Can a natural singing voice be enhanced through digital processing? Implications of voice training and vocology in singers

Abstract

Introduction. The traditional way of facilitating a good singing voice has been achieved through rigorous voice training. In modern days, however, there are some aspects of the singing voice that can be enhanced through digital processing. Although in the past, the frequency or intensity manipulations had to be achieved through the various singing techniques of the singer, technology today allows the singing voice to be enhanced from the instruments within recording studios. In essence, the traditional voice pedagogy and the evolution of digital audio processing both strive to achieve a better quality of the singing voice, but with different methods. Nevertheless, the major aspects of how the singing voice can be manipulated are not communicated among the professionals in each field. Objective. This paper offers insights as to how the quality of the singing voice can be changed physiologically through the traditional ways of voice training, and also digitally through various instruments that are now available in recording studios. Reflection. The ways in which singers train their voice must be mediated with the audio technology that is available today. Although there are aspects in which digital technology can aid the singer’s voice, there remain areas in which the singers must train their singing system at a physiological level to produce a better singing voice.