Human Voice

Which of these answers best describes how sound is created?

Air causes the vocal cords to vibrate and also vibrates against the surface of the throat and mouth.

What does a capella mean?

Singing without the accompaniment of musical instruments.

opera

a drama that is set to music; features both vocal and instrumental music and uses a stage, costumes, and scenery

yodeling

a form of singing or calling marked by rapid alternation between the normal voice and falsetto often used in country and western music

octave

a set of the 8 note in order; EX: A,B,C,D,E,F,G or G,F,E,D,C,B,A

What other term is used to describe the contralto voice classification?

alto

What is the most common voice classification for males?

baritone

Which of these is mostly written for the four voice classifications of tenor, bass, soprano, and contralto?

choral music

scat

defined as the use of nonsense sounds and nonsense words that are spoken or sung rapidly to music

What large muscle located in the chest area assists in respiration?

diaphragm

oratorios

dramas presented by soloists with an orchestra, or a chorus, in a concert format without the use of costumes, stage, or scenery; originated in the 1600s in Italy

What style of singing involves creating words and sounds as the music is sung?

improvisation

Where are the vocal cords located?

larynx

Which of these parts of the body is know as the voice box?

larynx

What is the middle classification for a female voice?

mezzo-soprano

choral music

often involves several instrumental or vocal parts; mostly written for four voices; voice ranges are soprano, alto, tenor, and bass (highest to lowest)

Which of these features both vocal and instrumental music and uses a stage, costumes, and scenery?

opera

tone

refers to any sound made by a singer or on a musical instrument

a capella

singing without the accompaniment of an instrument

What is the highest voice classification for a male?

tenor

pitch

the highness or lowness of a tone

What does the term vocal range mean as it relates to music?

the number of octaves a performer can sing

Which of these is not a factor in the pitch of a human sound?

the size of the lungs

Which of these is the most important element with regard to the creation of sound?

vibration