Affirming Vocal Resonance in Carnatic Singers Using Auditory Perception and Formant Frequency Measures

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of Resonant Voice Therapy (RVT) on the perception of vocal resonance, vocal tract formant frequencies, and the Singer’s formant in trained Carnatic classical singers. Twenty-nine vocally healthy Carnatic classical singers (18 females, 11 males) underwent 21 consecutive days of RVT. The study recorded their/a/vowel phonation and singing samples before and after the therapy. Trained judges assessed vocal resonance, and Praat Software was used to analyze formant frequencies and energy distribution in the 2 kHz to 3.5 kHz range. Non-parametric tests compared pre- and post-training data. After RVT, the perception of vocal resonance ratings for phonation samples was significantly improved. Significant differences were observed for all formants in phonation and the first, third, and fourth formants in singing. Singer’s formant manifestation increased post-training, particularly in male singers, with higher peak amplitudes. RVT-induced vocal tract changes, primarily in the pharyngeal cavity, lead to altered formant frequencies post-training. These effects may take time to manifest in overt singing. Furthermore, this study provides evidence for the presence of Singer’s formant in Carnatic singers, confirming the unique vocal characteristics of this music tradition.