1) What is the vocal tract and where, exactly, is it located?
The vocal tract is the area through which air passes to create sound. It goes as far down as your larynx, up to the tip of your nose and the end of your lips.
2) Regarding inhalation, what might be some reasons that the author cautions not to “really yawn”? What does your own voice sound like when you sing or speak through the openness created by a completely full yawn?
If you “really yawn” you are relaxing your muscles too much in order to produce a quality sound. You must find a balance between tense and relaxed. When I yawn while singing or speaking, my voice sounds deeper, as the vocal tract is too open, as if I am swallowing.
3) What is the pharynx and where is it located?
The pharynx is the big …show more content…
6) What two elements are required for the best practice to “stick” and what is this ability for muscles to remember called?
In order for the best practice to “stick,” practice must be attentional and effortful. You must be focused and motivated, or else your muscle memory will fail.
7) Have you ever had any experiences with musical instruments, dance, or athletics in which you practiced with the two elements named in the text? If so, what did you experience? If not, can you imagine how any physical pursuit might be enhanced by this kind of practice?
I used to pole vault in high school, and practicing with attention and effort were definitely necessary in order to grow as an athlete. If I took a jump and my coach gave me critiques and suggestions on how to make my jump better, it was always better to immediately attempt the jump again, as I had his suggestions fresh in my head. If I let my focus drift towards my friends, my brain would not be envisioning my coach’s suggestions, and therefore would not translate into my body. With attention and effort, it is easier to create muscle
The vocal tract is the area through which air passes to create sound. It goes as far down as your larynx, up to the tip of your nose and the end of your lips.
2) Regarding inhalation, what might be some reasons that the author cautions not to “really yawn”? What does your own voice sound like when you sing or speak through the openness created by a completely full yawn?
If you “really yawn” you are relaxing your muscles too much in order to produce a quality sound. You must find a balance between tense and relaxed. When I yawn while singing or speaking, my voice sounds deeper, as the vocal tract is too open, as if I am swallowing.
3) What is the pharynx and where is it located?
The pharynx is the big …show more content…
6) What two elements are required for the best practice to “stick” and what is this ability for muscles to remember called?
In order for the best practice to “stick,” practice must be attentional and effortful. You must be focused and motivated, or else your muscle memory will fail.
7) Have you ever had any experiences with musical instruments, dance, or athletics in which you practiced with the two elements named in the text? If so, what did you experience? If not, can you imagine how any physical pursuit might be enhanced by this kind of practice?
I used to pole vault in high school, and practicing with attention and effort were definitely necessary in order to grow as an athlete. If I took a jump and my coach gave me critiques and suggestions on how to make my jump better, it was always better to immediately attempt the jump again, as I had his suggestions fresh in my head. If I let my focus drift towards my friends, my brain would not be envisioning my coach’s suggestions, and therefore would not translate into my body. With attention and effort, it is easier to create muscle