Singing How Does It Work

Singing is a complex and fascinating process that involves the coordinated efforts of several different body systems. It involves the use of the respiratory system, the vocal cords, the larynx, the tongue, and other parts of the body. In this article, we will explore how singing happens, step by step.

Respiration and Breath Support

The first step in singing is respiration, or breathing. When we breathe, our diaphragm, a large muscle located beneath our lungs, contracts and moves downward, creating a vacuum that draws air into our lungs. Our lungs expand to fill with air, and our ribcage and abdomen also expand to accommodate this extra volume. This is known as inhalation.

When we sing, we need to use our breath in a specific way to create a clear and powerful sound. This requires breath support, which involves controlling the flow of air through the vocal cords. To do this, we need to engage the muscles of the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to regulate the rate and volume of air that we exhale.

Vocal Cord Vibrations

The vocal cords are two small, flexible bands of muscle tissue located in the larynx, or voice box, at the top of the trachea, or windpipe. When we exhale, the vocal cords close together, and air passes between them, causing them to vibrate. This vibration produces sound waves that are then amplified by the resonant cavities of the throat, mouth, and nose.

The pitch of the sound is determined by the length, thickness, and tension of the vocal cords. Longer and thicker cords produce lower pitches, while shorter and thinner cords produce higher pitches. Tension in the cords can be adjusted by the muscles of the larynx, allowing us to vary the pitch and volume of our voice.

Articulation and Resonance

To produce intelligible speech or singing, we also need to use our articulators, such as our tongue, lips, and teeth, to shape the sound that comes from our vocal cords. These articulators alter the resonance of the sound, creating different vowel and consonant sounds.

For example, when we say the word "me," our lips come together to create a closed mouth, and our tongue presses against the roof of our mouth, creating a nasal "ee" sound. When we say the word "you," our lips form a round shape, and our tongue drops to the bottom of our mouth, creating a more open "oo" sound.

Resonance is also an important part of singing. Resonance occurs when sound waves bounce off surfaces and create additional vibrations, amplifying the sound. When we sing, we can adjust the resonance of our voice by changing the shape of our mouth, throat, and nasal passages. This can help us create a fuller, more powerful sound.

Musical Expression

In addition to the technical aspects of singing, musical expression is also an important part of the process. Singing involves using our voice to convey emotions, tell a story, or express ourselves in other ways. This requires us to use our voice in a way that is both technically proficient and emotionally engaging.

One way that singers can express themselves is by using vibrato, a slight wavering of pitch that creates a warm, expressive sound. Vibrato is produced by subtle changes in tension in the vocal cords and can be used to create a sense of emotion or intensity in a song.

Another way that singers can express themselves is by using dynamics, or variations in volume. This can include singing softly to create a sense of intimacy or singing loudly to create a sense of power or excitement.

Different Types of Singing

Singing can take many different forms, and different types of singing require different techniques and styles. Read more about different types of singing in the article “Types Of Singing”.