Flute players apply changes to the timbre of the sound produced by their instrument by changing the configuration of their vocal tract, based on the mental images they create of it. However, this alteration is difficult to measure due to the large number of involved variables (e.g., the movements of lips and jaw) that prevent an immediate and objective perception. Therefore, we conducted an experiment whose main goal was to demonstrate the existence of vocal tract influence on the timbre of the flute. For this purpose we built an artificial blower that enables the elimination of the influence caused by modifications in the shape and position of lips and jaw. The theoretical frameworks of this experiment can be found in the works of Quantz, in On Playing the Flute: the Classic of Barroque Music Instruction, and Kent & Read, in The Acoustic Analysis of Speech. The results of this experiment indicate the existence of a considerable influence of the position of the vocal tract on the timber of the flute. The aim of our current research is to conduct the experiment under a new paradigm that would allow measuring this influence in different registers of the flute. This deepening of the research will focus on building new structures representing the lips and modelling a vocal tract in a way that reflects the positions of the tongue during the execution of the instrument. In a future stage this research we will investigate the application of these techniques to enhance the instrument playability, improving its technique and facilitating the performance in the most problematic registers of the flute. We also seek to apply these results on new didactical methods, renewing interest in studying and teaching the instrument.
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