Acoustics of the Singing Voice

Abstract

This is the third report on the acoustics of the singing voice based on Sonograph measurements carried on at Westminster Choir College and Columbia University. Previous reports discussed certain discontinuities or register changes, and the significance of higher formants in the 2000–4000 cycle region. The present discussion will center around observations on the vibrato pattern. Several types of patterns deviating from the norm as described by Seashore and others are represented in these measurements, including vibratos principally of amplitude, uneven rates and extents, and angular and asymmetrical patterns. The relation of vibrato to rapid scale singing, and its implications for vocal pedagogy are also discussed.