Images have been used in vocal instruction likely since the beginning of vocal instruction. They can be crucial to learning about the voice because the vocal mechanism is so complex and impossible to see. Neuroscience tells us that our conscious mind can focus on only one thing at a time (much to the multitasker’s chagrin). Although our conscious mind can leap from one thought to the next in rapid succession, this process can be fatiguing and stressful. Mental images allow the vocalist to combine many physical actions of the body into a single sensation, and therefore, can be essential to habituating the voice.
Mental images are not the same as sensations. They help singers focus their conscious mind on specific sensations that are themselves the culmination of many muscles and acoustic responses working together. Some mental images are based in body mapping concepts, some in acoustic feedback, and some translate behaviors into postures that can be helpful for creating sounds. We encourage you to explore the science behind each of these concepts, and to try out each of the images for yourself to see if they connect with your appreciation of your voice. The Challenges of using Images 1. Replacing actual vocal function with mental images 2. Confusion by the learner as to what sensations an image actually creates. The answers to these challenges come in the forms of knowledge, creativity, and learner-focused instruction. The Goals of this Resource 1. A large and varied collection of images in one location Images are learner-specific, not everyone will relate to their singing sensations in the same way and will connect differently to different images. It is important to have a large body of options that the singer and instructor can creatively draw from. 2. Clear goals stated and explained for each image used When an instructor understands the body mechanics and physics behind vocal function, they are more likely to be able to explain the reasoning behind the mental image. 3. Relating back to the learner's sensations When a vocalist has a chance to build their own mental images, they are much more likely to habituate their muscular interaction more quickly, and with greater chance for repetition. That being said, the images in this master chart are examples of mental images that have helped vocalists achieve their goals for centuries, and are therefore, worth sharing. Once a vocalist has describe their experience, have them translate their sensations through these mental images, and ask them if it made a difference. |
The content on this page is always growing! Would you like to contribute? Contact us to share your favorite images and we'll post them on this page. Questions? Have you heard an image used in a voice instruction and wasn't sure what it's purpose was? Let us know! |
Jump to each imagery list that targets the following areas of coordination involved in singing-
Establishing Balance Rib Expansion/Diaphragm Drop Adduction/Sound Focus Breath Energy Larynx Height/Pharynx Width Tongue Position Soft Palate/Nasality Stability in Vocal Tract/Phrase Connection Transitioning Low to High "Sound Placement" |
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We are still building this area and we need your help! Contact us to contribute images relating to the Soft Palate
We are still building this area and we need your help! Contact us to contribute images relating to Transitioning from Low to High
We are still building this area and we need your help! Contact us to contribute images relating to Sound Placement