POWER BEHIND BEAUTIFUL SINGING

When we listen to amazing singers, we often describe the singer’s voice as strong, warm, bright, full, powerful, or vibrant. The qualities in a singer’s voice are not created by singing louder. They are strongly influenced by something called vocal resonance.

Resonance is an important part of singing technique because it helps change the sound created by the vocal folds into the sound we hear as a finished voice.

What Is Vocal Resonance?

In simple terms, resonance is the way sound is reinforced and shaped as it travels through the spaces of the vocal tract. The vocal folds (cords) create the initial sound when they vibrate. That sound then travels through the throat, mouth, and other parts of the vocal tract, where it is filtered and shaped.

Your vocal tract acts somewhat like an acoustic system. There are changes is the shape of the throat, tongue, jaw, lips, and soft palate that influence which frequencies are emphasized. The result is the unique sound we recognize as your voice.

Resonance Is Not the Same as Volume

One of the biggest misconceptions about resonance is that a resonant voice must be a loud voice. It doesn’t! A singer can produce a powerful, resonant sound without pushing excessive air or muscular effort.

In fact, trying to create resonance by simply singing harder can produce the opposite effect. Excessive pressure may create tension in the throat and interfere with the natural vibration of the vocal folds.

Where Does Resonance Happen?

The sensation of vibration can change depending on pitch, vowel, volume, and vocal quality. You may feel vibration around the lips or face on some sounds. Lower notes may produce noticeable sensations in the chest. Higher notes can create sensations around the face or head.

 

These sensations are helpful feedback, but they aren’t the actual source of the sound. The vocal folds produce the sound, while the vocal tract helps shape and amplify particular aspects of it.

 

The Goal: A Free and Vibrant Voice

Vocal resonance can seem mysterious because singers often experience it through physical sensation rather than seeing exactly what is happening. But the basic idea is straightforward: The vocal folds create the sound, and the vocal tract shapes and filters that sound.

When the system is well coordinated, the singer can produce a voice that is clear, vibrant, and expressive without relying on unnecessary force.