Voice Class Midterm

What is Tesitura?

Most comfortable/best sounding range for a singer

What is Range?

The span between your lowest and highest comforrtable notes.

What cartilages and muscles comprise the larynx

Thyroid cartilage, arytenoid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, conus elasticus, vocal ligament

What are the primary functions of the larynx?

Controls breathing, protects the airway, and produce sound

What cartiliages and muscles comprise the Larynx

Thyroid cartilage! artyenoid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, conus elasticus, vocal ligament

How is pitch changed?

The vocal folds lengthen or condense.

Describe the difference between a glottal attack and a breathy onset.

For a glottal attack, folds close with a lot of pressure. When the folds do not close well, it creates a breathy onset.

When you sing a higher note, vocal chords...

stretch/get thinner

When you sing a lower note, vocal chords...

get thicker and condense

Name and describe the three parts of the pharynx.

Nasopharynx- located between the base of the skull and the soft palate, which moves up to close off the nose and produce a nasal sound.

Oral Pharynx- begins at the level of the soft palate and continues to the level of the middle of the

Epiglottis. It is the most flexible and makes many different shapes. The oral pharynx can get taller, wider, narrower, shorter and it is the place where most of your vocal resonance occurs.

Laryngeal pharynx- Area from the middle of the epiglottis to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. Contributes to the acoustic part of the voice responsible for its carrying power or "ring"

What is the location and the function of the soft palate?

The soft palate and the pharynx are connected by the palatoglossus muscles. The soft palate moves up and down to create more resonance space.

What role does body alignment play in the functioning of the pharynx and larynx?

When all of the structures are aligned, they respond easily and create the sound you want. If the alignment is distorted by the head or jaw pushing forward, the pharynx and larynx do not function properly.

What three types of motion is the jaw capable of? Which movement(s) does singing

Require?

The jaw can move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward. Singing requires up and down.

What problems can occur with the tongue in singing?

The tongue can be pulled down intentionally which creates tension and affects pitch and tone.

What is the difference between voiced and unvoiced consonants?

Voiced consonants are made with a vocal sound while unvoiced consonants are not. This depends on how the consonant is physically made.

What are the possible causes of temporary hoarseness?

Temporary hoarseness can be caused by Loud parties and yelling, Poor speech habits, singing too loudly, Air travel, Singing for too long, or Medications.

What can you do to remedy hoarseness?

attending to vocal technique, staying hydrated, sleeping well, and using a humidifier

What are vocal nodules? How do they develop?

Vocal nodules are calluses on the vocal chords. This happens when the vocal chords bang together and swell. Symptoms include hoarseness, a loss of vocal range, and the speaking voice to sound weak and tired

What is vocal fatigue?

Vocal fatigue is tired vocal muscles that are caused when you overuse the voice. Some behaviors such as singing in too many ensembles, yelling, and shouting can contribute to it.

At what decibel level is sound considered harmful?

90 decibels

What are unhealthy behaviors that can

harm your voice?

Bad habits include coughing or clearing the voice too much, yelling or overusing the voice. Other things that are bad are any inhalants or toxins, alcohol, and breathing in dust particles.

What are the steps to learning a song?

1. "Tah" or "Dah" through rhythm.

2. Speak text in rhythm.

3. Sing melody on a lip trill or a single vowel.

4. Sings words with melody.

5. Sing with Accompaniment.