Humming does not lower the fundamental pitch of the voice, but it significantly enhances the voice’s quality, leading to a sound often perceived as fuller or “deeper.” Understanding this distinction requires looking closely at the separate components that create the human voice: pitch and resonance. This exploration will clarify the effect of humming and what truly determines the baseline characteristics of your voice.
The Mechanics of Voice Production
The sound source is the vibration of the vocal folds, a pair of muscular membranes housed within the larynx. The rate at which these folds vibrate determines the voice’s pitch, or how high or low a sound is perceived. For example, men’s vocal folds typically vibrate around 110 times per second (Hertz or Hz) in speech, while women’s average around 200 Hz, which is why men generally have a lower pitch.
Voice quality, or depth, is determined by resonance, which is the modification and amplification of the initial sound as it travels through the vocal tract. The vocal tract includes the throat, mouth cavity, and nasal passages, which act as a set of adjustable resonators. The size and shape of these cavities filter the buzzing sound from the vocal folds, enhancing certain frequencies called overtones and harmonics. This process creates the unique tonal color and perceived fullness of an individual’s voice.
Humming’s Effect on Vocal Resonance
Humming works by optimizing the resonating spaces, particularly the nasal and oral cavities. When performed correctly with closed lips, the sound waves are directed and concentrated into the facial structures, often referred to as the “mask.”
This concentrated vibration helps to balance the airflow and pressure above and below the vocal folds, which promotes a more efficient and relaxed vocal fold closure. By enhancing the overtones through this focused resonance, the sound gains a richer, more vibrant texture. The resulting voice sounds fuller and carries more power without requiring a higher volume, which is why this improved quality is often subjectively heard as a “deeper” voice.
Proper Humming Technique for Vocal Warm-up
Humming is a widely used exercise in voice training because it encourages optimal vocal placement and relaxation. To hum effectively, the lips should be gently closed but not clenched, and the jaw and throat must remain relaxed. The sensation of vibration, or a slight “buzz,” should be felt prominently in the front of the face, such as around the nose and cheekbones.
This focused vibration helps to “reset” the vocal mechanism, achieving a gentle connection of the vocal folds without undue tension. Beginning with a comfortable mid-range pitch and gliding smoothly up and down a short scale helps to stretch the vocal folds and improve pitch accuracy. Practicing this technique helps singers and speakers access a more balanced and resonant sound when they transition to open-mouth phonation.
Physiological Factors That Determine Voice Pitch
The fundamental pitch of a person’s voice is determined by fixed biological factors, not temporary exercises like humming. The primary determinants are the length and thickness of the vocal folds, which are housed within the larynx. Longer and thicker vocal folds vibrate more slowly, producing a lower-pitched voice, while shorter and thinner folds vibrate faster, resulting in a higher pitch.
These physical characteristics are established by genetics and the influence of hormones, especially during puberty. The growth and lengthening of the vocal folds during adolescence cause the voice to “break” and settle into its adult pitch range. No amount of humming or vocal exercise can permanently change the underlying physical structure of the vocal folds to lower the fundamental pitch.