The Effect of Vocal Training on Vocal Quality in Chinese Singing Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vocal training on singing voice in Chinese folk song major students. A longitudinal study over a two years' period (four consecutive semesters) was conducted to observe the effects. Ten college students majoring in Chinese folk music (seven females and three males; age range: 19-21 years) were recorded three times while singing, at the beginning of the first, third, and fifth semesters. Acoustical parameters including maximum phonational frequency range (MPFR), sound pressure level (SPL), intonation accuracy and long-term average spectrum (LTAS) were measured to evaluate the effects. Results indicated that vocal training had a significant effect on MPFR, and SPL increased as vocal training progressed. A slight improvement in intonation accuracy was observed during training period, and LTAS changes as a function of training were detected in some subjects. This longitudinal study indicates that the effect of vocal training on vocal quality improvement can be observed in Chinese singing students and evaluated by measuring certain acoustic parameters.