Voice source changes of child and adolescent subjects undergoing singing training--a preliminary study
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis
Published on: August 9, 2024
1Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York, UK YO10 5DD. cab124@york.ac.uk
Abstract:
Many vocal practitioners have strong beliefs regarding the age at which singing training of a child should begin, and the different ways in which male and female children should be treated. These beliefs are not substantiated by any scientific research, leading to considerable dispute between vocal coaches and choral directors. The singing voices of over 127 child singers and non-singers aged 8-18 were analysed using electrolaryngographic measures. Analysis particularly concentrated on the laryngographically derived vocal fold closed quotient (CQ). Results indicated that the voice source characteristics of subjects could be divided into groups according to age, gender and the level of vocal training received. Female subjects in particular exhibited a marked development of voice source production according to the length of training received, while male subjects exhibited patterning according to both age (and related pubertal development), and training received. It was concluded that the process of training a young voice has a quantifiable effect upon the singing voice production of the child, and in particular on the female voice, while pubertal development also creates measurable effects on the voice source production of the male child.
Related Concept Videos
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Auditory Perception
Air-entraining Agents

