TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION L. 817 



understanding of speech is termed the audito-psychic. Hence when these centres 

 are destroyed on both sides the individual becomes quite deaf and does not 

 understand speech. If the centres be destroyed on the left side only he hears 

 what is spoken because the right audito-sensory centre is still intact, but he does 

 not understand what is said because the audito-psychic centre is present on the 

 left side only and is destroyed. If the hearing centre on the right side only 

 is destroyed the individual can still hear and understand speech. 



The centre for the production of speech is found on the left sicle of the brain 

 in the third frontal convolution and adjacent regions. Since this centre is only 

 concerned in the production of speech it follows that when it is destroyed the 

 individual can still hear and understand what is said to him, but he cannot frame 

 words and sentences to express himself in speech. 



Mechanism of the voice : The voice is produced by the vibrations of the vocal 

 cords, and, for the most part, the various tones depend upon the portions of the 

 cords which vibrate and the degree of tension in these portions. The changes 

 in the extent and tension of the vibrating portions of the vocal cords are deter- 

 mined by muscular action, which in its turn is governed by the centres in the 

 brain described previously. The voice is resonated in the cavities of the mouth, 

 pharynx, and nose; hence by altering the size and shape of these cavities by 

 means of movements of the tongue, palate, &c, the quality of the tones produced 

 in the larynx can be affected at will. 



(ii) The Essentials of Voice Production. By Professor Wesley Mills. 



At the present time it is vital for those who teach especially to agree on some 

 principles. Only principles, and not 'methods,' except those based on a few 

 fundamentals, are possible. It is better to abandon the term ' method ' if applied 

 to anyone's systematic teaching. It is more important to emphasise what is 

 common in the teaching and practice of speaking and singing than the differences. 

 Other things being equal, the more of a singer the speaker is the greater his 

 success. For the singer, training in speaking should for a time precede training 

 in singing or be carried on with it. 



The double purpose of speaking and singing. 



The justification of the appeal to science. 



The object of cultivating vocal technique or voice production. 



Its psychic and somatic factors. 



Adjustment or co-ordination of the psychic and somatic and of the various 

 parte of the vocal mechanism is the key to explanations and to practical success 



.Ine vocal mechanism consists of three main parts. In using these the subject 

 employs neuro-muscular mechanisms controlled by psychic factors The psychic 

 must precede tne somatic. At first results are largely voluntary; later reflex 

 and sub-conscious. In all muscular movements, those concerned with voice 

 production included, sensations are of vital importance. In phonation the chief 

 sense is hearing but others, usually associated with muscular movements, are 

 also essential. Without these ' voice-placement ' is impossible. 



The essentials of a good tone. 



Breathing in relation to voice production. The practice of the old Italian 

 vocal teachers is not inconsistent with the latest investigation on breathing 

 ihe attack • the resonance chambers; parts to be used and parts that may 

 interfere with a good result. y 



Good voice production does not necessarily constitute good art, but is 



GSSGIltlcll tO it. 



The term ' accent ' as now often used is unsatisfactory 



The value or quality of vowel sounds should be settled by an international 

 commission of experts. The same applies to a few consonants, especially™.' 



