VOCALS
THE HUMAN VOICE : FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE | Renée Maranan
At the time of writing this article , I have just returned from a vocal instructors ’ conference in Edinburgh , Scotland . I had the privilege of teaching a few classes for voice teachers from around the world and attended a number of presentations on topics ranging from vocal acoustics to mental health . It left me with a renewed sense of awe of the human voice and prompted me to reflect on its significance for us , not just as singers but as humans .
A SYSTEM OF INTERCONNECTED SYSTEMS One simple way to understand how the voice works is through the power-source-filter model . The voice is powered by the breath coming from our lungs . The breath passes through the vocal folds , or the source , which vibrate and create sound . As the sound passes through the space above the vocal folds , its qualities change depending on the shape of the vocal tract or the filter .
It may seem like a simple sequence of events . In truth , it ’ s more nuanced than one might realize . This system is interconnected with our physiology , psychology , and even our social contexts .
HOW WE BREATHE How we manage our breath as singers may vary depending on different factors . We breathe differently when we ’ re relaxed compared to when we ’ re emotional . We may subconsciously push more air when we feel the need to project over a full set of amplified instruments , or when our ability to monitor our sound is compromised . And of course , the way we breathe can be impacted by our physical well-being ; we breathe differently when we ’ re struggling with seasonal allergies , when we ’ re experiencing stress and muscular tension , or when we ’ re tired and lacking energy .
HOW WE SOUND If you want a simple demonstration of how vocal acoustics works , try this simple exercise : start by singing “ AH ” on a single pitch . Then , with clean hands , hook your index fingers into the corners of your mouth and gently pull them towards the sides and back , then release . Simply by changing the shape of the lips , we can change the timbre of the voice . This means that every vowel we sing comes with distinct acoustic properties – an “ AH ” ( as in “ father ”) will sound different than an “ EE ” ( as in “ bee ”) simply because the tongue and lips are positioned differently , and therefore create different acoustic chambers through which sound is filtered . This also means that singers with different mouth shapes , tongue shapes , head shapes , dialects , and even accents , may produce different sound qualities when singing the same lyrics .
HOW WE FEEL Our emotions are intrinsically tied to our voices . Think of how you might say a simple word like “ hello ” under different emotional contexts : when taking a routine phone call , when greeting a friend that you haven ’ t seen in years , when talking to someone who has just cut in front of you in a long line , when calling out for help when you ’ re locked in an elevator , or when meeting a newborn baby . Our bodies organize themselves differently under different emotional circumstances , and our voices naturally follow suit . Singing can be such an emotional act in and of itself , that this tie between our emotions and our voices can be specially made manifest in our vocal performances .
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER As a vocal instructor , most of what I do is focused on helping singers improve their vocal function , artistry , and performance skills . But sometimes , there is a need to take a step back and appreciate the significance of the voice within the bigger picture of our human life . It ’ s more than just an instrument for display . It ’ s a vessel through which we experience and express our thoughts , our emotions , and even our identities . It ’ s a window through which we can share and observe our culture , our history ,
and our complex and ever-evolving inner condition . It ’ s a companion along the road of our lives as artists and humans , telling the sonic tale of our bodies , minds , and hearts . Because of this , it ’ s worth establishing even a basic understanding of how the voice works and how it is tied into the bigger picture of our existence – so that we can bear in mind that our voices are more than a tool for performance and ministry , but a real and tangible reminder that we are more than what one might see on the surface , the we are precious and valued beyond our understanding , and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made .
Got a question for Renee ? Send an email to hello @ reneemaranan . com with “ WM Voice Question ” in the subject line !
Renée Maranan Vocal Instructor | Life Coach Ambassador for the Institute for Vocal Advancement www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
24 July 2024 Subscribe for Free ...