Singing can be defined as the musical expression of feeling through the medium of vocal organs and the organs of speech. Though we lack precise data to know when man began to sing, singing should have existed since man learnt to speak. In Greek philosophy singing is regarded as the first form of speaking. History reveals three transitional phases in the evolution of singing speech, speech-song (or chanting) and singing. But the theories regarding the origin of singing that support either psychological study or historical inquiry are only speculative and no definite conclusions can be attempted from the evidence furnished by them. Though the same instrument, voice, is used for both speaking and singing, the technique of voice production for singing is more complex. Singing requires a more delicate control of the three set of muscle -those of inspiration and expiration (respiratory muscles), those of phonation (intra and extra laryngeal muscles) and those of articulation (the muscles of tongue, jaw, lips and the soft palate).

The great teacher of voice training Prof. Mackenzie has aptly remarked that the difference between the act of speaking and singing is the same as that between walking and dancing. Voice production for singing consists of fifteen ingredients, of which the first twelve are equally applicable to effective speaking also.

• Breath - Effective control of breath Is very necessary for both speaking and singing though it requires a much more delicate control;

• Flexibility - The vocal mechanism and the speech organs should be flexible to enunciate the words and to produce the different musical phrases;

• Resonance - Audibility and good quality are required for both speaking and singing which can be acquired only through proper adjustment of the resonators;

• Mouth Shape - As the resonator influences the voice quality the mouth shape plays an important role in imparting quality to the tone;

• Vocal range - The range is more limited for speech than for singing, however, speaking requires the vocal range to avoid monotony;

• Inflection - Vocal inflections are different for speaking and singing. In the latter the inflections become more elaborate and formalised;

• Enunciation - Clear diction is very necessary for effective speaking and singing.

• Phrasing - Correct phrasing is required for speaking to make the sentence intelligible and effective, whereas in singing careful phrasing adds beauty to the music of the singer;

• Speed - Agility to the articulating organs and tempo influences the voice quality in speaking and singing. In speaking, low speed makes the talk to be more sluggish, while high speed makes it lack in clarity. Hence moderate speed is required for speech. In singing, low speed increases the loudness, while high speed reduces the volume. The voice quality is more pleasant in moderate speed;

• Volume - Adequate loudness so as to reach a large audience is one of the important factors in speaking and singing. The carrying power of the voice and loudness depend upon pitch level, resonance adjustment and breath control;

• Hearing - Hearing plays an important role in producing voice for speaking and singing. It is the most vital means of stimulation. As hearing helps to regulate the pitch intensity and timbre of the voice, it acts as a guide:

• Imagination - The brain is the integrator of active forces. The mental perception or imagery awakens the motor centre of the brain for the adjustment of the vocal mechanism. The mental perception of the words or tones is very necessary for an individual to utter a word or note. The vocal cords are more guided by the mental perception of the sound. In getting proper resonance imagery is required;

• Prolongation of vowel sounds, Definite pitch relation and Dynamics are the three additional features of singing that gives the musical element.

Dr. Durga is an internationally well-known voice training specialist for singers. She received her research degree M.Litt., from the Madras University, for her thesis on Voice-Culture. Indian Musicological Society, Baroda, has brought out her book on Voice Culture. Carnatica, Chennai, has brought a video out titled "The Ideal Voice" with her presentation on Voice Culture. She has conducted many workshops on Voice-Culture in India including the Shibir for Gujarat - Sangeet Natak Academy, India, and in other foreign countries including Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan, London. Dr. Durga is a visiting professor for Voice Culture at S.N.D.T., Women's University, Bombay and The Music Academy, Madras.

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