The Voice & Vocal Health: Exploring the Voice
Age Range: Late Elementary, Middle School, High School
Learning Objective: Students will understand that the voice is an instrument and will acquire a basic understanding of how the voice produces sound.
Total Video Time: 4:31 (lesson only); 20:34 (with extensions)
INTRODUCTION
We all have an instrument we carry around with us in our bodies- our voice! In this short video, singer Liz Pearse explains how our voices make different types of sound.
EXTEND
1. Answer the following questions to secure and reinforce comprehension of key concepts.
Name a few parts of the body that help the voice produce vocal sounds.
The voice is essentially a tube. What body part is at the bottom of the tube? What body part is at the top of the tube?
What important part of the body is in the middle of the tube?
What is one way to change the shape of your vocal sound?
What are some ways you can control your vocal sound?
What’s the weirdest sound you can make with your voice?
2. Remember there are different types of voices. Review them with the Class Notes lesson What are VOICE TYPES?
3. Watch and listen to a few singers and think about how they are using the instruments of their voice.
Mezzo Soprano Joyce DiDonato sings an aria by Henry Purcell
Tenor Lawrence Brownlee sings a collection of songs.
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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
