X-rays
Check out these enlightening x-rays! Body Mapping teaches that having an accurate understanding of the body helps develop a healthy musical technique. I’ve found these X-rays extremely useful for understanding how the body works when playing a musical instrument.
Bones
First, here’s a website showing different parts of the body in X-ray, with labels for the bones.
Speaking
Here’s how we look on the inside when we speak. For those that double-tongue (or want to): notice how the tongue articulates “k” and “t”. To get a sense of why the oral cavity can affect sound when singing or playing a wind instrument, notice the position of the tongue for an “ee” vowel vs. an “ah” vowel.
The tongue when singing
Thanks to the folks that put this video together! One sees the amazing choreography of tongue movements that happen when performing. Also notice how the tongue responds to vibrato.
When playing the flute
This video is not as clear as others (how do you get a flute in an X-ray machine?), however the views of double tonguing are fascinating.
When playing the trumpet
See how the shape of the oral cavity relates to the register one plays on trumpet. Another great view of double tonguing technique.
When playing the clarinet
Tongue and jaw movements create a great variety of sounds on the clarinet, including glissandi.
