Vocal Resonators

In lessons we talk a lot about the resonance we use and need while singing. As singers, we use our bodies as our instruments. Just like string instruments, i.e. the violin or the guitar, use their hollow bodies to resonate sound, singers also use parts of our bodies for resonance. For singing we use three big sections of the body to resonate sound: the cranial and sinus cavities, the naso- and oro-pharynx, and the hypopharynx and chest cavity. These sections of the body also align with the three sections of the vocal range. Our high/head voice uses the upper portions of the sinuses and skull to resonate. Our mid or mixed voice uses the mouth and pharyngeal space to resonate, and the lower/chest voice uses the lower portion of the pharynx and the chest cavity. As we explore the different portions of our singing range, it is good to focus on the physical sensations that we experience while singing in each individual sections of our voices. This will help us learn to better utilize our vocal resonators and create a consistent sound throughout the entire voice.

Different portions of the body are used to help send out sound. Each portion of the body aligns with a section of the singer’s vocal range.