Vocal Capabilities Research Articles

The Role of Singing in Piano Teaching: Issues and Solutions

Background and Aim: For coordination and singing abilities, students should practice with children's books, connect sight and feel to piano pitches, use simple accompaniments, and receive feedback. This article explores the role of singing in piano teaching, discussing strategies for improvement, textbook selection, classroom fun, parent communication, sight singing, ear training, and enriching children's music lives. Methodology: This paper is a documentary study that combines descriptive content analysis with goals-oriented thinking. Results: The issues with pitch, coordination, song familiarity, and self-assurance. Solutions include helping students with basic vocalizations, focusing on correct breathing techniques, using children's piano books, and providing motivation and constructive criticism. Sustained instruction and practice can improve coordination and vocal capabilities. Pedagogical approaches should be refined, and tailored to students' age, gender, and individuality, and teachers should enhance their expertise and establish clear teaching objectives. Time allocation and textbook selection should be based on the course schedule, and novel pedagogical approaches like role exchange can enhance student engagement. Consistent communication with parents is crucial for children's piano skills development. Sight singing and ear training can develop children's ability to perceive and use music. Conclusion: The document review addresses issues with the role of singing in piano teaching, focusing on pitch, coordination, song familiarity, and self-assurance. Solutions include basic vocalizations, breathing techniques, using children's books, motivation, and teacher training.

The role of innovative musical education in the development of social skills in children and adolescents

This article aims to investigate the significance of innovative musical education in fostering social skills among children and adolescents. To achieve this objective, the authors devised teaching approaches centered on the development of social skills through vocal training, utilizing modern technologies such as Minute Voice WarmUp and Swiftscales. The curriculum was designed to facilitate the formation of articulatory approaches to vocal singing, the enhancement of technical skills in vocal performance, the cultivation of emotional expression in execution, and the establishment of dual-voice rendition. Findings revealed that emotional expression in singing (0.491) and articulation (0.483) played pivotal roles in developing social skills, along with dual-voice rendition (0.207), influencing the freedom and confidence in execution. Moreover, the study results demonstrated that among the acquired social skills in children and adolescents, presenting vocal capabilities effectively (1.96) stood out prominently, enabling individuals to express their opinions in the interpretation of melodies. Additionally, students developed voice control skills (1.83), closely associated with the precision of word pronunciation and the conveyance of inherent intonation. The practical significance of this work lies in the potential for shaping social skills through vocal singing, guided by the utilization of digital applications such as Minute Voice WarmUp and Swiftscales.

Enhancing Vocal Performance using Variational Onsager Neural Network and Optimized with Golden Search Optimization Algorithm

ABSTRACT The Singing Muscle Ability Training System (SMATS) represents a cutting-edge technological solution dedicated to honing an individual’s vocal prowess. By employing a sophisticated combination of techniques, exercises, and methodologies, this system strategically targets and cultivates the muscle groups integral to singing. In its innovative approach, SMATS integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate vocal capabilities further. The proposed SMATS-AI-VONN-GSOA stands out by incorporating the Variational Onsager Neural Network (VONN) alongside the Golden Search Optimization Algorithm (GSOA). This amalgamation tailors training routines based on the user’s progress and preferences, emphasizing the development of muscle memory and control for enhanced vocal performance. Noteworthy is the system’s capacity to analyze data through AI, enabling the creation of personalized training plans. In comparative evaluations, the SMATS-AI-VONN-GSOA method demonstrates a significant performance boost, surpassing existing methods like SMATS-AI-CNN, SMATS-AI-DNN, and SMATS-AI-DNN-HSV by 26.78%, 29.55%, and 21.41% in accuracy, respectively.

Maximum Phonation Time of School-Aged Children in Pakistan: A Normative Study

Maximum phonation time (MPT) evaluates maximum vocal capabilities and can be used to assess the effectiveness of behavioral and medical therapy interventions. There is a literature gap regarding MPT normalcy data for Pakistani children. Objective: To determine the Maximum Phonation Time of School Aged Children in Pakistan and its association with participant variables and impact of the 6-minute walk test on participant vitals. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on typical healthy school-aged children from August 2021 to January 2022. The sample included both genders, aged 6-13 years having normal language. Tools used included a basic demographic sheet, token test, stopwatch, growth chart, sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter, and 6-minute walk test. Blood Pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and MPT were calculated before and after the six-minute walk test (6-MWT). Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Results show MPT of 13.11 ± 3.93 seconds. Scores were significantly (p= 0.000) higher for higher age groups. 6-MWT revealed a significantly (p=0.000) higher post walk SPO2 (99.16 ± 0.89 Vs.97.82 ± 1.45), HR (105.94 ± 14.53 vs 92.94 ± 14.79). systolic (112.46±13.40 vs. 107.25 ± 13.66) and diastolic blood pressure (79.07 ± 8.17 Vs.73.84 ± 8.50) compared to pre walk. A significantly (p<0.001) strong positive correlation was noted for age(r=.515), weight (r=.460), height (r=.491) and distance (r=.281). Conclusions: MPT of Pakistani 6-13 years children is 13.11 ± 3.93 seconds with significantly higher MPT for higher age groups. MPT has a strong positive correlation with age, weight, height and distance and increases after walking. MPT values for boys were slightly higher than for girls.

The Impact of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Singing Training in Vocal Performers: A Non-Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Introduction: Vocal performers often seek natural treatments to improve their vocal capability. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation may reduce inflammation and cause changes in body composition, such as loss of fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine if omega-3 PUFA supplementation in combination with a singer’s training regimen enhances singing training and body composition. Methods: This was a non-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-three college-level students were recruited and volunteered to serve as study participants. 3.0 g of omega-3 PUFA per day or 3.0 g of placebo per day were provided over a 10-week intervention. Participants completed Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI), Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily (EASE), Voice Range Profile (VRP), food records, and body composition measures at baseline and study end. Results: Thirty-five participants completed the study. SVHI was significantly different between groups (p = 0.0152; ƞ2 = 0.153). A minor third was added to the bottom of the range in 50% of males in the supplement group (placebo = 0%). Body composition measures were not statistically significant, although those in the supplement group lost more fat mass than placebo, p = 0.101. Discussion/Conclusion: Omega-3 PUFA supplementation may be beneficial to improve how active singers feel about their voice and could potentially improve voice range in conjunction with voice lessons; however, more research is necessary to confirm the latter.

Breaking the Code: An Investigation on The Vocal Registers of Malaysia’s National Songstress Puan Sri Saloma

Investigations on vocal registers have been a great subject of debate. Early vocal pedagogues and scholars like Bacilly (1668–1690) and Behnke (1836–1892) paved the way for the modern-day investigation to take place through the categorisation of vocal registers across various music genres such as classical, jazz, and popular. However, an investigation on the vocal registers of Puan Sri Saloma (1935–1983) as a popular music icon of Malaysia has yet to be done. This paper intends to examine Saloma’s vocal registers through vocal analysis of five selected songs using case study as its research design. These songs are transcribed using music notation software (Sibelius) and analytical diagrams using similar software are produced to show the use of chest, middle, and head registers in each song. The finding shows the usage of the said registers and a diagram of Saloma’s vocal range is then produced, proving that Saloma was an alto. This study does not intend to limit Saloma’s vocal capability, but rather to celebrate her vocal prowess and encourage other scholars to conduct further investigations concerning Saloma as Malaysia’s national songstress.

The Occurrence of Laryngeal Pathologies in a Treatment-Seeking Pediatric Population

The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the age- and sex-specific occurrence of laryngeal pathologies in a treatment-seeking pediatric population in the voice unit of Ghent University Hospital, Belgium, and 2) describe this population in terms of vocal parameters, vocal complaints, influencing factors, and treatment history and recommendation. Retrospective, observational study. All patient records were analyzed for children (0-18 years) who consulted the ear, nose, and throat department of Ghent University Hospital for the first time between July 2015 and June 2021 with complaints of dysphonia. In total, 103 children (66 males, 37 females) with a mean age of 10.01 years (SD: 3.4, range 3.93-17.96) were included in this study. Laryngeal pathology was diagnosed using a flexible videolaryngo(strobo)scopy. The influence of age and sex on laryngeal etiology (organic/functional voice disorder) was examined using a Welch-modified t test and a Fisher's exact test, respectively. Organic lesions were observed in 77.7% of the participants, with vocal fold nodules (VFNs) being the most common diagnosis (66.0%). A functional voice disorder was diagnosed in 22.3% of the children. Children with a functional voice disorder are significantly older than children with an organic voice disorder. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in laryngeal etiology. Mean dysphonia severity index was -2.7 (SD: 3.2, range -9.3 to +3.7), the mean acoustic voice quality index 4.70 (SD: 1.5, range 2.35-8.27), and the mean pediatric voice handicap index 29.8 (SD: 13.6, range 5-60). The occurrence of vocal misuse was mentioned in 80.6% of the patient records. Organic voice disorders, especially VFNs, are predominant in treatment-seeking children with dysphonia. Functional voice disorders become more common with increasing age during childhood. A disordered vocal quality, reduced vocal capabilities and reduced voice-related quality of life were found.

Анализ методов развития голосовых возможностей учащихся в процессе вокального музыкального образования

В эпоху развития мировых культурных практик вокальная дисциплина выступает как одна из наиболее интенсивных форм человеческой артикуляции. Отражая собой синтез музыкальной науки, вокальная педагогика воспринимается как наследие вековых поисков, в рамках которого были сформированы разнообразные методологические концепции для активации голосового потенциала студентов. Вокальное образование, как и всякий динамичный научный сектор, вокальное образование непрерывно трансформируется, особенно учитывая факторы глобализации, технологического рывка и межкультурной интеграции. Международные педагогические инновации предоставляют ряд прогрессивных решений, способных усилить и дополнить действующие образовательные методики. Недавние декады отмечены интересом к новаторским методам, акцентирующимся на органичности голосовой выразительности, эмоциональной насыщенности исполнения и психофизическом гармонировании обучающегося. Таким образом, встаёт перед нами задача проведения глубокого экспертного обзора методик вокальной педагогики, как национальных, так и интернациональных, с акцентом на оценку их результативности и потенциал интеграции разнообразных педагогических практик для оптимизации образовательного процесса. Главной амбицией данного исследования является голистический разбор подходов к вокальному развитию с учетом сопоставления российских и зарубежных методологий, а также выявление наиболее продуктивных педагогических стратегий и векторов будущего развития данного сектора. In the era of the development of world cultural practices, vocal discipline acts as one of the most intensive forms of human articulation. Reflecting the synthesis of musical science, vocal pedagogy is perceived as a legacy of age-old searches, within the framework of which various methodological concepts were formed to activate the voice potential of students. Vocal education like any dynamic scientific sector, vocal education is constantly being transformed, especially taking into account the factors of globalization, technological breakthrough and intercultural integration. International pedagogical innovations provide a number of progressive solutions that can strengthen and complement existing educational methods. Recent decades have been marked by interest in innovative methods, focusing on the organicity of vocal expressiveness, emotional saturation of performance and psychophysical harmonization of the student. Thus, we are faced with the task of conducting an in-depth expert review of vocal pedagogy techniques, both national and international, with an emphasis on assessing their effectiveness and the potential for integrating a variety of pedagogical practices to optimize the educational process. The main ambition of this research is a holistic analysis of approaches to vocal development, taking into account the comparison of Russian and foreign methodologies, as well as the identification of the most productive pedagogical strategies and vectors of future development of this sector.

Examining Use and Effectiveness of Teletherapy for Patients with Dysphonia

Virtual therapy (teletherapy) for patients with dysphonia has become ubiquitous in the COVID-19 era. However, barriers to widespread implementation are evident, including unpredictable insurance coverage attributed to limited evidence supporting this approach. In our single-institution cohort, our objective was to show strong evidence for use and effectiveness of teletherapy for patients with dysphonia. Single institution, retrospective cohort study. This was an analysis of all patients referred for speech therapy with dysphonia as primary diagnosis from 4/1/2020 to 7/1/2021 and in whom all therapy sessions were delivered in a teletherapy format. We collated and analyzed demographics and clinical characteristics and adherence to the teletherapy program. We assessed changes in perceptual assessments and vocal capabilities (GRBAS, MPT), patient-reported outcomes (V-RQOL), and metrics of session outcomes (complexity of vocal tasks, carry-over of target voice) pre- and post-teletherapy using student's t test and chi-square test. Our cohort included 234 patients (mean [SD] age 52 [20] years) residing a mean (SD) distance of 51.3 (67.1) miles from our institution. The most common referral diagnosis was muscle tension dysphonia (n=145, 62.0% patients). Patients attended a mean (SD) of 4.2 (3.0) sessions; 68.0% (n=159) of patients completed four or more sessions and/or were deemed appropriate for discharge from teletherapy program. Statistically significant improvements were seen in complexity and consistency of vocal tasks with consistent gains in carry-over of target voice for isolated tasks and connected speech. Teletherapy is a versatile and effective approach for treatment of patients with dysphonia of varying age, geography, and diagnoses.

Signs of a New Era: the "Female" Vocal Cycle during the Renewal of Russian Music of the 1960s and 1970s

The subject of the study is the "female" chamber vocal cycle in Russian music of the 1960s and 1970s, which, according to the author, became a special sign of the time of changes and renewal that came to the musical culture of the Soviet Union together with the Khrushchev "thaw". The article is devoted to the typology of the "female" vocal cycle, the appearance of a large number of works based on poems by A. Akhmatova and M. Tsvetaeva, music for children and youth, numerous vocal compositions in the spirit of the "new folklore wave", works dedicated to outstanding interpreters of vocal music by modern Soviet composers - Z. Dolukhanova, L. Davydova, G. Vishnevskaya, E. Obraztsova, E. Gorokhovskaya, N. Yureneva and others. The main conclusion of the study is the idea that there are several stable types of "female" chamber vocal cycles associated primarily with the modern poetic tradition, folk music, with the concert performance practice established in the country, with various vocal capabilities of singers, the width of their vocal range, flexibility, timbre characteristics etc. Russian chamber and vocal music is being studied for the first time in such a perspective and this direction must be recognized as fruitful. It is quite obvious that it was the "female" vocal cycle that became the most important sign of the time of the radical renewal of the national musical art in the 1960s and 1970s.

Discontinuance and Restricted Acceptance to Reduce Worry after Unwanted Incidents with Smart Home Technology

Interest in and ownership of smart home voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices have exponentially increased in recent years. Many people may purchase or be gifted such devices without knowing their potential for connecting with other home technology, listening to private conversations, sharing information with companies, and creating problems due to misunderstanding vocal commands or technological capabilities. Concerns and worries about these devices may be exacerbated over time or by a specific incident. To understand reactions to such situations, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 people who reported different types of worrying incidents with a range of smart home devices and their reactions to reduce that worry. Conducting a thematic coding analysis, we detail how each case study shows a person’s worries about their smart home technology developed vis-à-vis the incident or over time, and their strategies to alleviate their worry. The two dominant reactions were restricted acceptance or discontinuance of the smart home technology, while three other interviews revealed nuanced reactions on the acceptance-rejection continuum. For each interviewee, we highlight their technology use, any major incidents, and their psychological processes leading up to their actions to reduce worry. This provides an in-depth look at worry around smart home technology products themselves, not their ability to perform, and how discontinuance, restricted acceptance, and other reactions reduce those worries.

Singers show enhanced performance and neural representation of vocal imitation.

Humans have a remarkable capacity to finely control the muscles of the larynx, via distinct patterns of cortical topography and innervation that may underpin our sophisticated vocal capabilities compared with non-human primates. Here, we investigated the behavioural and neural correlates of laryngeal control, and their relationship to vocal expertise, using an imitation task that required adjustments of larynx musculature during speech. Highly trained human singers and non-singer control participants modulated voice pitch and vocal tract length (VTL) to mimic auditory speech targets, while undergoing real-time anatomical scans of the vocal tract and functional scans of brain activity. Multivariate analyses of speech acoustics, larynx movements and brain activation data were used to quantify vocal modulation behaviour and to search for neural representations of the two modulated vocal parameters during the preparation and execution of speech. We found that singers showed more accurate task-relevant modulations of speech pitch and VTL (i.e. larynx height, as measured with vocal tract MRI) during speech imitation; this was accompanied by stronger representation of VTL within a region of the right somatosensory cortex. Our findings suggest a common neural basis for enhanced vocal control in speech and song. This article is part of the theme issue 'Voice modulation: from origin and mechanism to social impact (Part I)'.

Hatsune Miku, Virtual Idols, and Transforming the Popular Music Experience

This essay aims to discuss the various ways that virtual idols have transformed music production, consumption, and performance in our digital society. Vocal synthesisers like Vocaloid have given amateur musicians accessibility into the industry, pushing the limits of vocal capability and preservation, and resulting in a worldwide fandom which utilises Vocaloid characters in diverse ways. Virtual idols bear resemblance to real-life Japanese idols, yet they manage to circumvent the often-strict lifestyles idols face while also playing into tropes surrounding otaku culture. It concludes by discussing how the experience and liveness of music concerts changes with virtual performers, and how virtual concerts have continued live music performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vocal Acoustics and Aerodynamics During Scripted Reading Compared to Spontaneous Speech

BackgroundExamination of vocal acoustics and phonatory aerodynamics during connected speech provide a more ecologically valid approach to voice assessment than single phoneme measures. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine if differences exist in vocal acoustics and aerodynamics between reading and spontaneous speech tasks in patients with common voice disorders. MethodsThe Emory University Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study. The voice records of 100 patients (74 females and 26 males) diagnosed with benign voice disorders and referred for voice evaluation at the Emory Voice Center between November 2018 and March 2019 were analyzed. These consisted of reading a scripted passage (the Rainbow Passage) and spontaneous speech (describing how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich). Data collected included gender, voice diagnosis, mean fundamental frequency (F0), mean airflow during voicing, and mean inspiratory airflow (MIA). ResultsUnivariate analysis assessed normality of the data. Variables with normal distribution utilized paired t test. Non-normal data were log transformed. Mean F0 was not significant for complete case analysis (P = 0.053) but gender based stratified analysis, for females (mean difference = 4.68 Hz; 95% CI = 0.359, 9.0012; P = 0.03). Gender-related statistical differences were also found in MIA in women (P = 0.0001), and P = 0.0003 for MIA in men. The direction and range of change between scripted reading and the spontaneous speech tasks in all metrics varied widely. No consistent patterns were noted in gender, age and diagnosis across the parameters studied. However, clinically salient findings in the range of MIA were noted in a small subgroup of participants. ConclusionsThis study suggests that multiple testing stimuli for phonatory aerodynamic and acoustic outcomes measurement may be appropriate for use depending on the need and vocal challenges of the individual patient. Clinically, both structured reading and spontaneous speech provide valuable insight into the vocal capabilities of the patient.

Do Voice-Over Artists Convey Emotion Better Than Untrained Voice Users?

ABSTRACT Voice is an invaluable asset for vocal professionals such as actors, singers, dubbing artists, etc. Among these, voice-over artists have rarely been the focus of research related to voice in India. These professionals need to convey emotions solely through the voice, and their vocal training must be suited to meet these demands. This study compares vocal capability of voice-over artists to those of untrained voice users. Each of 10 participants (five voice-over artists, five untrained vocal users) were asked to verbalize a target sentence to convey four different emotions. Their voice samples were recorded and given to 30 naive listeners to investigate whether the listeners perceived the emotion being conveyed. Results revealed that although voice-over artists were recognized by listeners as trained vocal users, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of sentences where the emotion was correctly conveyed through their voice, as outlined in the study. Among the emotions studied, “excitement” was maximally perceived correctly by listeners. While highlighting a lack of training by vocologists, the study also brings into focus a relatively neglected sub-population of vocal professionals in India.

Elements of advanced vocal techniques in modern performance

The purpose of the article is the definition of elements of expanded vocal technique in the contest of artistic performance as the main aspect of improvement of modern singer’s technical skills. The methodology of the research is based on the methods of analysis and historical colligation, which became important in the study of the evolution process of performing requirements to vocalists during different epochs. The scientific novelty is the delineation of the elements of advanced vocal techniques in modern academic performance and the relevance of educational programs reforming in relation to the problem. Conclusions. Trends of the world modern performance promote the development of national scientific thought, the study of technological aspects. Analysis of studies confirms the relevance of the stated theme - practice of composers requires the necessary skills from the singer. Each vocalist, representative of the academic school has all inclinations for interpretation of the elements of advanced vocal techniques, but the formation of priorities in the choice of repertoire occurs through the self-analysis of tastes, preferences, vocal capabilities. It is also necessary to point out the prominent role of the teacher in the formation of the above qualities, and in general, in the formation of a vocalist-musician.

Scientific Work of Ilham Nazarov, a Prominent Representative of the Modern Vocal Performance School of Azerbaijan

The honoured artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Nazarov, is a prominent representative of the Azerbaijani school of vocal performance of the 21st century. He went down in the history of the art of vocal performance in Azerbaijan as the first performer with a countertenor sound timbre, wide vocal performance capabilities, and a sound range of 5 octaves. I. Nazarov’s field of activity is wide and diverse. Another direction of his multi-sided professional path is scientific creativity. The musician is the author of various programs, scientific articles, guidelines and manuals. The article also deals with the scientific activity of I. Nazarov and clarifies his features. At the same time, the author explains the importance of scientific works written by the performer for the musical science of Azerbaijan. We would like to note that the scientific work of I. Nazarov is studied in a broad sense for the first time.The purpose of this research is the study of the features of the scientific activity of I. Nazarov, the definition of his method of approach as a researcher, the scope of his scientific works.The research methodology consists of analytical and chronological analysis methods. Here are analyzed and systematized features of scientific creativity of I. Nazarov. The method of analysis as applied in the article is aimed at a thorough study of the musician’s scientific activity. The research analyzes scientific works authored by I. Nazarov and establishes a connection with his teaching activities.The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that here the scientific work of I. Nazarov is examined for the first time, as well as the importance of his method of approach as a researcher, the range of subjects of his works, research directions, innovations made into a music science of Azerbaijan, and the relevance of such research are identified. At the same time, the article deals with the research conducted in connection with the features of the countertenor sound timbre of I. Nazarov, as well as his research work considering the USSR People’s artist, prominent figure Muslim Magomayev.Conclusions. Based on the study of the features of the scientific activity of Ilham Nazarov, the following conclusions may be made. In the creative works of I. Nazarov, the research papers are of great importance. Despite the fact that the musician has been engaged in scientific activities since 2015, he is also the author of numerous scientific articles, guidelines, training programs, manuals, etc. The scope of the researcher’s topics is wide and diverse. We would like to note that some of the topics studied by I. Nazarov have been studied in the field of music science in Azerbaijan for the first time. From this point of view, these research papers are of great importance. Here we can note the study of the features of the countertenor sound timbre and the study of the work of the USSR People’s artist, Muslim Magomayev.The artist studied the features of the voice in a broad and comprehensive manner as a performer with a countertenor sound timbre. Let’s note that the first scientific article authored by I. Nazarov is related to the countertenor sound timbre. In this regard, the musician has developed training manuals, guidelines and programs. In a book called “The Technique of Countertenor Performance”, the researcher describes the features of countertenor sound and scientifically proves the authenticity of such a sound.The main characteristic feature of the scientific activity of I. Nazarov is applying modern methods. For example, in the dissertation paper related to the study of M. Magomayev’s creative work, I. Nazarov describes the performance characteristics through the physical parameters and computer programs on the example of cavatina of Figaro performed by the famous singer. This method was first applied in the musical science of Azerbaijan and it is an important step in studying the features of vocal performance.

Flexibility in wild infant chimpanzee vocal behavior

Abstract How did human language evolve from earlier forms of communication? One way to address this question is to compare prelinguistic human vocal behavior with nonhuman primate calls. An important finding has been that, prior to speech and from early on, human infant vocal behavior exhibits functional flexibility, or the capacity to produce sounds that are not tied to one specific function. This is reflected in human infants’ use of single categories of protophones (precursors of speech sounds) in various affective circumstances, such that a given call type can occur in and express positive, neutral, or negative affective states, depending on the occasion. Nonhuman primate vocal behavior, in contrast, is seen as comparably inflexible, with different call types tied to specific functions and sometimes to specific affective states (e.g. screams mostly occur in negative circumstances). As a first step toward addressing this claim, we examined the vocal behavior of six wild infant chimpanzees during their first year of life. We found that the most common vocal signal, grunts, occurred in a range of contexts that were deemed positive, neutral, and negative. Using automated feature extraction and supervised learning algorithms, we also found acoustic variants of grunts produced in the affective contexts, suggesting gradation within this vocal category. In contrast, the second most common call type of infant chimpanzees, the whimpers, was produced in only one affective context, in line with standard models of nonhuman primate vocal behavior. Insofar as our affective categorization reflects infants’ true affective state, our results suggest that the most common chimpanzee vocalization, the grunt is not affectively bound. Affective decoupling is a prerequisite for chimpanzee grunts (and other vocal categories) to be deemed ‘functionally flexible’. If later confirmed to be a functionally flexible vocal type, this would indicate that the evolution of this foundational vocal capability occurred before the split between the Homo and Pan lineages.

In Support of the Exceptional Voice

Purpose The human voice is an exceptionally versatile instrument that is capable of complex communicative and emotive behaviors. Typically, these behaviors are sufficient for daily communication activities; however, elite vocal athletes have higher vocal demands and arguably enhanced vocal capabilities. The current definition of a voice disorder is a change in quality, pitch, and loudness of the voice that draws attention to the speaker. In this article, we suggest that this definition does not provide an adequate description of voice problems of elite vocal athletes. Conclusion As a result, the current clinical system of evaluation and intervention may fail to meet the needs of the exceptional voice when even a subtle decline in vocal quality may affect performance. Under the current definition of a voice disorder, these vocal changes may not qualify for vocal rehabilitation supported by 3rd-party payers. To address this issue, we offer a definition of the exceptional voice, propose expansion of the current voice production continuum to include high-level vocal performers, and provide recommendations for the rehabilitation and habilitation of the exceptional voice.

Neural representations of enhanced speech motor control in trained singers

Humans are unrivalled amongst the great apes in our capacity for vocal learning, which forms a key component our facility for articulate speech. Here, we used a speech imitation task to investigate the neural representation of the human larynx, which has a distinct cortical topography and innervation in humans that may underpin our sophisticated vocal capabilities compared with non-human primates. In an MRI study, 25 highly trained singers and 24 non-singing control participants adjusted voice pitch (F0) and vocal tract length (VTL) to mimic altered auditory targets generated from recordings of their own speech. Participants simultaneously underwent real-time anatomical scans of the vocal tract and functional scans of brain activity. Representational similarity analyses of neural activation data identified representation of the two vocal parameters in regions of somatomotor cortex previously associated with laryngeal control. Singers showed more accurate task-relevant larynx height modulation (as measured with vocal tract MRI) when imitating VTL, which was underpinned by stronger representation of VTL within a region of right dorsal somatomotor cortex previously related to singing experience. Our findings offer the first behaviourally validated, representational account of speech imitation within larynx somatomotor cortex, suggesting that the behavioral and neural correlates of singing expertise extend to human speech.