Effects of training and professional vocal practice over singing and speech

Author(s)

Antonio Carlos Silvano Pessotti

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Estudos da Linguagem
• Defense date: 2012-01-23

Examining board members

Eleonora Cavalcante Albano; Ricardo Molina de Figueiredo; Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Júnior; Luiz Tatit; Maria José Dias Carrasqueira de Moraes

• Advisor: Eleonora Cavalcante Albano

Abstract

The aim of this study is to observe the effects of training and professional voice practice, the basis of three scenarios that show similarities and differences in spoken and sung productions: 1) speech is different among groups, 2) singing is similar in the two groups of singers, 3) speech and singing have similarities and differences influenced by musical education and training. Conselhos, a song by Carlos Gomes, was chosen to constitute the corpus, whose text was read and sung five times by three groups, each with five subjects: solo singers (SOL), choir singers (COR) and news broadcasters (LOC). The data obtained from the musical score were analyzed with nonparametric procedures, and the data from acoustic recordings of speech and singing (with and without accompaniment) were analyzed using parametric procedures. Non-parametric analysis showed that the musical score maintains language restrictions, without loss of phonological function or linguistic relevance. Differences observed in the analysis of spoken duration support the first hypothesis. Such differences suggest the influence of training distinctions based on professional practice and maintenance of the prosodic hierarchy. Analysis of speech intonation shows gradient performance among groups, and separates singers from broadcasters, as well as indicate the influence of professional vocal training. The analysis of vowel space estimations shows the stressed vowels as expressiveness markers used by both groups. The intensity in speech distinguishes broadcasters and soloists such as groups with professional vocal practioneers. The soloists stand out with high values in intensity and formants. The way of keeping close to the score may explain the tendency of singers with more practice and training to read a text with an intonation that reminds the melody. Analysis of overall duration in singing without accompaniment shows that the similarity between groups reflects the second hypothesis, referring to musical training. Differences in duration of the linguistic variables in singing reflect the influence of practice and training. The analysis indicated that pitch singers' intonation ties the musical score, and accompaniment makes it easy. The analysis of vowel space area estimations in singing showed similar between groups. The distinction between them appears in the tonic vowels, more centralized by the soloists, and with higher intensity and formants. The comparison between acoustic data and estimations of the musical score in singing showed the soloists with similar pitch to the score. The stressed vowels were investigated in speech, singing, and between modalities. In speech, the differences between groups are explained by their background, as soloists and broadcasters are trained to open their mouth widely. The articulatory consequences would be the larynx lowering and reduction of pharyngeal space. Research results indicate the stressed vowels in singing have higher formants for soloists, resulting in stretching (or lifting of the larynx). The results of these comparisons indicate the influence of music proficiency or vocal training seeking a comfortable vocal space. These results, observed in the speech and singing, suggest gestural transference between singing to speech, and vice-versa, as occurs in second language acquisition. This phenomenon could be the result of bio-mechanical adaptation, consistent with the Gestural Phonology (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/10036-4 - Similarities and differences between singing and speaking in Brazilian chamber music
• Grantee: Antonio Carlos Silvano Pessotti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate