Main description:

To be in the way, or to be out of the way, that is the question. Voice users and scientists alike agree that the tongue is a crucial part in singing. Yet, there has been no literature published that solely addresses the tongue and its acoustical influence in the context of technique. The Tongue as a Gateway to Voice, Resonance, Style, and Intelligibility finally answers the question which has plagued voice users: how does the tongue affect my singing and how can I manipulate it for my purpose?

This book is unique in its approach to, and concentration on, the singing and speaking of consonants. In the world of voice, consonants are often overlooked, in favor of a vowel-centric approach to vocal pedagogy. By combining voice pedagogy with vocal science, Angelika Nair breaks down the mysteries of the tongue and its effect on consonant production for a fascinating new take on the human voice.

In addition to up-to-date scientific information, this work provides practical resources for singers, actors, and voice pedagogues of all genres, including exercises, step-by-step instructions, and easy-to-follow illustrations. Readers of The Tongue as a Gateway to Voice, Resonance, Style, and Intelligibility have the opportunity to explore the voice as a whole and fully visualize the hidden nature of voice production for immediate application in their own singing.

The author presents the complexities of voice science in simple and accessible terms, so it is applicable to anyone interested in enhancing their performance or teaching.

Contents:

Foreword by Mara Belhau
Preface
Acknowledgements
Reviewers

Part I. The Theory

Chapter 1. It's a Vowel-Centric World

Chapter 2. Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 3. Principle of Resonance Creation - The Low Mandible Maneuver

Chapter 4. Watch Your Tongue

Chapter 5. The Building Blocks of Language and the Biofeedback Ultrasound

Chapter 6. Vowels and Vowels That You Thought Were Consonants

Chapter 7. Consonants and Consonant Resonance (CR)

Part II. Applied Knowledge

Chapter 8. Nasal and Continuant Consonants

Chapter 9. Stop Consonants

Chapter 10. Pre-Voiced Stop Consonants

Chapter 11. Mid/Back Fricatives and the Aspirate

Chapter 12. Front Fricatives

Chapter 13. Front Voice Fricatives

Chapter 14. Rhotic, Non-English R-Sounds

Chapter 15. Affricates and Para-Affricates

Glossary
Further Reading
Index