Vocal Music Flashcards - Physics

A, E, I, O, U are what kind of sound?

Open sounds

What is Frequency?

Number of compression cycles in a sound wave in each second, measured in Hertz (distance between each fall).

What is Timbre?

Timbre is the unique colour of an instrument or voice that distinguishes it from others. This is determined by a composite of many simultaneous frequencies at different amplitudes, creating a complex sound wave.

What is the fundamental frequency?

The lowest frequency in the complex sound wave.

What is a single frequency called?

A Sine Wave 

What is Amplitude 

The magnitude of the compressions within a sound wave, measured in decibels (the peak to the fall)

What do you call the frequencies above the fundamental?

Harmonics

What do you call the relationship between the fundamental and the harmonics?

A harmonic series

What is Sound?

The compression and rarefaction within a medium. For singing this medium is the air we breathe. (think of slinky)

What is Resonance?

The intensification and enrichment of a musical tone by supplementary vibrations through supplemental frequencies.

What is Forced Resonance?

Resonance where the thing that is vibrating needs to touch something else, making it vibrate too. (ex.stringed intruments)

What is Free Resonsnace

Sound reflected in empty space. In order to allow free resonance, it must be hollow and have an opening where sound waves can exit, and the reflections must synchronize. (ex. empty room, trumpet)

What kind of Resonance is the voice?

The voice is free due to the way it is understood, reflected off surfaces, even though the functions themselves may be mechanical.

In what way does the vocal tract change the sound of vibrations from the vocal chords?

Overtones in the sound are amplified or
lessened depending on how they are reflected or refracted.