Hitting the Right Notes Marlene Buffa

When asked his favorite instrument, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart responded, "the human voice." Perhaps Mozart considered the voice to be God's authentic expression while human-made instruments, although artfully played, provided simply a conduit through which true music traveled. When we think about the complexity of singing—either on the level of a Mozart opera or in the shower—we notice the elements involved.

The proper pitch or the correct word held for the exact amount of time in a certain tempo, the articulation of the vowels and consonants and, of course, breathing and proper positioning of the tongue all contribute to what we call singing. When we enjoy a melody almost involuntarily, we enjoy a life that demonstrates the synchronization of our efforts and produces the most pleasing outcomes.