• 1. analysis of the voice
• 2. perception
• 3. enhancing the voice
• 4. healthy voice use
• 5. Singing as communication
• 6. education
• 7. raising awareness

1 Voice analysis

Technology and its role in analysing the voice.

1.1 Inverse filtering

Inverse filtering “subtracts” the resonances of the vocal tract from the acoustic output (oral flow) in order to recreate the glottal wave-form for further analysis of vocal fold behaviour.

1.2 Vocal tract modelling

Software which models the shape of the vocal tract.

1.2.1 “Reverse looking” - modelling of tract

Vocal tract modelling software could be “run backwards” in order to monitor what effect manipulation of the articulators has on the voice source. 

1.2.2 Further developments:

Extend scope to non-voiced sounds.

Utilise MRI scanning and 3-D models.

NB“Odeon” software and Roomweaver (Uni. Of York) model room acoustics – could these systems be downscaled to model vocal tract?

1.3 Non-linear dynamics

When analysing speech or singing we are dealing with non-linear systems and also much variability (not just frozen point in time

Perception is an important tool when dealing with variability (see perception)

2 Perception

Technology as a tool in aiding perception of the voice.

2.1 Listening to your own voice

Technology may help us to discover what are the foundations for self-perception and on what basis do we judge our own voice?  Several things affect perception of our own voice including:

2.1.2 the room and our surroundings

2.1.3 Internal pathways

2.1.4 Skull interaction

2.1.5 Classical vs studio singers' perception

2.1.6  Use of headphones

2.2 Feedback to performers

Feedback to the performer about their voice during performance takes several forms:

2.2.1Auditory (acoustic) feedback

2.2.2 Kinaesthetic feeback

see also listening to your own voice

2.2.3 Competitive interference

o from other singers

o from other sounds e.g. musical accompaniment

2.3 Listening to others

Technology can be used as a tool to aid critical listening.

2.3.1 Harmonics:Noise ratio changes?

o Works for sustained sounds only but voice is rarely sustained

o Technology has to be used

2.3.2 How do you “assess” a voice

o NB. Lots of craft knowledge in listening

o initial appraisal to do with regularity of vocal fold vibration and/or closed phase ratio

o Technology can help to provide measures and baseline assessment

2.4 What are you listening to?

Perception of the voice can be affected by your own:

o Expectations and experience

o Cultural background

o Accent

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3 Enhancing the voice

Technology can be used to “catch a moment in time”

3.1 Hold on to it

3.2 Explore it

For analysis

3.3 Alter it

o What do you want it to sound like?

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4 Healthy voice use

Technology can be used to encourage healthy voice use

4.1 Guidelines on best conditions

Environmental conditions(e.g.  in the classroom/work place) affect healthy voice use

o Ideal temperature

o Ideal humidity

4.2 Teacher "survival kit"

Many teachers are vocally naive - need "survival kit"
NB. Some knowledge about voice is contested and there is no such thing as objectivity

see also raising awareness

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5 Singing as communication

Technology to facilitate communication.

5.1 Understanding sung text

Technology to let singers hear text (see also feedback)

Technology to aid production of vowel clarity and consonant clarity.

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6 Educational influences

Technology and its role in education

6.1 Research into the voice

Technology plays and important role in researching the voice and hence contributing to educational aspects including:

6.1.2 The relation of acoustic reality to perception

In terms of:

o Beauty

o Emotion

6.2 Technology and educational play

Technology can utilise “play” towards educational goals by harnessing:

o Competition

o Motivation

6.3 Singing of boys

6.5.1To encourage them to know they have a voice

6.5.2 Technology for boys should:

o be enjoyable to use (see also technology and play)

o develop their range

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