Wednesday, March 19, 2014

McKinney Ch 5 Shalayna G.

What are the 2 functions of the larynx?
1.       To serve as a valve which keeps food, drink and foreign matter out of the lungs and which holds breath in the lungs to assist in the action of lifting and other types of bodily exertion.
2.       The act of phonation
The thyroarytenoid muscle has two folds.  What does each fold form?
The upper set of the muscle forms the false cords (ventricular bands).
The lower set are the true vocal folds.
When larynx functions as valve, which folds close?
 Both sets are closed to assist in closing the air passage.
What 8 characteristics of good vocal sound does McKinney list?
1.       Freely produced
2.       Pleasant to listen to
3.       Loud enough to be heard easily
4.       Rich, ringing, and resonant
5.       Energy flows smoothly from note to note
6.       Consistently produced
7.       Vibrant, dynamic, alive
8.       Flexibly expressive
What 8 negative characteristics does he list?
1.       Constricted, forced, strained
2.       Strident or rasping
3.       Too loud, resembling  shouting or yelling
4.       Horse
5.       Breathy
6.       Weak, colorless, or devitalized
7.       Inconsistently produced
8.       Shaky or wobbly
What does McKinney have to say about thinking and sound production?
You must learn to “picture” the sound in your mind’s eye and “hear” it in your mind’s ear before it can become a consistent reality.
How does he suggest you develop a mental image of a beautiful sound?
We must listen intelligently to a sizeable amount of live performances and recordings. This will help us achieve a vocal model to pursue our own goals for vocal success.
What is the danger in modeling your sound after a single artist?
You will only be an imitator with no individuality.
Describe the 3 phases of a musical tone.
The attack phase- the onset. How you start the tone mentally and then with phonation
The sustention phase –the energy used to start the sound must be kept going: the breathing mechanism must support the sound from below; the sound must be kept vital and headed somewhere
The release phase- made at the last possible instant, cleanly and precise.  
What are the four instructions quoted by McKinney from Van Christy?
1.       “That the chest never collapses, nor do the shoulders move up or down when singing even the longest phrase…”
2.       “That they not attempt to sing too long phrases on one breath, but always maintain good quality of tone and sufficient breath reserve first, with the long ideal phrases second in importance…”
3.       “The efficient tone is basic for efficient breath control…”
4.       “That under no circumstance should the singer try to “pull in” the diaphragm or control its action consciously…”
Summarize the corrective procedures for hypofunctional singing.
1.       Humming (vibration in roof of mouth)
2.       Using more energy by singing louder
3.       Using more energy with gentle lifting exercises
4.       Imitating an opera singer
5.       Establishing good posture and breathing habits
6.       Activating breath support mechanism by exercises
7.       Singing to the last row the auditorium
8.       Becoming involved in the music –emoting
9.       Adopting correct tonal goals by listening to good singers
10.   Vocalizing with nasal consonants
11.   Imitating a tight sound as a means to an end
Summarize corrective procedures for hyperfunctional singing.
1.       Exercise for relaxation of general body tension
2.       Studio atmosphere conductive to relaxation and self-confidence
3.       Establishing good posture and breathing habits, if needed
4.       Reducing excess tension in the support mechanism
5.       Maintaining the beginning-of-yawn position
6.       Exercise for balance of soft attack
7.       Making a student aware of desired tonal goals
8.       Vocalizing on vowels that requires lip rounding- the back vowels
9.       Vocalizing with consonants that help free the jaw

10.   Deliberately using a breath sound as a means to an end

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