breath-stream

Updated: June 8, 2025

All use of the voice implies this much, but in most instances there are associated nervous mechanisms and ideas that are highly important in determining the exact volume, quality, etc., of the tone as related to expression of ideas and feelings according to conventional usage. The breath-stream must in all cases be so employed that there shall be economy of energy no waste.

Wesley Mills - Voice Production in Singing and Speaking: Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged)

The larynx and the resonance-chambers are of course intermediate, as usual, between the breath-stream and the result, the tone; without them there could be no tones.

Wesley Mills - Voice Production in Singing and Speaking: Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged)

And when it is further considered that these elaborate and sensitive mechanisms of the larynx are of little use except when adequately put into action by the breath-stream, which again involves hosts of other muscular movements, and the whole in relation to the parts of the vocal apparatus above the larynx, the mouth, nose, etc., it becomes clear that only long, patient, and intelligent study will lead to the highest results.

Wesley Mills - Voice Production in Singing and Speaking: Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged)

The processes each employs, though not identical, are closely related; both use the breath to cause vibrations, and there can be none that are effective, in either case, except a certain relation of adaptation of breath-stream to instrument be effected with the clarinet-player, adjustment of breath to reed, and with the voice-user, of breath to vocal bands.

Wesley Mills - Voice Production in Singing and Speaking: Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged)

As the expiratory blast is so important in voice-production, the exercises above recommended should be followed by others in which this principle is specially recognized. Inspire so as to fill the chest to the fullest with considerable rapidity; then allow the breath-stream to pass out with the utmost slowness.

Wesley Mills - Voice Production in Singing and Speaking: Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged)

Before the vocal bands can be set into suitable vibrations the expiratory breath-stream must be directed against them in a special manner, and they themselves must be adapted to the blast. It is a case of complex and beautiful adaptation. The clarinet or flute player must learn to "blow," and equally must the singer learn to use his breath.

Wesley Mills - Voice Production in Singing and Speaking: Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged)