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Logan Bertrand

MUSE 258 / Choral Methods


The Singers Voice Vol. 1: Breath
Joan Wall & Robert Caldwell
It is important to remember that we breathe in many different ways. I will help educate
and exemplify proper breathing for the singers in my classroom. The process of breathing starts
with inhalation. This is taking in the air we need to breathe. We end with the process of
exhalation. This is when one releases the air mixed with carbon dioxide that was originally
brought into the body. It is important to explain that it is not necessary to gasp for air while
singing. This process happens naturally. Breathing is an innate behavior. As the diaphragm
contracts, it pushes on the lungs creating a vacuum that sucks air into the body. There are the
external intercostal and the internal intercostal muscles used in the process of breathing.
Although, the external intercostal muscles are more important in this specific process. They
simply relax to lower the ribs which helps with the intake of air. The abdominal muscles exist in
four different layers and cover the front of the body. The inner most layer is the transvers
abdominals. On top of that lays the rectus abdominus which connects from the sternum. Next,
the internal oblique contracts in a side manner. Similarly, the outer obliques contract in the same
way. It is important for students to know that breathing is a complicated process. There are so
many muscles that need to be active in the participation of breathing to be successful as a singer.
Using air wisely is important for young singers to understand. As you exhale the diaphragm stays
contracted which is important in the way you spend this air. Having knowledge in the process of
breathing helps an educator understand what is happening as their students sing. Being able to

break this process down is also important so one can educate students on all of the muscles and
organs involved in this process.

Logan Bertrand
MUSE 258 / Choral Methods
The Singers Voice Vol. 1: Resonance
Joan Wall & Robert Caldwell
The placement of vocal tract changes the shape of the air when we sing. The shape of the
air intern modifies the vowel that we sing. The size and shape of the vocal tract will change the
movement and pattern of the air particles as we sing. The pushing and pulling of these particles
will change to keep a consistent sense of equilibrium. This process reaches ones ear and they
hear a specific sound. Timing is at the heart of this air particle process. The vocal folds act like a
valve letting air in and out from the lungs. It will open and close slowly for lower pitches and
faster for high pitches. The frequency of the vocal folds will determine the frequency of the tone
that is produced. As the folds open, a wave of air flows down a tube. The equilibrium of the air

flow is disturbed when it makes its way to the lips and reaches outside air. Dropping the jaw
transforms the pressure of air moving through the vocal tract. This air movement allows for the
presence of resonance. The changing vocal folds and vocal tract make it possible to produce an
unlimited number of sounds. In addition, the varying ways the air particles move will change the
sound that is heard by ones ear. This varies the vowel, tone color and quality of what we hear.
This is important information for all music educators to be aware of while children are singing.
Producing a specific sound and tone quality is not merely based on luck or chance. There is a
science and explanation behind what is actually happening with the vocal folds. Being able to
explain this to students in a simpler manner is important background information for them to be
aware of. The process of producing sound is not simple but it is great knowledge to gain.

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