Vocal tract

From Vocapedia
This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.

The vocal tract is the space from immediately above the vocal folds through where the sound exits into the atmosphere. It consists of the pharynx (throat), oral cavity (mouth), and sometimes the nasal cavity (depending on the sound being produced). It is a resonator for the sound waves being produced by the vibrating vocal folds. Sometimes it is referred to as a "filter" for these sound waves; however, it acts more as an equalizer, amplifying some frequency bandwidths and attenuating others. The vocal tract resonance properties are determined by its length and shape. Change the size and locations of constrictions within the vocal tract will amplify or attenuate certain frequency bandwidths due to the creation of standing waves.

Authored by: Aaron Johnson

© 1944- National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.