http://hdl.handle.net/2123/17992
Title: | The Flute Inside-Out: Tracking Internal Movements in Flute Playing |
Authors: | Gomes Dos Santos Junior, Osvaldo |
Keywords: | Flute Larynx Vibrato |
Issue Date: | 30-Aug-2017 |
Publisher: | University of Sydney Sydney Conservatorium of Music Vocal and Opera Studies |
Abstract: | Analyses in the past have revealed that flute sound production is a complex procedure involving internal movements of the body. The larynx and pharynx in particular play a crucial role. Some authors, advocate for the abdominal muscles, while others, draw attention to the lips and the oral cavity. However, despite the various studies, the physiology of flute playing is limited by lack of empirically-derived information about what happens when a player carries out musical tasks. The present study is an empirical investigation of the role of the larynx and pharynx in flute playing from the perspective of a flute specialist. Specifically, the study aims to determine vocal fold involvement in vibrato, epiglottis movements, arytenoids and epiglottis involvement in articulation, and glottal aperture in tone and dynamics production (soft to loud, loud to soft). A detailed analysis of the relationship between standard flute techniques and the larynx and pharynx mechanisms is presented, making a significant contribution to the flute pedagogical literature. Two male and three female experienced players (referred to in the study as “the participants”) participated in a video-nasendoscopy procedure. The behaviour of the participants’ larynxes and pharynxes while playing a performance protocol specifically designed for this research was observed by a qualified speech pathologist. Specifically, the observer analysed true vocal fold adduction, false vocal fold adduction, laryngeal height, pharyngeal space, epiglottis movement, and arytenoid adduction. This study reveals that laryngeal/pharyngeal participation in flute playing is not limited to vibrato production or specific techniques, such as singing and playing or flutter tongue (tongue rolling effect while playing). The larynx plays a major role in producing flute tone and dynamics and should be considered by pedagogues, performers and health specialists. These findings can assist flute professionals in their daily practice, performances and teaching. Knowing the role of the larynx in vibrato, articulation, pitch control, and dynamics control, reveals a new tool for flute players to use with assurance when preparing any piece of the standard repertoire, or teaching a student. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/2123/17992 |
Rights and Permissions: | The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission. |
Type of Work: | PhD Doctorate |
Type of Publication: | Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. |
Appears in Collections: | Sydney Digital Theses (Open Access) |
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Gomes Dos Santos_Osvaldo_thesis.pdf | Thesis | 1.89 MB | Adobe PDF | |
170623 Osvaldo Gomes DMA Recital.mp4 | Recital Recording | 1.91 GB | MPEG-4 |
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