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Vocal Pedagogy - Test 1
Questions to study for Test 1
163
Music
Undergraduate 4
05/15/2009

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Term
What must the teacher-student relationship be based on?
Definition
Mutual respect and an awareness of the complex personal feelings that each person brings into the studio.
Term
You need three basic abilities to be able to communicate with your students. What are they?
Definition
1. Comprehensive knowledge of vocal mechanism and how it works.

2. Ability to express yourself in terms the student can understand.

3. Some of the skills of a master psychologist.
Term
Diagnosis
Definition
The process of determining by examination the nature and circumstances of a diseased condition.
Term
What are the two approaches a teacher can take to correcting vocal issues?
Definition
Mechanistic and psychological. Most teachers use a combination of the two, which is usually most effective.
Term
Name five characteristics of consonants.
Definition
1. They are more or less restricted speech sounds.

2. They contain more or less conspicuous noise elements due to the degree of restriction present.

3. They are subordinate to vowels in sonority.

4. They do not form the center of syllables, but define the borders.

5. They function as sound interrupters or sound stoppers and thus separate the vocal tone into recognizable units which communicate meaning.
Term
What are three fundamental questions to ask about a patient or a student in order to make a diagnosis?
Definition
1. What are the symptoms?

2. What are the causes of these symptoms?

3. What are the possible remedies?
Term
How does a teacher establish a standard of good sound?
Definition
Listening to recognized artists, especially those who have had lasting success and who continue to demonstrate vocal freedom and tonal beauty.
Term
What is the primary task of the teacher?
Definition
To spot imperfections which may be present and to plan a course of action which, in due time, should remove them.
Term
Why must a teacher have a systematic approach to diagnosing vocal faults?
Definition
Otherwise, it is likely that certain faults will go unnoticed.
Term
What are the three steps to diagnosing faults as related to a medical diagnosis?
Definition
1. Informal observation of the student.

2. Self-evaluation by the student.

3. Systematic analysis by the teacher.
Term
What does the ability to devise cures come from?
Definition
Applied knowledge and gained experience.
Term
The medium through which sound waves are transmitted
Definition
Air
Term
Velocity at which sound travels
Definition
approximately 1100 ft/sec (750 mi/hr)
Term
Elasticity
Definition
When the molecules of air adjacent to a vibrating obect are compressed, they tend to fly apart, thus compressing the molecules adjacent to them on all sides. These molecules, in turn, fly apart, and the chain reaction continues until all the energy in the sound wave is used up.
Term
Purpose of elasticity
Definition
It keeps molecules from flying into space after they've been disturbed.
Term
Define compression wave and rarefaction wave.
Definition
The alternate action of molecules moving closer together and springing apart.
Term
Another word for the basic pitch (without overtones)
Definition
First partial or fundamental
Term
Four physical processes that make up vocal sound
Definition
Respiration, phonation, resonation, articulation
Term
Sequence of vocal production (specific)
Definition
1. Breath is taken.
2. Sound is initiated in the larynx.
3. The resonators receive the sound and influence it.
4. The articulators shape the sound into recognizable units.
Term
Phonation
Definition
The process of producing vocal sound by the vibration of the vocal cords. It takes place in the larynx when the vocal cords are brought together (approximated) and breath pressure is applied to them in such a way that vibration ensues.
Term
Respiration
Definition
The process of moving air in and out of the body (inhalation and exhalation).
Term
Resonation
Definition
The process by which the basic product of phonation is enhanced in timbre and/or intensity by the air-filled cavities through which it passes on its way to the outside air.
Term
Articulation
Definition
The process by which the joint product of the vibrator and the resonators is shaped into recognizable speech sounds through the muscular adjustments and movements of the articulators, resulting in verbal communication (words).
Term
Which instrument categories most resemble the voice and why?
Definition
Brass and wind instruments, because the breath is used as the actuator, which vibrates the mouthpiece or reed, and then that sound resonates in the body of the instrument. The breath is the actuator of the human voice, which vibrates the larynx, and then the voice is altered in the resonating chambers (mouth, throat, etc).
Term
Standard A concert pitch
Definition
440 Hz
Term
The frequency rate of a vibrating object is determined by what four factors?
Definition
1. Size

2. Shape

3. Elasticity

4. Mass

If these factors remain constant, the pitch will not vary. Regardless of how strongly the vibrator is set in motion.
Term
Pitch
Definition
The frequency of vibration of a musical tone as expressed in the number of vibrations per second.
Term
Two categories into which sound is divided
Definition
1. Noises
2. Musical tones
Term
The function of the ear
Definition
To receive the alternate waves of compression and rarefaction and transmit them to the brain, where they are interpreted.
Term
What are the four elements essential to the existence of sound?
Definition
1. A vibrating object
2. A power source to make the object vibrate
3. A medium through which the vibrations are transmitted
4. An apparatus to receive the vibrations
Term
Three questions a teacher must ask himself when a student enters the studio
Definition
1. What is wrong with the sound I'm hearing?

2. What is causing it to sound that way?

3. What am I going to do about it?
Term
In order to recognize symptoms, the teacher will need to evaluate what two types of clues?
Definition
Audible and visible
Term
Five questions to ask a student to encourage him to indulge in self-evaluation:
Definition
1. What are your goals as a singer?

2. What do you hope to gain from studying with me?

3. What previous training have you had?

4. Are you aware of specific vocal problems you may have?

5. What music do you enjoy singing?
Term
Most words used in the descriptive vocal terminology are drawn from:
Definition
Other disciplines.

Examples: Warm, white, light, dark, bright, reedy, spread, focused, covered, swallowed, forward, ringing, hooty, bleaty, plummy, mellow, pear-shaped.
Term
What are five characteristics of a vowel?
Definition
1. It is an unrestricted speech sound.

2. It is capable of being sustained.

3. It normally is a voiced sound, although it can be whispered.

4. It is the basic building material of vocal tone.

5. It has definitive shape or form.
Term
Vowel
Definition
A speech sound which may constitute a syllable or the nucleus of a syllable.
Term
What are the two basic categories of vocal sound?`
Definition
Vowels and consonants
Term
What are three essential parts of an instrument and what do they do?
Definition
1. Actuator - to furnish the energy or power needed to set the vibrator in motion.

2. Vibrator - to generate a series of sound waves - alternate waves of compression and rarefaction.

3. Resonator - to influence the intensity and/or the timbre of the sound waves.
Term
What is a prime factor in sonance?
Definition
Vibrato, which is made of up changes in pitch, intensity, and timbre.
Term
What does the fundamental of sound do?
Definition
Gives pitch.
Term
Duration
Definition
How long the musical tone lasts
Term
Intensity
Definition
Amount of energy in a sound, strength of the sound. Can be measured objectively by its decibel level.
Term
Timbre
Definition
Characteristic tone quality of sound as determined by the presence and relative strength of its component partials.
Term
Sonance
Definition
The pattern of change in timbre, pitch, intensity, or a mixture of noise in a given pitch.
Term
Classification of vocal faults according to vocal mechanism (4).
Definition
1. Faults of the tongue
2. Faults of the jaw
3. Faults of the lips
4. Faults of the soft palate
Term
What is the classification of vocal faults according to their relation to the physical processes involved in the singing act? (4)
Definition
1. Faults related to respiration
2. Faults related to phonation
3. Faults related to resonation
4. Faults related to articulation
Term
Classify vocal faults according to their relation to the essential properties or elements of a musical sound. (5)
Definition
1. Faults related to pitch
2. Faults related to timbre
3. Faults related to duration
4. Faults related to intensity
5. Faults related to sonance
Term
What is sometimes considered the fifth physical process involved in the production of sound?
Definition
Interpretation
Term
According to the book, what are the basic reasons for good posture?
Definition
1. The body functions best when the skeleton is in proper alignment.

2. The actuator of the vocal instrument functions best when the posture is good. Air moves more efficiently in and out of the body.

3. The vibrator and resonators function best when the body is in alignment.

4. The singer can get a psychological boost from being in proper alignment, knowing that they look good and will function well.

5. The audience will react better to the singer when their posture is good.

6. The general health of the singer can benefit from good posture.
Term
What are some adjectives to think about to achieve good posture?
Definition
Buoyant, expansive, erect, alert, free-to-move, vibrant, flexible, poised, tall, loose, free, happy, balanced...
Term
What is the best way to arrive at good posture?
Definition
Use of a mirror
Term
What is the greatest enemy of the public performer?
Definition
Tension
Term
Describe good posture as related to the feet.
Definition
Weight evenly distributed between the feet, toe of one foot slightly in front of the other. Feet fairly close together, yet separated.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the legs.
Definition
Feeling of freely flexible legs, ready to move at all times. Avoid rigidity or locking into one position.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the knees.
Definition
Loose, ready to be moved at all times, not locked.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the hips and buttocks.
Definition
Should be in line with the rest of the body. Neither hip should stick out further than the other, and the butt should be gently tucked under and forward as if you are trying to straighten the small of your back.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the lower abdomen.
Definition
Hold it in comfortably, pull it in very gently.
Term
Describe good posture as it relates to the upper abdomen.
Definition
Free to move at all times. Don't pull it in or stick it out.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the back.
Definition
The spine should be tall and in a straight line, and the small of the back should be straight.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the chest.
Definition
The chest should be high and expanded. It should remain relatively still.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the shoulders.
Definition
Rolled or gently pulled back, and then dropped into a comfortable position that allows the chest to be expanded. They should not be forced down or tight, and they shouldn't move much when the singer breathes.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the arms and hands.
Definition
The arms should hang freely and naturally. The hands and arms should be free from tension and fidgeting.
Term
Describe good posture as related to the head.
Definition
The head should be directly in line with the body and centered on the shoulders. The eyes should appear level, and the chin should be very slightly tucked. The chin should not reach for high notes.
Term
Describe good seated posture.
Definition
The back should be straight, and the body in a straight line from the head to the base of the spine. The hips should be deep in the chair to allow for movement. The feet should be in the same position they would be if you were standing.
Term
Name five alignment faults (9 total).
Definition
1. Head tilted to let or right, or front or back

2. Chin too high or low

3. Raised shoulders or one higher than the other

4. Slumping posture with collapsed chest.

5. Protruding abdomen and/or buttocks

6. Too much curvature in small of back

7. One hip more prominent than the other

8. Knees pulled too far back

9. Feet too far apart or too close together
Term
How are most alignment faults corrected?
Definition
By calling them to the student's attention and insisting that he or she practice in front of a mirror.
Term
Why are alignment faults important to correct?
Definition
They contribute to additional faults.
Term
Explain the function of a muscle.
Definition
Muscles are a tissue composed of bundles of elongated cells capable of contraction and relaxation to produce movement in an organ or part. It performs its work by contracting its fibers, thus shortening its length and exerting a pull on the part to which it is attached. When the muscle relaxes, it returns to its former position and the pull is released.
Term
How are muscles named?
Definition
The less movable part is named first and is called the origin, the more movable part is named last and is called the insertion. The direction of pull is toward the origin. Example: Sternothyroid runs from the sternum to the thyroid cartilage.
Term
True or false: Muscles pull in two directions.
Definition
False. One.
Term
Muscles perform most efficiently when given sufficient time to:
Definition
Relax.
Term
How will a muscle react to being held in tension for too long?
Definition
It will begin to tremble, begin to hurt, shake violently, and lose function.
Term
Two primary clues to indicate tensional posture faults:
Definition
1. Some form of trembling, quivering, or shaking

2. Rigidity
Term
What causes a trembling leg muscle, and how is it corrected?
Definition
It is caused by holding the calf muscle in tension for too long. Often, this is from pulling back on the knees. To correct it, loosen the body and warm up first, be aware of the leg tension and try to stay loose, and bend the knees slightly until they feel loose.
Term
What is the best remedy to rigidity?
Definition
Movement
Term
Three stages of breathing for life (not singing)
Definition
1. A slow intake of air
2. A quicker release of air
3. A waiting or recovery period before the next breath begins
Term
What makes air enter the body?
Definition
A difference in pressure between the lungs and the outside air
Term
What causes the difference in pressure that causes the intake of air?
Definition
The contraction of the diaphragm muscle creates a partial vacuum in the lungs.
Term
Diaphragm
Definition
A dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.
Term
What bones are the diaphragm connected to?
Definition
Breastbone, lower ribs, back bone
Term
When the diaphragm contracts, the dome (lowers or raises)?
Definition
Lowers
Term
Four factors involved in exhalation:
Definition
1. The diaphragm relaxes

2. The lungs return to their original shape

3. The abdominal muscles and wall return to their original position as the diaphragm stops pushing on them

4. The internal rib and ab muscles assist in the expulsion of air (more so as the level of exertion increases)
Term
The purpose of the nose in relation to breathing:
Definition
To filter, warm, and add moisture to the incoming air. It slows the air down.
Term
Why is aerobic exercise important for singers?
Definition
The lower lungs are able to filter air faster than the upper part of the lungs because more capillaries exist there. Sedentary people tend to breathe more shallowly, while active people take deeper, more efficient breaths.
Term
Four stages of breathing for singing:
Definition
1. A breathing in period (inhalation)

2. A setting-up-controls period (suspension)

3. A controlled exhalation period (phonation)

4. A recovery period
Term
Why do singers often develop chronic breathing problems?
Definition
They abandon conscious control of the breathing processes before the correct habits are formed.
Term
How does inhalation for singing differ from inhalation for living?
Definition
Inhalation for singing is quicker, more air is inhaled, and the air goes deeper into the lungs.
Term
A singer can take the most breath in the shortest amount of time by breathing through the:
Definition
Mouth and nose simultaneously
Term
What are three thoughts a singer can have to achieve a proper inhalation?
Definition
1. Smelling a flower
2. Pre-yawn
3. Drinking a glass of water
Term
Three words to describe breath action:
Definition
In, down, out.
Term
Why do the abdominals expand when a breath is taken?
Definition
The diaphragm displaces the abdominal viscera.
Term
Two reasons that the abs expand more than the ribs and back with inhalation:
Definition
1. The attachment of the diaphragm to the skeleton is higher in the front than in the back or sides.

2. The upper abdomen is capable of more expansion for less expenditure than the back or sides.
Term
What is the cause of audible breathing?
Definition
The path of incoming air is partially blocked.
Term
Does suspension happen in natural breathing?
Definition
No
Term
What is the purpose of the suspension in breathing?
Definition
To prepare the vocal mechanism for phonation.
Term
As long as _______________, it is easy to maintain an expanded position.
Definition
...the diaphragm remains down...
Term
When done properly, suspension insures...
Definition
an almost effortless inception of vocal tone without the need to readjust the mechanism.
Term
What determines the length of the period of exhalation?
Definition
The demands of the musical phrase.
Term
What is the best way to gain control of the exhalation process?
Definition
To try to maintain the expansion around the middle of the body while the diaphragm slowly begins to release its tension.
Term
The feeling of holding back the breath is essential to establish ______________, and continues through the attack and the entire phrase following.
Definition
Suspension.
Term
Appoggio
Definition
Literally, to lean. Equilibrium between breathing in and breathing out mechanisms, plus posture.
Term
Why is a period of recovery after each phrase important?
Definition
Without it, the muscles may become more and more tense with each succeeding breath, particularly under the added pressure of public performance.
Term
How is a catch breath best executed?
Definition
Drop the lower jaw quickly open while breathing as if you have been startled or surprised.
Term
A better term than breath control or breath support is:
Definition
Breath management
Term
Breath support
Definition
The dynamic relationship between the breathing in muscles and the breathing out muscles, the purpose of which is to supply adequate breath pressure to the vocal folds for the sustaining of any desired pitch or dynamic level.
Term
Breath control
Definition
Mainly a function of the vocal cords themselves. It may be defined as a dynamic relationship between the breath and the vocal cords which determines how long you can sing on one breath.
Term
During this, the breathing-in and breathing-out muscles are brought into equilibrium.
Definition
Suspension
Term
Epigastrium
Definition
The area of the upper abdomen just below the tip of the breastbone and bounded on both side by the ribs. It is what bounces when you cough or say "Hey" loudly.
Term
This is really important in establishing good breathing habits:
Definition
Conscious control
Term
Name the four faults related to breathing and support.
Definition
1. Upper-chest breathing
2. Rib breathing
3. Back breathing
4. Belly breathing
Term
How can one recognize upper-chest breathing?
Definition
The chest rises and falls with each breath.
Term
Why is upper-chest breathing undesirable?
Definition
1. It limits downward travel of the diaphragm. 2. It is visually distracting to the audience. 3. It wastes energy and is physically desiring because of the effort exerted in raising the chest. 4. It often is associated with poor posture. 5. Tension in the muscles of the chest and shoulders may be transmitted to the neck area and the vocal mechanism itself. 6. It is inefficient, tending to be shallow.
Term
How does a teacher correct upper-chest breathing?
Definition
Introduce the student to correct postural and breathing techniques. If that doesn't work, it may be necessary to impose mechanical controls. Possible solutions may include pushing out on the epigastrium area, practice while leaning against the wall, or laying flat on the back.
Term
How can one recognize rib breathing?
Definition
Only the ribs expand when the student breathes, limiting expansion in the back and the abdomen.
Term
Why is rib breathing undesirable?
Definition
1. It limits (inhibits) the downward travel of the diaphragm. 2. It wastes energy and is physically tiring because of the effort expended in forcing the ribs outward. 3. Tension in the muscles of the chest, ribs, and shoulders may be transmitted to the neck area and the vocal mechanism.
Term
How does a teacher correct rib-breathing?
Definition
The release of postural tension with the encouragement of upper abdominal expansion while inhaling should correct rib breathing. The key is to stop pulling on the upper abdomen.
Term
How can one recognize back breathing?
Definition
The back expands when the breath is taken, while expansion in the ribs and abdomen is limited.
Term
Why is back breathing undesirable?
Definition
1. It limits (restricts) the downward travel of the diaphragm. 2. It wastes energy and is physically tiring because of the effort expended in spreading the back. 3. Tension in the muscles of the back and shoulders may be transmitted to the vocal mechanism. 4. If the shoulders are pulled forward, it is posturally weak.
Term
How does a teacher correct back breathing?
Definition
Encourage frontal expansion during inhalation. Proper posture as related to the shoulders and chest will also help.
Term
How does one recognize belly breathing?
Definition
The abdomen over-expands during inhalation.
Term
Why is belly breathing undesirable?
Definition
1. It restricts the upward movement of the diaphragm during phonation. 2. It results in poor posture - sunken chest and protruding abdomen. 3. It severely limits breath support for the upper voice. 4. It can result in tone quality and vibrato problems.
Term
How does a teacher correct belly breathing?
Definition
Correct posture, especially a high chest, stretched spine, and straight back, make it nearly impossible to belly breathe. The student already expands correctly, but must not push out against his belt.
Term
What is hypofunctional breathing?
Definition
Failing to demand enough physical activity of the breathing mechanism. Common amongst beginning singers.
Term
How is hypofunctional breathing corrected?
Definition
Explain and demonstrate the four stages of breathing for singing, and ask the student to experience them, while being careful not to encourage overcorrection (hyperfunctional breathing).
Term
What is hyperfunctional breathing?
Definition
One of the most common faults, hyperfunctional breathing occurs when the student demands too much physical activity of the breathing mechanism. More common in experienced singers.
Term
What causes hyperfunctional breathing?
Definition
Either the misconception that the ability to sing long phrases is in direct relationship to the quantity of air you can inhale, or the fear of running out of breath in a public performance.
Term
Where does the ability to sing long phrases come from?
Definition
The efficiency of the vocal cord action. It is the result of good laryngial adjustment and not lung capacity.
Term
Why is taking in too much air undesirable?
Definition
It wastes energy and creates unnecessary tension in both the breathing mechanism and the larynx.
Term
How does a teacher correct hyperfunctional breathing?
Definition
Limit the student to taking a comfortably deep breath. Convince the student that there is enough breath available without taking in too much air. Encourage the student to develop positive thinking about breathing.
Term
What is hypofunctional breath support?
Definition
The failure to demand enough activity of the support mechanism. It consists of the failure to activate the support mechanism enough to provide adequate breath pressure or proper functioning of the vocal cords.
Term
What causes hypofunctional breath support?
Definition
1. No suspension phase in the breathing process. 2. The misconception that the singer is singing much louder than he actually is. 3. An anemic concept of vocal tone. 4. Devitalized posture. 5. Lack of awareness of the nature and function of the support mechanism.
Term
How does a teacher correct hypofunctional breath support?
Definition
Make the student aware of the problem and its causes, and ask him to make the necessary adjustments. Exercises such as panting like a dog or laughing like Santa may be helpful in setting up the initial feeling of support.
Term
What is hyperfunctional breath support?
Definition
Demanding too much fromt he support mechanism. This is one of the most frequent vocal faults.
Term
What does hyperfunctional breathing lead to?
Definition
Malfunction of phonation, resonation, and articulation system.
Term
What are the causes of hyperfunctional breath support?
Definition
1. The misconception that more support is the answer to all vocal evils. 2. Trying to make a voice bigger than it really is. 3. Pulling on the upper abdomen. 4. Eliminating the suspension phase of breathing. 5. Excess postural tension. 6. A too-muscular approach to singing.
Term
How is hyperfunctional breath support corrected?
Definition
Get the student to stop exerting so much local effort in the upper abdomen. Ask the student to sing as though he were singing to a baby. Encourage him to engage in the suspension phase of breathing. Ask him to describe what he feels when suspended.
Term
Source of power for the voice
Definition
Breath
Term
Source of the voice's sound
Definition
Vibrating vocal folds
Term
Source of the voice's resonance
Definition
Air column inside the vocal tract
Term
Purpose of the resonator
Definition
Amplifies and modifies the sound of the vibrator.
Term
Why is the voice unique amongst instruments?
Definition
The vocal tract can rapidly and continuously change its size and shape while singing.
Term
Technical term for the throat
Definition
Pharynx
Term
Technical term for the mouth
Definition
Oral cavity
Term
Technical term for the nose
Definition
Nasal cavity
Term
Three parts into which the pharynx is divided
Definition
laryngopharynx (part nearest the larynx), oropharynx (part nearest the mouth), nasopharynx (part nearest the nasal cavity)
Term
What is the laryngeal tube?
Definition
A small area inside the larynx between the vocal folds and the pharynx that serves as an additional resonator of the voice.
Term
Name the unique parts of the vocal tract (7)
Definition
Lips, tongue, jaw, soft palate, larynx, head, cheeks.
Term
What is the purpose of the tongue?
Definition
Moves around to change the shape of the resonant chamber of the mouth.
Term
How are vowels classified?
Definition
By where the tongue restricts the air column.
Term
The name of the joint that hinges the skull to the jaw
Definition
Temporal-mandibular-joint (TMJ)
Term
The jaw acts as a...
Definition
...cradle for the tongue.
Term
How does the larynx work?
Definition
It sits at the bottom end of the vocal tract. Its position moves up or down, which lengthens or shortens the vocal tract, having a dramatic affect on the vocal sound. It is attached to the base of the tongue at the hyoid bone. Jaw and tongue movement both influence the position of the larynx.
Term
What is the purpose of the lips in singing?
Definition
The movements of the lips shapes the opening of the vocal tract, altering the resonance and helping in articulation.
Term
What is the purpose of the cheeks in singing?
Definition
They assist the movements of the lips and change the shape of the walls of the resonator.
Term
What is the function of the soft palate?
Definition
It functions as a valve, opening and closing the passage to the nasal cavities.
Term
When the soft palate is _________, no air enters the nasal cavities.
Definition
Raised
Term
What is the cause of nasality in singing?
Definition
The soft palate is too low.
Term
What parts of the vocal tract are impacted by head movement?
Definition
The upper and back wall of the vocal tract.
Term
What happens in the vocal tract when the head nods forward and back?
Definition
The spine moves against the back wall of the throat, adding its shaping qualities to the hollow tube, and the hard palate moves up and down.
Term
Researches believe the "ring of the voice" is generated in:
Definition
the laryngeal tube.
Term
Despite the fact that it originates in the laryngeal tube, where is the "ring of the voice" felt?
Definition
In the mask or the head.
Term
True or false: All parts of the vocal tract are interrelated, and none can move without affecting others.
Definition
True.
Term
Muscles throughout the body should always feel:
Definition
free to move
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