Definition

1. Noun:
   • The higher ranges of the voice in speaking or singing; the vibrations of sung notes are felt in the head: A term used in vocal music to describe the resonant quality of high-pitched vocal sounds, where the singer perceives the primary vibrations in the cavities of the head (like the sinuses and nasal passages), as opposed to the chest.

Usage

• The term "head tone" is primarily used in the context of vocal pedagogy and music. It describes a specific vocal register or resonance area. It is often contrasted with "chest tone" or "chest voice."
• It is used to discuss vocal technique, training, and the physiological sensations of singing.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The soprano's head tone was clear and bell-like, soaring above the orchestra.
  • To sing that high note correctly, you need to use your head tone, not force it from your chest.
  • The voice teacher asked the student to focus on the sensation of vibration in her head to find a purer head tone.

Advanced Usage

• "To sing in head tone": To produce sound using the head register.
  • For the final aria, the tenor must sing entirely in head tone to achieve the required lightness.
• "Head tone quality": Refers to the characteristic sound of the head register.
  • Her voice has a beautiful head tone quality that is perfect for Baroque music.

Variants and Related Words

• Head voice (n): Often used synonymously with "head tone" to describe the higher register of the voice. Some pedagogues make subtle distinctions, but in general usage, they are interchangeable.
  • She switched from her chest voice to her head voice seamlessly.
• Falsetto (n): A vocal register, typically for male singers, that is higher than the modal (normal) voice and often has a lighter, more flute-like quality. It is related to but not always identical to head tone/voice.
  • The countertenor sang the entire piece in a powerful falsetto.

Synonyms

• Head register: The range of notes sung using head resonance.
• Upper register: A more general term for the higher part of a vocal range.

Related Phrases

• "To place the voice in the head": A pedagogical instruction to encourage head resonance.
  • The coach told him to "place the voice in the head" to avoid straining.
• "Mixed voice": A blend of chest and head tone resonance.
  • A strong mixed voice allows a singer to bridge the gap between registers smoothly.

Noun

1. the higher ranges of the voice in speaking or singing; the vibrations of sung notes are felt in the head