• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.43-46
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• 1998

Background and Objectives : Singers, the vocal equivalents of Olympic athletes, may present with vocal dysfunction in the singing voice before adverse effects are noted in the speech mode. For the classically trained singers, any imbalance in the respiratory, laryngeal or resonatory subsystems may manifest first in technical compensations. Therefore it is necessary that baseline values be available in order to differentiate technique related dysfunction from abnormalities within the phonatory system. Materials and Methods : Vocal efficiency measures were collected from 55 classically trained singers and 20 untrained adults. All singers was divided into 3 groups : (1) Singers who have normal larynx with out voice symptoms. (2) Singers who have vocal nodule without voice symptoms. (3) Singers who have vocal nodule with voice complaints. Results and Conclusion : Results were compared with each other. Differences in each group wert found, suggesting the need for separate normative data to be used for the evaluation of the classically trained singers.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.163-171
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• 2009

This study attempted to investigate vocal characteristics and differences in gender and voice classification among classical singers. Twenty-three female singers (M = 23.1 yrs, SD = 3.6 yrs, average 6.3 yrs singing experience, all classified as sopranos) and twenty male singers (M = 25.2 yrs, SD= 3.6 yrs, average 6. 3 yrs singing experience, 8 tenors, 12 baritones) were recruited to participate in the present study. Speaking fundamental frequency (FO), closed quotient (CQ), MPT (Maximum Phonation Time), breathing types, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and singers' formants were measured. In addition, vibratory patterns were observed using stroboscopy. Sfo, singing CQ, breathing types, formant frequency in singers' formants, MIP, MEP, and MPT were significantly different from gender to gender. Generally, singers' formants were observed in male singers and also the pattern of singers' formants was different between tenors and baritones. Lower singing CQ values were observed than speaking CQ values in the female singers (P<.001). Furthermore, MEP, MIP, and singing CQ were significantly lower for female singers than for males singers (P<.001). MPT and speaking FO, however, were not significantly different between tenors and baritones.

• Speech Sciences
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.165-177
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• 2004

Western singers voice have been studied in music science since the early 20th century. However, Korean traditional singers voice have not yet been studied scientifically. This study is to find the physiological and acoustic characteristics of Pansori singers voices. Western singers participated for comparative purposes. Ten western singers and ten Pansori singers participated in this study. The subjects spoke and sung seven simple vowels /a, e, i, o, u, c, w/. An analysis of Glottal image was done by Scope View and acoustic characteristics of speech and singing voice were analyzed by CSL. The results are as follows: (1) Glottal gestures of Pansori singers showed asymmetric vocal folds. (2) Singing vowel formants of Pansori singers showed breathiness based on Spectrogram. (3) Music formant of western singers appeared in around 3kHz area, however, Pansori singers formant appeared in low frequency area. Modulation of vibrato showed 6 frequency per sec in case of western singers. Pansori singers showed no deep modulation of vibrato on spectrogram.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.11-18
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• 2010

This study compared classical operatic singing and applied music singing using the vocal assessment software, Dr. Speech and SPEAD from Lx Speech Studio. Participants in this study included: eight female operatic singers (mean 22.6 yrs, average career 7.5 yrs); eight male operatic singers (mean 25.6 yrs, average career 7.3 yrs); eight female applied music singers (mean 25.1 yrs, average career 6.1 yrs); and eight male applied music singers (mean 27.6 yrs, average career 6.8 yrs). The results demonstrated significantly higher closed quotient values in female applied music singers during singing (p<.05). In addition, higher closed quotient values in speaking were presented in male classical singers and longer MPT was obtained in female operatic singers (p<.05). Furthermore, singer's formants were identified in all male operatic singers and in three female operatic singers. In contrast, only one applied music male and one female singer showed singer's formants while singing.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2002

MIP was significantly increased in singers, compared to the untrained group. MIP in patients showed decreasing tendency compared to the untrained group, but were significantly lower than that in singers. MEP in singers was higher than that in the untrained group. MPT increased significantly in singers, but diminished in patients compared to the untrained group. MIP, MEP, and MPT in male singers were 50.8%, 61.0%, and 28.7 % higher than those in female singers. MIP, MEP, and MPT in the untrained male were more increased 32.3%, 25.0%, and 28.7%, respectively than those in the untrained female. There was no correlation between MPT and MIP or MEP. Regression analysis of the data set showed that weight and vocal cord dysfunction was a positive predictor of MPT. Factors affecting MIP were male, singers and weight. Factors affecting MEP were male, singers, vocal cord dysfunction and weight.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 2000

Background and Objectives : The Voice Range Profile(VRP) is a two-dimensional graphic dysplay of an individual's amplitude range as a function of total fundamental frequency range. It is designed as a maximum performance test which can be used as a general indicator of voice problems in the non-professional voice and as a sensitive indicator of problems with the professional voice. The purpose of the study is to obtain a baseline VRT for the classical professional singers and compare it with the normal nonsinger's profile. We also compared the difference of VRP between the classical professional singers who have normal vocal fold and who have vocal folds lesions without dysphonia. Materials and Methods : The VRPs were elicited. from 42 trained classical singers(Soprano 26, Mesosoprano 5, Tenor 9, Bariton 2) and 20 untrained nonsingers(female 10, male 10) using Voice Range Profile Model 4326(Kay Elemetrics USA). The mean values for phonational range with highest and lowest pitch level and range of voice intensity with maximum and minimum intensity level were compared between classical singers and nonsingers. Results and Conclusions : The frequency range and dynamic range were significantly increased for the classical singers in comparison to the nonsingers. But there was no significant difference were found for the VRP between the parts in the classical singers. The classical singers who have vocal fold lesions showed slightly decreased VRP compared to those with healthy vocal folds.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.115-126
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• 2006

Background and Objectives : Training of breath support and laryngeal muscles control are important components in the development of the singing voice. The purpose of this study is to compare characteristics of respiratory and phonatory control on pitch, loudness, register change with untrained males and trained male singers. Materials and Methods : The 11 untrained males and 11 trained male singers participated. Closed Quotient(CQ), fundamental frequency (fo) and relative volume contribution of the rib cage (in percentage rib cage, % RC) and relative volume contribution of abdomen (in percentage abdomen, % AB) were measured during various pitch, loudness, register tasks using /a/ vowel phonation : Legato, staccato with C3-D3-E3-F3-G3 notes and crescendo and decrescendo with C3 note as well as modal register with C3 and falsetto register with C4 note using an integrated analysis system of Respiration, EGG and Voice. Results : (1) When pitch increased with legato task, loudness also increased in untrained male group but maintained in trained male singers. CQ was also increased both untrained and trained male singers but it was not significantly different ($p>.05$). The abdomen contribution to lung volume were significantly predominant both in inhalation and exhalation in trained males singers ($p<.05$). (2) When pitch increased with staccato task, CQ was not significantly different in untrained but significantly different in trained male singers. The respiratory function of male singers were characterized by significantly predominant abdomen contribution to lung volume in exhalation except for inhalation ($p<.05$) (3) When loudness increased with crescendo, fo was significantly increased with increasing CQ in untrained males but fo was relatively consistent with increasing CQ in trained male singers. The respiratory function of male singers were characterized by significantly predominant abdomen contribution to lung volume in exhalation except for inhalation ($p<.05$). (4) Most male singers were able to change register from modal to falsetto register, but untrained males were not. Thus, CQ was significantly different between modal and falsetto register in trained male singers ($p<.05$). The respiratory function of male singers were characterized by significantly predominant abdomen contribution to lung volume in exhalation except for inhalation ($p<.05$). Conclusion : Male singers were superior to untrained males in coordination of respiratory and phonatory control on pitch, loudness, register change. Implication are offered regarding how the results might be applied to the voice therapy as well as singing training.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.119-123
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: The influence of music training on different areas of the brain has been extensively researched, but the underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, the effects of training for more than three years in Carnatic music (an Indian form of music) on the discrimination ability of different areas of the brain were tested using P300 analysis at three electrode placement sites. Subjects and Methods: A total of 27 individuals, including 13 singers aged 16-30 years (mean±standard deviation, 23±3.2 years) and 14 non-singers aged 16-30 years (mean age, 24±2.9 years), participated in this study. The singers had 3-5 years of formal training experience in Carnatic music. Cortical activities in areas corresponding to attention, discrimination, and memory were tested using P300 analysis, and the tests were performed using the Intelligent Hearing System. Results: The mean P300 amplitude of the singers at the Fz electrode placement site (5.64±1.81) was significantly higher than that of the non-singers (3.85±1.60; t(25)=3.3, p<0.05). The amplitude at the Cz electrode placement site in singers (5.90±2.18) was significantly higher than that in non-singers (3.46±1.40; t(25)=3.3, p<0.05). The amplitude at the Pz electrode placement site in singers (4.94±1.89) was significantly higher than that in non-singers (3.57±1.50; t(25)=3.3, p<0.05). Among singers, the mean P300 amplitude was significantly higher in the Cz site than the other placement sites, and among non-singers, the mean P300 amplitude was significantly higher in the Fz site than the other placement sites, i.e., music training facilitated enhancement of the P300 amplitude at the Cz site. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that more than three years of training in Carnatic singing can enhance neural coding to discriminate subtle differences, leading to enhanced discrimination abilities of the brain, mainly in the generation site corresponding to Cz electrode placement.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.119-123
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: The influence of music training on different areas of the brain has been extensively researched, but the underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, the effects of training for more than three years in Carnatic music (an Indian form of music) on the discrimination ability of different areas of the brain were tested using P300 analysis at three electrode placement sites. Subjects and Methods: A total of 27 individuals, including 13 singers aged 16-30 years (mean±standard deviation, 23±3.2 years) and 14 non-singers aged 16-30 years (mean age, 24±2.9 years), participated in this study. The singers had 3-5 years of formal training experience in Carnatic music. Cortical activities in areas corresponding to attention, discrimination, and memory were tested using P300 analysis, and the tests were performed using the Intelligent Hearing System. Results: The mean P300 amplitude of the singers at the Fz electrode placement site (5.64±1.81) was significantly higher than that of the non-singers (3.85±1.60; t(25)=3.3, p<0.05). The amplitude at the Cz electrode placement site in singers (5.90±2.18) was significantly higher than that in non-singers (3.46±1.40; t(25)=3.3, p<0.05). The amplitude at the Pz electrode placement site in singers (4.94±1.89) was significantly higher than that in non-singers (3.57±1.50; t(25)=3.3, p<0.05). Among singers, the mean P300 amplitude was significantly higher in the Cz site than the other placement sites, and among non-singers, the mean P300 amplitude was significantly higher in the Fz site than the other placement sites, i.e., music training facilitated enhancement of the P300 amplitude at the Cz site. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that more than three years of training in Carnatic singing can enhance neural coding to discriminate subtle differences, leading to enhanced discrimination abilities of the brain, mainly in the generation site corresponding to Cz electrode placement.

• Speech Sciences
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2005

The phenomenon of vocal vibrato may be regarded as an acoustic representation of one of the most rapid and continuous changes in pitch and intensity that the human vocal mechanism is capable of producing. Singers are likely to use vibrato effectively to enrich their voice. The purpose of this study was to obtain acoustic measurements (vF0 and vAm) of 45 subjects (15 trot and 15 ballad singers and 15 non-singers) and to compare acoustic measurements of the vowel /a/ produced by 3 groups on 2 voice sampling conditions (prolongation and singing of /a/). Thirty singers of trot and ballad were selected by a producer and a concert director working for the KBS (Korean Broadcasting System). The MDVP was used to measure the acoustic parameters. A two-way MANOVA was used for statistical analyses. The results were as follows; Firstly, there was no significant difference among the 3 groups in vF0 and vAm in prolongation of /a/, but in singing voice, there was a significant difference among 3 groups in vF0 and vAm. Secondly, there was an interaction between music genre and voice sampling condition in vF0, and vAm. Finally, trot singers sing with more vibrato than ballad singers. It was concluded that it is very important to analyze singers' voice including various voice conditions (prolongation, reading, conversation, and singing) and to identify differences of singing voice characteristics among music genre.