Northern Beaches Music Studio

"Stated simply, the phenomenon seems to be that a greater subglottic pressure will result in a higher fundamental frequency. Although this is certainly an accurate deduction, it is not in agreement with known behavior of simple mechanical vibrating systems. In a linear mechanical vi****or or acoustical resonator, for example, an increase in driving force will increase the amplitude of the response, but not the frequency. Internal elastic and inertial properties, such as stiffness and mass, determine the vibrational frequency. We would be quite annoyed if a piano string, or organ pipe, were to increase its fundamental frequency substantially whenever it is struck or blown harder. Yet a toy ukulele strung with rubber bands has, in fact, such an annoying characteristic. So also does a New Year’s Eve noisemaker."

from "What Physical Factors are Involved in the Relationship Between Vocal Pitch and Breath Support?" by Dr. Ingo Titze, Journal of Singing, Jan/Feb 1981, pp. 37

The Science Behind Your Voice: Reflex or Skill? 🎤🧠

Your voice is a masterpiece of coordination between brain, lungs, and vocal folds. Here’s the fascinating balance between reflex and control in speech:

🗣️ Speech Coordination: Higher brain centers organize your thoughts and execute the phonemes of your language. It’s like an orchestra of articulatory and phonatory gestures working in harmony.

🌬️ Breathing + Voice Connection: Breathing and vocal fold movements are inherently linked. For example, as you inhale, your vocal folds naturally open; as you exhale, they close. This reflexive action supports smooth vocal onset and release.

🎶 Training Debates: Some voice coaches say “breathe right, and your voice will follow”—trusting reflexes to guide vocal control. Others argue that the phonatory system needs independent training to perfect nuanced vocal techniques.

🧪 What We Know: Neurological connections between your lungs and larynx influence how you sound, but optimizing this relationship is still a frontier for voice science.

Your voice isn’t just an instrument—it’s a finely tuned interplay of reflex and learned behavior. What part of this surprises you the most? 🤔🎤

Text adapted from "Coordinated Breathing and Phonation" by Dr. Ingo Titze, from The Journal of Singing, Sept/Oct 1985

Wednesday Heritage Composer Spotlight // To learn more about Janet Keats and her wonderful works please visit the link below:

https://www.australiancomposers.com.au/search?q=Janet+Keats&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Miriam Hyde’s songs, among her other music, should be essential learning for all aspiring singers.

Music is as important as Math.

Very special, much needed addition to the repertoire.

🤣

He's a Lyre 😑