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Laryngeal biomechanics in Middle Eastern singing
Abdul-Latif Hamdan1, Abla Sibai, Roger V Moukarbel
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. alhamdan@svclb.com
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|December 20, 2005
Summary
Middle Eastern singers showed specific muscle tension patterns (MTPs), with type III and II being most common. However, vocal technique and professional status did not significantly impact MTP scores in this study.
Area of Science:
- Vocal pedagogy
- Laryngology
- Performing arts medicine
Background:
- Muscle tension patterns (MTPs) are crucial in vocal performance.
- Understanding MTPs in diverse singing styles like Middle Eastern music is important for vocal health and technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe muscle tension patterns in Middle Eastern singing.
- To correlate these findings with demographic and singing-specific data.
Main Methods:
- Fiberoptic nasopharyngeal laryngoscopy video records of 42 singers were analyzed.
- Demographic data and singing status (professional/amateur, classical/pop) were collected.
- Four muscle tension patterns (MTP I-IV) were assessed per frame.
Main Results:
- The mean MTP total score was 35.58%.
- Type III and Type II MTPs showed the highest scores.
- No significant differences in MTP scores were found between professional and amateur singers, or by singing style.
Conclusions:
- Vocal technique and singing status did not appear to influence muscle tension scores.
- Further research may explore other factors affecting MTPs in Middle Eastern singers.