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CONCEPTS OF PHONATION |
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state of tonic contraction, and therefore it possesses elasticity at all times." [Negus 418, p. 374]
4. Equilibrium of parts. Phonation is the product of conflicting or antagonistic forces (i.e., breath pressure versus glottal resistance), functioning in a state of perfect equilibrium. [Brown 78, p. 63] The output of these two interdependent actions, when functioning automatically, is correct vocal tone. [Berg&re 45] In other words, the act of phonation mainly involves a fixation or holding of muscular positions, rather than a movement of parts. [Stanley 577, p. 304]
5. Motive power. "The voice, like every musical instrument, consists of three distinct actions/' These are: motive power, pitch regulating mechanism and resonance mechanism. [New York Singing Teachers Association 421, p. 34; Ruff 477] The lungs and diaphragm supply the motive power, which is breath; this, coming into contact with the vocal cords, causes them to vibrate, creating sound (phonation); the sound is then amplified by the resonating cavities in the nose, mouth, neck and chest; and it is articulated and projected by the mouth, tongue, Hps and teeth. [Jacques 299, p. 28; Herbert-Caesari 269, p. 28] "The force which causes the [vocal] folds to separate is pressure of air in the trachea, caused by an effort of expiration. The force which makes them close again is the elasticity possessed by the folds themselves. . . . Increase of loudness is attained by rise of air pressure associated with decrease of elasticity of glottic margins." [Negus 418, pp. 373 and 387] (The loudness of a sound will vary with the area of the vibrating surface, with the substance of which it is composed, with the amplitude of the vibrations and with environment. [Ibid., p. 344] (See also Chapter VIL)
6. Total coordinations. Correct vocal technique involves the simultaneous activity of many parts, accurately timed and coordinated. This includes a proper tension of respiratory muscles, intrinsic closure of the glottis, vibrato action, dropped larynx, throat and pharynx open and shaped for resonance, mouth and jaw inert. Incorrect technique practically reverses any or all of these factors. [Dodds and Lickley 139, p. 35] Mursell holds that it is difficult to segregate the vocal mechanism from the rest of the body and describe it as an isolated structure. "Its action is knit into the very texture of the tonal somatic response. . . . The action of the voice influences and shapes the entire pattern of bodily behavior" and, vice versa, "whatever affects the body as a whole must also affect the voice." [411, p. 227] Wharton is of like opinion, claiming that phonation is a process that involves the "cooperation of the many parts of the body" entering into the singing act. [655, p. 69]
7. Primary functions. The vocal instrument is unique in that it is com- |
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