Electrolaryngographically revealed aspects of the voice source in singing

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of some of the ways in which the output from the electrolaryngograph enables aspects of the vibrating vocal folds during singing and speech to be monitored non-invasively. This paper was presented at the British Voice Association Symposium in honour of the work of Adrian Fourcin on 9 May 2009 at University College London; Adrian developed the electrolaryngograph itself and researched and promoted its use as a practical device for use both clinically and in the speech sciences laboratory. Here, the application of the electrolaryngograph for voice source investigations relating to singing in a number of situations is considered, including: singing in different styles, tuning accuracy and vocal blend in unaccompanied (a capella) quartet singing, and longitudinal aspects of voice development in girl choristers.

Key words::

• Electrolaryngograph
• fundamental frequency
• larynx closed quotient
• singing

Acknowledgements

The author thanks all the singers who took part in these experiments. In the context of the British Voice Association (BVA) day from which this paper emerged, the author also wishes to record his deep gratitude for everything he has learned from Adrian Fourcin, for his continuing inspiration as PhD supervisor, researcher, and fellow human being.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.