The impact of singing styles on tension in the adolescent voice

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Beverly Joyce Smith-Vaughn (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Donald Hodges

Abstract: "The purpose of this study was to determine whether various singing styles are potentially harmful to adolescent vocal mechanisms and whether they place excessive strain on the musculature of the neck area. Conducting a study examining the adolescent vocal folds in motion while singing in varying styles may answer questions as to whether early vocal fold damage begins in adolescence and which singing style may cause the highest level of muscular tension. The three styles of music used for this study consisted of classical choral, gospel and musical theater. A combination of twenty students from both middle and high school grade levels served as subjects. Thirteen females and seven males comprised the sample of this study, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years. Using a KayPentax Stroboscopy System, laryngeal imaging was performed on each subject as they sang in all three styles of music. Laryngeal imaging showed muscular tension was greatest while singing in the musical theater style, followed by gospel and classical choral music styles. A perceptual study also was performed using a cassette tape recording made during laryngeal imaging. Evaluators indicated there were no significant differences among the three vocal styles in perceived vocal tension (p > .05). Results of a survey administered to the students revealed detrimental health issues, such as yelling, existed pertinent to vocal and general health maintenance."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
singing styles, harmful, adolescent, vocal mechanisms, strain, musculature, neck
Subjects
Voice--Physiological aspects
Singing--Physiological aspects
Teenagers--Physiology
Larynx--Muscles

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