Rewrite in your own words the 5 identifying characteristics of consonants.
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 of them
5.they function as sound interrupters or sound stoppers and thus separate the vocal tone into recognizable units which can communicate meaning.
How are consonants divided into two primary groups. Those which require vocal fold vibration (voiced), and those that do not (voiceless).
Describe the 3 movement categories for consonants. continuants - sounds which can be sustained as long as the breath lasts. stops - consonants which bring the flow of air to a complete halt (plosives). glide - a vowel sound that functions as a consonant.
Describe the 2 other systems used for classifying consonants. (1) by the was the sound is produced (2) by the place/articulatory position in which it is formed.
Rewrite in your own words the 5 identifying characteristics of vowels.
1. they are unrestricted speech sounds
2. they are capable of being sustained (continuants)
3. they normally are voiced (phonated) sounds, but they can be whispered
4. they are the basic building material of vocal tone - the vowel carries the tone
5. they have a definite shape or form - they are molded by the articulators
Which articulator is of primary importance in the making of vowel sounds? Why? The tongue, because it is the primary determinant of the relationship between the two cavities.
Describe how vowels are grouped. front/back/central. tense/lax. stressed/unstressed. cardinal vowels/latin vowels.
What are the four levels of stress? primary, secondary, tertiary, weak.
What are the 5 Singer’s Vowels? [i e a o u]
What is a phoneme? one of the set of speech sounds in any given language that serve to distinguish one word form another.
What is an allophone? phonetically distinct articulations which can be substituted for each other without changing the meaning of the word.
Which articulators are under the direct control of the singer. Lips, jaw, tongue.
Which articulators must be trained indirectly? Soft palate, glottis, epiglottis, larynx.
What are the 2 basic principles which contribute to the effective use of the articulators? all movements of the articulators should be quick, precise, and positive, ending in a position which is free of unnecessary tension. In singing, articulatory movements must be exaggerated, especially with beginning students, so the word can be understood.
What does McKinney suggest imagining as a first step? Imagine that all articulatory movements are taking place just in front of your mouth.
What are suggestions that are made for use/position of lips? Imagine they are made of rubber and they bounce apart. Position them as if you are about to smile.
What suggestions are made for your lower (yikes) jaw? (yikes yikes) beginning of a yawn position.
What suggestions are made for your tongue? Have a resting place to return to. Point of tongue at gum ridge.
Why is tongue considered most important articulator? Because it forms vowels and many consonants. I'd add that it can also be the source of unnecessary tension in the larynx etc.
Define/describe consonants in general. A subordinate sound which is used with a vowel to form a syllable.
Why does McKinney suggest firm consonants? Consonants are subordinate to vowels in sonority and do not carry well. Firm consonants help the singer to establish and maintain solid tone production on vowels.
Define vowels. A vowel is a resonance of the vocal tract. Voiced, unrestricted speech sounds which are capable of being sustained.
What is the function of vowels? To carry the tone
What is the function of consonants? to break up the tone
What is the problem that inexperienced singers have with vowels? Maintaining a steady state of vowel posture
How are the concepts of vowel purity and phonemic identity different? They describe a similar concept, but the term phonemic identity allows for more wiggle room for vowel modification.
What are the problems that occur when singers insist on singing “pure” vowels in the upper
voice? Their tone will sound contricted
What are the different approaches to vowel migration or vowel modification? Some choose to allow more space in the upper range and to "think" the correct vowel. Others think specifically about the vowel they are modifying to. Some feel that all vowels should migrate towards "ah" or uh"
What is the critical factor in all systems of vowel migration/modification? To maintain enough phonemic identity that the word can be recognized.
In studying professional female singers, upon what is jaw opening dependent? On frequency more than on vowel.
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