Chapter 5 - Resonance
McCoy starts this chapter with a discussion of overtones and the importance of harmonics to the singer. He also mentions the harmonic series, which he describes as additional frequencies present in a complex tone that are higher than the fundamental frequency. An important concept from this chapter was formants, which are resonances of the vocal tract that act as amplifiers of the voice. McCoy makes a significant distinction between harmonics, which are tangible, audible features of the sound produced by the glottis, and formants, which are invisible and inaudible. The existence of formants helps explain why many young singers struggle to find healthy production and resonance when going into their upper passaggio. McCoy also discusses the most important formant, which is called the singer's formant. This formant is created by resonance at the level of the epilarynx and by maintaining a relaxed, neutral larynx position, with little or no tension in the constrictor muscles that run through the pharyngeal walls. All of this information is extremely important for us to understand as voice teachers. Many of our young students will have unhealthy vocal technique, and it is our job to help our students get into their resonance in the most efficient way possible. Having tension in the larynx is one of the most common things among young, untrained singers, but if we can understand why tension in the larynx happens, we can help our students find greater and easier success in their singing.
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