Anatomy of the Voice

Before I can hope to become a better singer it is imperative that I understand the anatomy of my voice and how to use it correctly, therefore I have undertaken research into how to sing safely.

Karyn O'Connor, a professional vocal technique instructor says "Vocal technique is as much a science as singing is an art form. While, initially, a student may have to concentrate very hard on his or her breathing, tone placement and muscle control, these techniques will become easier, more natural and even automatic in time, making singing much more enjoyable." 

Breathing;
An "effective breathing technique is essential to good singing. Part of the process of studying voice is developing an acute awareness of the actions involved in breathing and exploring them in depth."

I am to gain control with my own breath, and a greater understanding of the potential that breath carries for me as a performer. Therefore allowing confidence in my breathing.

Diaphragm;

The diaphragm is a muscle/tendon that extends across the bottom of the ribcage, dividing the torso in two. It is dome-shaped, curving up toward the centre. It moves up and down as it expands with a persons breath. As the ribcage and diaphragm move, the lungs are stretched, drawing air into the lung or the lungs are compressed, pushing the air out, which is what happens as we breathe. Being able to sustain my breath will allow me to hold notes for longer and sing with a more powerful sound.

The following areas vibrate 'sympathetically' with the air column. Below is a list of resonators and the pitches or vocal qualities that most easily activate them:

Chest and Lower Body - low pitches and open sounds, like 'ah'
Throat - mid-range, easy speaking tone
Mouth - upper mid-range, mid-vowels
Nasal - closed, front vowels, especially when followed by a nasal consonant such as 'n' or 'm'
Facial - high range, front vowels
Sinus - Given that there are so many sinuses, many different quality sounds activate them
Bones and Skull - falsetto and head voice, very high range, closed vowels.

'Placement' of the voice generally describes how the vibration of the air column interacts with these structures to accentuate or diminish the size of the formants. The term 'placement' indicates where one feels the augmented vibration due to the change in the relationship of the formants to areas of the body.