Common Vocal Effects and Partial Glottal Vibration in Professional Nonclassical Singers

Area of Science:

• Vocal pedagogy and performance science
• Laryngology and voice disorders
• Acoustic and physiological phonetics

Background:

• Nonclassical singing styles (e.g., pop, rock, musical theater) employ unique vocal effects.
• The physiological mechanisms and potential vocal impact of these techniques are not fully understood.
• Assessing vocal health in professional nonclassical singers is crucial for performance longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate common vocal effects in experienced nonclassical singers.
• To examine the production mechanisms and reproducibility of these vocal effects.
• To assess the potential for vocal damage associated with nonclassical singing techniques.

Main Methods:

• An individual cohort study involving ten male professional singers (pop/rock/metal, musical theater).
• Documentation and analysis of vocal effects using auditory-perceptual assessment, videolaryngostroboscopy, electroglottography, and voice function diagnostics.
• Participants repeatedly performed characteristic nonclassical vocal effects.

Main Results:

• All singers exhibited healthy vocal apparatus capable of high performance.
• Common nonclassical vocal effects (breathy, creaky, fry, grunting, distortion, rattle, belt, twang) were reproducible and distinct.
• Partial glottal vibration was observed in one singer during high-register belting, associated with fatigue and poor respiratory support.

Conclusions:

• Long-term use of investigated nonclassical vocal effects did not negatively impact trained singers.
• Potential for long-term vocal damage is contingent on individual factors, usage patterns, and hyperfunction extent.
• Further research on partial glottal vibration is needed to understand efficient and healthy nonclassical vocal function.