Vocal training in an anthropometrical aspect

Abstract

Objectives: As shown in our previous paper, the dimensions of the cerebral parts of the cranium and face of the vocal students were higher than those of the non-singing students. The aim of the present study was to analyse the type of voice and its development depending on selected dimensions.

Methods: A total of 56 vocal students – 36 women and 20 men – who underwent anthropometric measurements were divided into groups according to their voice type. Two professors of singing made a subjective, independent evaluation of individual students’ vocal development progress during the four years of training. The findings were analysed statistically with the current licensed versions of Statistica software.

Results: We found statistically significant positive correlation between: the head length, head and face width, depth of upper and middle face, nose length and student’s voice development.

Conclusions: The dimensions of the head and the face have no impact on type of voice; however, some anatomical characteristics may have impact on voice development.

Keywords:

• Anthropometry
• resonators
• voice production
• voice development

Acknowledgements

Funding: Poznan University of Medical Sciences supported the study with grant no. [501-01-2209324-07058].

Ethical approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Disclosure statement

Authors confirm there is no potential conflict of interests.

Additional information

Funding

Own research studies 2008–2010. Symbol: 501-01-2209324-07058. Correlation between phonetic possibilities with the anatomical structure of the vocal tract the anthropometric framework (project leader).