A Historic Performance

On July 24th, Joni Mitchell graced the stage at the Newport Folk Festival, marking her first performance since a life-threatening aneurysm in 2015 left her unable to sing. The emotional weight of the event brought tears to many, including myself. It wasn't just her evocative lyrics that struck a chord; it was the raw authenticity of her voice, imbued with her unique life journey.

For nearly twenty years, I have had the privilege of caring for a diverse array of singers, from Broadway stars to major recording artists. Regardless of their backgrounds, one commonality unites them: their voice is their instrument, and it is indispensable to their craft. Most people, however, often overlook this vital aspect of our humanity.

The Mechanics of Vocal Production

Vocal production is an intricate dance of biomechanics. The vocal cords, two muscle bands covered by a mucosal membrane, play a crucial role. While their appearance may evoke certain comparisons, they primarily function as a protective valve for the airway. Positioned at the trachea's entrance, they open for breathing and close to shield the lungs during swallowing or coughing.

Although the vocal cords are essential for sound production, they operate in conjunction with other components. They act as a resonator, much like guitar strings. Eight pairs of extrinsic muscles adjust the cords' positioning, enabling them to vibrate together to produce sound. Closing the cords entirely is akin to holding one’s breath, while varying their tension and length allows for different pitch ranges.

The lungs serve as the driving force for vocalization. Air expelled from the lungs causes the vocal cords to vibrate, with stronger airflow generating louder sounds. Consider the impressive lung capacity of an opera singer!

However, the distinctiveness of our voices cannot be attributed solely to vocal cord vibrations. The sound resonates through the anatomical structures above the cords, including the nose, mouth, and throat. Altering the mouth's shape and the tongue’s position enables speech—a uniquely human capability.

During my residency, I participated in a multidisciplinary voice conference where scientists from various fields endeavored to replicate the human voice. Mechanical engineers crafted physical models, sound engineers altered frequencies, and medical professionals conducted anatomical dissections. Ultimately, no one succeeded in mimicking the human voice, perhaps highlighting that our voice transcends mere biological function—it embodies our humanity.