First Passaggio Transition Gestures in Classically Trained Female Singers.

Area of Science:

• Vocal pedagogy
• Acoustic analysis
• Singing voice science

Background:

• The primo passaggio is a critical transition zone in singing.
• Understanding vocal fold function and spectral output during this transition is key for singers and educators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate spectral and electroglottograph (EGG) differences in classically trained female singers during their primo passaggio.
• To test hypotheses regarding steady EGG levels, minimal spectral changes, and similarity of vibrato crest/trough measurements.

Main Methods:

• Observational case-control study involving female singers from university students to professionals.
• Singers performed an A3-A4 scale on an /ɑ:/ vowel.
• Measured contact quotient (CQEGG), harmonic amplitudes (H1-H5), and dominant harmonic around 3000 Hz at vibrato crests and troughs.

Main Results:

• Similar patterns in CQEGG and harmonic amplitudes were observed at vibrato crests and troughs, with some singer-specific variations.
• Mean CQEGG showed a slight decline across the scale.
• The strongest harmonic shifted from H3 to H2 for higher notes.

Conclusions:

• Singer adjustments through the primo passaggio largely aligned with hypotheses for CQEGG, harmonic amplitudes, and spectral characteristics.
• Notable differences were found between vibrato peak and trough measurements, indicating dynamic vocal fold behavior.