Vocal Acoustics for Treble Voices

Question 1

Which harmonics does fR1 potentially align with in the treble voice?

Answer 1

fR1 potentially aligns with fo or 2fo, 3fo or 4fo (mostly fo to 3fo).

Question 2

Which harmonics does fR2 potentially align with in the treble voice?

Answer 2

fR2 potentially aligns with any of the harmonics from the fundamental to 9fo (mostly 2fo to 6fo).

Question 3

What range of Hz does the treble voice cover?

Answer 3

F3 - F6 which is 175Hz - 1400 Hz

Question 4

What does fR1 mean?

Answer 4

Frequency of resonance 1 (Frequency of first resonance )

Question 5

Name two scientists who noted approximate ranges of fR1 for treble voices.

Answer 5

Hillebrand (1995) and Stevens (2000)

Question 6

What is the typical range that fR1 occupies?

Answer 6

300 - 1200 Hz (mostly 300 - 1000 Hz)

Question 7

What does fR2 mean?

Answer 7

Frequency of resonance 2 (Frequency of second resonance)

Question 8

What is the typical range that fR2 occupies?

Answer 8

800 - 2700 Hz (mostly 800 - 2500 Hz)

Question 9

Do any vowels have shared fR1 frequencies?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Do any vowels have shared fR2 frequencies?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

Does fR2 always create a dominant harmonic in treble singing?

Answer 11

No. Look instead for a significant peak in the contour.

Question 12

Do all sounds have a significant fR2 peak?

Answer 12

No. Particularly in quiet singing or singing above the second passaggio.

Question 13

In the middle range of the treble voice will we tune or detune fR2.

Answer 13

Tune it! In the middle of the treble voice tuning fR2 will add clarity and strength.

Question 14

When singing past the second passaggio for the treble voices will we tune or detune fR2.

Answer 14

De-tune it! Detuning fR2 in the high range at the right time achieves a ‘lofty’ top.

Question 15

Do you detune fR2 on the second passaggio or before in treble voices?

Answer 15

Before!

Question 16

How much weaker should 2fo be than fo past the second passaggio?

Answer 16

At least 10 dBs.

Question 17

What acoustic strategy is used for front vowel in the second passaggio?

Answer 17

fR2 should remain detuned. For front vowels where fR2 is on the 3fo this should also be significantly quieter than fo.

Question 18

Should you open or close a vowel to raise fR1 and lower fR2?

Answer 18

Open

Question 19

If the high range sounds pressed or brassy, what might you try?

Answer 19

1. Restrain the volume
2. Experiment with lip rounding, jaw opening, and / or tongue lowering to lower the second resonance
3. Encourage the change earlier in the scale

Question 20

If the high range sounds swallowed, the first resonance has probably dropped below the fundamental. What might you try?

Answer 20

1. Open the vowel more
2. Pair front and back vowels with similar fR1 and toggle between them on high notes starting with the front vowel (eoeoeoeoeo)

Question 21

If modifying [ɛ] to lower both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 21

[ɶ]

Question 22

If modifying [ɛ] to lower both fR1 but raise fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 22

[e]

Question 23

If modifying [a] to lower both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 23

[ɑ]

Question 24

If modifying [a] to raise both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 24

[æ]

Question 25

If modifying [ɑ] to lower both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 25

[ɔ]

Question 26

If modifying [ɑ] to raise both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 26

[a]

Question 27

If modifying [ɔ] to lower both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 27

[o]

Question 28

If modifying [ɔ] to raise both fR1 and fR2 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 28

[ɑ]

Question 29

If modifying [a] to lower fR1 which vowel would you pick?

Answer 29

[ʌ]