Anatomy of Voice

An illustrated guide to the dynamic physiological structures that create and individualize the voice • Explores the structures of the vocal tract and their functional relationships to the entire musculoskeletal system with detailed drawings • Examines the components of the larynx and pharynx, the effects of muscular tensions on the vocal cords, the importance of skeletal alignment, and the complex roles of the diaphragm, soft palate, lips, and tongue in vocalization • Provides exercises and techniques for increased air flow, correct posture, proper tongue position, jaw relaxation, and toning of the soft palate to improve the voice When we use the voice, we involve the entire body. Our internal balance, muscular tone, skeletal alignments, soft tissue flexibility, and even our eye movements are reflected in the voice we project to our audience, whether one person or thousands. Using the signature anatomical style of Blandine Calais-Germain's groundbreaking book Anatomy of Movement, this illustrated guide presents a dynamic, integrated study of the physical structures of the vocal tract and their functional relationships to the entire musculoskeletal system. From the individual bones and muscles of the head and neck to the intricate structure of the shoulders to the abdominal muscles and pelvis, the authors explain how each part of the body moves, flexes, vibrates, and supports the creation and individualization of the voice. With detailed drawings and clear, concise text, they examine the individual components of the larynx and pharynx, the effects of muscular tensions on the vocal cords, proper alignment of the skull, rib cage, and pelvis, the intimate relationship between breath and voice, and the complex roles of the diaphragm, soft palate, lips, and tongue in vocalization. They provide simple exercises and techniques for increasing air flow and force, correct posture, proper positioning of the tongue, relaxation of the jaw, and toning of the soft palate. Whether singer, teacher, actor, lawyer, politician, or workshop leader, this book reveals how understanding your vocal anatomy enables you to express your best voice.

Foreword in Three Voices Preface Acknowledgments 1. Introduction Some Rules for Describing Movement The Vocal Apparatus The Moving Body (Including Static Posture), Breathing Body, and Vocal Body 2. The Skeleton of the Voice The Spine: The Link between the Trunk, Neck, and Head The Three Major "Blocks": Pelvis, Rib Cage, Head The First Major Block: The Pelvis The Second Major Block: The Rib Cage--the Transformable Block The Third Major Block: The Head--the Vocal Skull 3. The Generator Introduction The Two Cavities The Organs of Respiration and the Surrounding Area The Muscles of Respiration and the Voice The Expiratory Muscles: The Muscles That Produce the Vocal Breath The Inspiratory Muscles The Postural Muscles: Support for the Generator 4. The Larynx The Larynx: The Source of Voice The Laryngeal Cartilages Ligaments and Membranes The Laryngeal Joints The Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx The Laryngeal Mucosa The Three Levels of the Larynx The Extrinsic Muscles of the Larynx 5. The Vocal Tract The Vocal Tract in the Neck The Pharynx The Mouth The Soft Palate The Tongue The Lips The Nose and the Nasal Cavities The Ears 6. Some Terms Used in the Vocal Professions Matter Gas and Pressure From Pressure to Sound Pitch, Intensity, and Duration of Sound Timbre Bibliography Index