is aerodynamic power’s relation to the larynx?

Answer 26

Below the larynx - aerodynamic power derived from Psub and air flow

Within the larynx - aerodynamic power converted to acoustic power