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Boys in a famous choir: Singing and ticcing
Sinem Tunc1,2, Alexander Münchau1
1Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck.
Annals of Neurology
|December 22, 2017
Summary
Tics were prevalent in 35% of young singers observed during a concert. This suggests a potential link between tic development and motor learning in high-achieving vocal artists.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vocal Performance Studies
Background:
- Tics are characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements or vocalizations.
- High-achieving individuals, such as young vocal artists, may present unique motor system characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of tics in young singers during a performance.
- To explore potential relationships between vocal artistry, motor control, and tic development.
Main Methods:
- Informal observational study design.
- Observation of 40 young singers during a public concert performance.
- Documentation of tic prevalence and characteristics.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of tics was observed in 35% of the young singers.
- Perioral tics were noted, potentially overrepresented in this group.
- The findings suggest a possible association between tics and motor learning.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a potential link between tic development and motor learning in elite young vocalists.
- Alternative explanations, including repetitive motor performance and personality traits, warrant further investigation.
- Tics may not solely be viewed as a disorder but could reflect complex motor system properties.
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