Understanding Breath and Resonance in Singing Voice

Breath Support

Foundation for good singing; energizes air column.

Resonant Tone

Constructive interference of sound waves in vocal tract.

Articulators

Eight structures shaping speech and singing sounds.

Vowels

English language vowels: a, e, i, o, u.

Diaphragm

Double dome-shaped muscle aiding breath control.

Phonation

Sound production starting in the larynx.

Larynx

Voice box; affects sound quality and pitch.

Breath Control

Emission of air from energized air column.

Rib Cage

Protects lungs; supports breathing mechanism.

Vocal Vital Signs

Indicators of vocal health; include three key signs.

Upper Register

Head voice; light tone above middle C.

Lower Register

Chest voice; most common speaking range.

Mix

Blend of upper and lower vocal registers.

Formants

Frequency regions defining vocal quality.

True Vocal Folds

Responsible for producing vocal sounds.

False Vocal Folds

Protect trachea; prevent strain during vocalization.

Glottis

Open airway between vocal folds.

Thyroid Cartilage

Protects larynx from external damage.

Cricoid Cartilage

Ring structure regulating airway opening.

Hyoid Bone

Regulates larynx position; only bone in larynx.

Epiglottis

Directs air to lungs; food to digestive tract.

Narrow Vowels

Vowels e, i, u; promote resonance.

Broad Vowels

Vowels a and o; affect vocal resonance.