Basics of Voice Acoustics for Voice Pedagogues
Thursday 26th October 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
In this course, we will explain the basics of the acoustics of human voice. We will answer questions such as: What is sound? How can sound be investigated? We will shortly explain four basic characteristics of sound, i.e., fundamental frequency, sound spectrum, sound intensity and length, and their relationship to the perceived sound qualities, i.e., pitch, timbre, loudness and sound duration, respectively.
Next, we will look at different basic types of sound: pure tones, complex tones and noises. We will show how these sounds can be recognized perceptually by ear, as well as objectively by simple analysis of the sound waveform and of the sound spectrum. We will demonstrate the production of such vocal sounds live and show how we can understand and analyze them using the Voce Vista software.
Further, we will cover the basics of the source-filter theory of voice production and talk about how the voice source and filter differently contribute to the produced vocal sound. We will talk about the harmonics (overtones) and formants, which are important for voice timbre. We will also talk about the role of formants for production of vowels as well as for different singing voice qualities. We will show how we can easily synthesize voice of a singer using a software based on the principles of the source-filter theory.
Finally, we will take a look at the voice resonance phenomenon and discuss the contribution of subglottal and supraglottal (vocal tract) cavities to the resulting vocal sound. We explain and discuss three possible strategies for improving the “resonance in voice”: formant tuning, singer’s formant and changes of vocal tract inertance. By the end of the course, you will have a better idea on how voice acoustics can provide more insights and better understanding of human voice production and how can it be applied to singing voice.
Attend both Jan Svec's Basics of Voice Acoustics for Voice Pedagogues and Gökçe Kutsal's Acoustics in the Voice Studio and save £10!
Jan Svec
Jan G. Svec, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned Czech physicist performing basic research on production of human voice. He holds a MSc degree in fine mechanics and optics and PhD degrees in biophysics as well as in medical sciences...
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 7th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 11th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday 14th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 15th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 18th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to statistics and working with quantitative data for Voice Professionals: 8-Session Online Bootcamp
Dr David Cane
This certificated statistics course is ideal for individuals interested in laying a solid foundation in quantitative research methods. By focusing on essential statistical principles, you will be equipped with the tools to understand and apply quantitative research techniques effectively. Statistics is a crucial component of quantitative research; mastering it will enable you to grasp quantitative methods more confidently and precisely.
Tuesday 15th July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Exploring the roots of the tongue: Ideas for performance
Walt Fritz
As a relative outsider looking into the voice and performance world, I witness the bell curve of thoughts and actions on how the tongue contributes to voice problems and how best to tame that tension. Traditional ways of taming tongue tension seem adequate (or would seem so, based on feedback), so what is different and new? In this short course for the Voice Study Centre, Walt Fritz will introduce the learner to variations on self-applied tongue stretches and exercises.
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Emotion and Performing Accents and Dialects: why does Emotion Get in the Way?
Louisa Morgan
At points of heightened emotion, it is common for actors working in an accent to default to their natural speech. How do we help performers to avoid this issue and provide them and their directors with the confidence they need regardless of the emotional demands of the piece? What can we learn from research in vocal expression of emotion to help actors to embody the emotion and keep control of their voice and accent? Our very own Louisa Morgan will guide participants through the latest research and offer practical suggestions for working with performers needing to navigate this challenge.