Sarah Brenay - McCoy - Ch. 10

What are the 3 key elements of Manuel Garcia’s definition of register?

-homogenous and consecutive tones going from low to high

-produced by the same mechanical principle

-nature differs essentially from other series of tones

While classical singers learn to unify the voice into a single register (or at least this is the perception of the listener), what does voice science have to say about this. Even the most blended voice still shows subtle signs of register adjustment.

What are the components of the physiological events related to register? The manner in which the folds vibrate, and the way the glottis is configured.

Describe Mode 1 glottal source. The TA muscle contracts, thickening the vocal folds. The glottis is square shaped glottis (viewed from frontal cross section).

Describe Mode 2 glottal source. The CT muscle elongates and thins the vocal folds. The glottis takes on a triangular shape, meaning that only a small portion of the vocal folds are in contact at any point in time.

Discuss the difference in closed quotient in Mode 1 vs Mode 2. The closed quotient in Mode 1 is very high, generally more than 40%, and sometimes as high as 85%. The closed quotient in Mode 2 is usually lower than 40%.

How do the ranges of Mode 1 and Mode 2 differ for men and women? Women shift between Mode 1 and Mode 2 somewhere between C4 and F4 (although singers who belt carry Mode 2 much higher before shifting. Both Modes can be carried lower or higher with practice). Consequently, women have to navigate that register adjustment pretty much every time they sing ANYTHING. Men sing in Mode 1 for the majority of their range. Mode 2 is reserved for falsetto in the male voice.

What are the 2 main transitional areas where changes must occur in source or resonance modes for women? The first (primo passaggio) occurs somewhere between C4 and A4. The second (secondo passaggio) occurs between E5 and A5.

What strategies do we use to negotiate the primo passaggio for women? This transition point requires us to change should production physiologically, and alter our resonance. Strategies include: modifying the vowel to a more closed position, and modulating breath pressure.

What strategies do we use to negotiate the secondo passaggio for women? This transition is a change in resonance, but not in glottal source. Breath support must be modulated, and vowels like [a] are the easiest to modify towards...

What is vowel exchange?  How is this different than vowel modification? When you sing a completely different vowel because the written vowel doesn't suit the pitch range. In vowel modification, small adjustments are sufficient to produce a nice timbre in that pitch range with that vowel - but modification is not always enough.                         

What are the 2 main transitional areas where changes must occur in source or resonance modes for men? The primo passaggio is somewhere between F3 and C4. The larynx must be stabilized through this transition area. The second transition is between C4 and A4.

Which glottal source mode is used below, within, and above these transitional areas? Mode 1.

What strategies do we use to negotiate the transition into the upper extension in male voices?

Formant tuning. Modifying vowels to a closed position (cover). Or lowering the larynx.
What does Ken Bozeman’s research say about the primo and secondo passaggi events for men? That it is a single event. It is the point where the second harmonic of the fundamental frequency sweeps above the first formant.

How does he suggest men negotiate this transition? subtly close the vowel or slightly lower the larynx.

What do developing singers do instead?  What kind of sound do these strategies result in? They drop the jaw, narrow the back of the throat, spread the lips, and lift the larynx. It results is a yelly sound.

What is this strategy and what is the downside of this approach? 

What is reinforced falsetto? An additional register in the male voice. A loud, well supported Mode 2 production with efficient glottal pressure.

Which glottal source mode is used in female belt? Mode 1.