Application to vocal music training of newly developed strain-gage type system for checking respiratory movement in real time - From the perspective of the vocal music coach

Abstract

Until now, vocal music training has been undertaken subjectively based on the experience of experts having long experience. Although respiratory coaching is very important for singing, understanding how the student is breathing during vocalization is quite difficult relying on visual means alone. Some voice coaches have attempted to overcome this diffculty by touching the student's abdominal and thoracic areas. Even with this method, however, it has been difficult to gain full understanding of respiratory movement during singing. Moreover, there have been problems as to potential sexual harassment. A new coaching method enabling such understanding of respiratory movement by objective means has thus been eagerly awaited. A strain gage measures the degree of stretching based on changes in electrical resistance according to tensile level. A new strain-gage type system was developed that analyzes respiratory movement in real time using belts fixed around the abdominal and thoracic areas. Data is displayed on a computer screen in a form similar to an oscillograph, enabling objective observation of respiratory movement. The new system is seen to be highly effective for use in vocal coaching, as well as for training in conjunction with voice therapy.