Evaluation of Support in Singing

Summary This study searched for perceptual, acoustic, and physiological correlates of support in singing. Seven trained professional singers (four women and three men) sang repetitions of the syllable [pa:] at varying pitch and sound levels (1) habitually (with support) and (2) simulating singing without support. Estimate of subglottic pressure was obtained from oral pressure during [p]. Vocal fold vibration was registered with dual-channel electroglottography. Acoustic analyses were made on the recorded samples. All samples were also evaluated by the singers and other listeners, who were trained singers, singing students, and voice specialists without singing education (a total of 63 liste…

Acoustic, perceptual and clinical studies of normal and dysphonic voice

Voice research in Jyvaskyla during the last few years is reviewed. Some results from a number of studies are presented in terms of the variables investigated: background, clinical, perceptual and acoustic characteristics, and the relations between them. Acoustic studies of voice have been carried out by means of long-term average spectrum (LTAS) analysis.

Vocal fold strain and vocal pitch in singing:Radiographic observations of singers and nonsingers

Summary The relationship between vocal fold strain and vocal pitch in singersand nonsingers singing a rising pitch series has been indirectly investigated by means of lateral radiographs. Nonsingers tend to exhibit more strain than singers. To standardize the degree of strain, an index of strain per semitone is proposed. The semitone strain indicates the average amount of strain per 1 semitone of pitch increase or decrease. The index has been shown to be affected by several factors: gender, singing training, singing technique, voice class, age, and status of muscle function. Observations suggest that similar groups of individuals occupy different positions on the stress-strain curve, indica…

THE EXTERNAL FRAME FUNCTION IN THE CONTROL OF PITCH IN THE HUMAN VOICE

The external frame function in the control of pitch, register, and singing mode: Radiographic observations of a female singer

Summary This study investigates pitch control, register, and singing mode related movements of the laryngo-pharyngeal structures by radiographic methods. One trained female singer served as the subject. The results show that singing voice production involves complex movements in the laryngeal structures. Pitch related increase in the thyro-arytenoid distance (vocal fold length) is nonlinear, slowing down as pitch rises. Similar observations have been made earlier. At the highest pitches, a shortening of the distance can be seen, suggesting the use of alternative pitch control mechanisms. The various observations made support the existence of three registers in this trained female singing vo…

External laryngeal frame function in voice production revisited: A review

Research indicates significant contribution of extrinsic laryngeal mechanisms to voice production. This article reviews the major theories of the role of the external laryngeal factors in voice production and relevant experimental data. The review suggests that partly neglected external factors and possibly even misinterpretation of some of the recently documented individual variation in physiological data may have unnecessarily complicated the issues pertaining to the interplay between the physiological mechanisms of the larynx. The implications of contemporary findings and documentation in the modeling of the extrinsic factors are discussed and a synthesis of empirical data into two simpl…

Roentgenological observations on vocal fold length-changes with special reference to register transition and open/covered voice

This paper examines the length-changes of the vocal folds as a function of voice pitch. Changes in normalized vocal fold elongation (strain) were measured indirectly from calcification points in several laryngeal structures from roentgenological exposures during singing. Changes in vocal fold strain are shown to occur mainly in the register transition area, i.e. the area within which all register changes take place. Changes in vocal fold strain appeared similar in male and female subjects. Evidence for different strain patterns in covered and open singing is presented for female subjects: Strain is higher in non-singers and (“incorrect”) open voice, lower in singers and (“correct”) covered …

On the terminology of voice research

Summary This article reviews problems associated with establishment of a scientifically accurate, internationally recognized, multilingual terminology to describe voice. Two strategies for developing terminology are discussed: consensus and dictation. Ontological decisions are considered an integral part of developing terminology. We conclude that terminological problems should be solved by a terminological committee—as yet to be established—as they average from problems in interpreting the literature and the results of voice research. A comprehensive bibliography and audio tape of the multilingual terminology describing voice would help facilitate adaptation and understanding of the terms …

Hypothesis of whiplike motion as a possible traumatizing mechanism in vocal fold vibration.

The mucosal waves on the vibrating vocal folds may move in anterior-posterior, mediolateral and in caudal-cranial direction. This article discusses the possible significance of the vertical movement from the point of view of mechanical stress in phonation and the formation of vocal fold traumas. It is hypothesized that in certain conditions the vocal folds may behave in cranial direction like a quasi-free end of a long lash producing very rapid vibratory waves (e.g. the waves in a whiplash). This could be detrimental to the tissue structure. The role of phonation type in enhancing/diminishing this effect will also be discussed.