VoSci Articles

Looking for practical insights, deep dives, and research-backed guidance? You’re in the right place.

This is where we explore the science and art of singing through written content—ranging from how-tos and myth-busting breakdowns to reflections on pedagogy and technique. Some articles expand on podcast episodes, others stand alone. All are here to help you think more clearly, teach more effectively, and sing with confidence.

Whether you’re here for a quick tip or a deep read, this space is designed to help you grow.

Falsetto

Falsetto is a rather poorly defined singing style often associated only with male singers. Depending on who is using it, falsetto can refer to a breathy production of sound caused by incomplete closure of the vocal folds or to a thinner vocal production caused by a...

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False Ribs

The false ribs are the ribs that are not directly attached to the sternum by their own costal cartilage. Instead, they are connected to the cartilage of the rib just above them, indirectly joining the sternum. There are typically five pairs of false ribs (ribs 8-12)....

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False Folds

The False Folds, or vestibular folds, sit above the true vocal folds. Despite many similarities, they are minimally used in normal phonation. Singers may employ them to add a level of growl or roughness to the sound. Some teachers believe that a narrowing or...

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Formant 2

Formant 2 (F2) is the second formant frequency. Like Formant 1 it is created by the shape of the tongue; however, its frequency directly related to the height of the Dorsum of the Tongue. That is to say the higher the Dorsum of the Tongue the higher the frequency of...

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Formant 1

Formant 1 (F1) is a frequency of increased acoustic resonance caused by the position of the Blade of the Tongue. Formant 1, in conjunction with Formant 2, is responsible for creating vowels. Despite this, formants are excited by acoustic sources and are not the source...

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Fundamental Frequency

The Fundamental Frequency or F0, is more commonly referred to as pitch. The difference between the fundamental frequency and a pitch is that a pitch created by a singer or most instruments contains multiple frequencies including the fundamental frequency and...

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External Intercostal Muscles

The External Intercostal Muscles aid in inhalation; when contracted, they pull the ribs up and out. They originate from the inferior of one rib and insert into the superior of the rib immediately below. The anterior rami of spinal nerves from T1-T11 innervate the...

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Expiratory Reserve Volume

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) is the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale beyond the normal tidal volume. Expiratory Reserve Volume is used during any passage using greater volumes of air than tidal breathing and can be essential for maintaining...

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Eustachian Tube

The Eustachian tube is a narrow canal connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx. Its function is the equalization of air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and the draining of mucus or fluids from the middle ear. This structure plays a crucial role in...

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Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a flap-like cartilage structure located at the base of the tongue, near the entrance to the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds downward to cover the trachea, preventing food and liquids from entering the airway and lungs. When breathing...

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