Physiological characteristics of the supported singing voice. A preliminary study

Barbara Griffin, Peak Woo, Raymond Colton, Janina Casper, David Brewer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a definition of the supported singing voice based on physiological characteristics by comparing the subjects' concepts of a supported voice with objective measurements of their supported and unsupported voice. This preliminary report presents findings based on data from eight classically trained singers. Subjects answered questions about their concepts of the characteristics of the supported singing voice and how it is produced. Samples of the supported and unsupported singing voice produced at low, medium, and high pitches at a comfortable loudness level were collected for acoustic, spectral, airflow, electroglottographic, air volume, and stroboscopic analyses. Significant differences between the supported and unsupported voice were found for sound pressure level (SPL), peak airflow, subglottal pressure (Ps), glottal open time, and frequency of the fourth formant (F4). Mean flow and F2 frequency differences were sex and pitch related. Males adjusted laryngeal configuration to produce supported voice, whereas glottal configuration differences were greater in females. Breathing patterns were variable and not significantly different between supported and unsupported voice. Subjects in this study believe that the supported singing voice is resonant, clear, and easy to manage and is produced by correct breath management. Results of data analysis show that the supported singing voice has different spectral characteristics from and higher SPL, peak airflow, and Ps than the unsupported voice. Singers adjust laryngeal and/or glottal configuration to account for these changes, but no significant differences in breathing activity were found.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-56
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Voice
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1995
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Breath management
  • Formant
  • Spectral analysis
  • Subglottal pressure
  • Voice support

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