Browsing by Author "Van der Linde, Byron-Mahieu"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemA comparative analysis of the singer’s formant cluster(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12) Van der Linde, Byron-Mahieu; Vermeulen, H. J.; Herbst, Theo; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Music.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is widely accepted that the singer’s formant cluster (Fs) – perceptual correlates being twang and ring, and pedagogically referred to as head resonance – is the defining trait of a classically trained voice. Research has shown that the spectral energy a singer harnesses in the Fs region can be measured quantitatively using spectral indicators Short-Term Energy Ratio (STER) and Singing Power Ratio (SPR). STER is a modified version of the standard measurement tool Energy Ratio (ER) that repudiates dependency on the Long-Term Average Spectrum (LTAS). Previous studies have shown that professional singers produce more Fs spectral energy when singing in ensemble mode than in solo mode; however for amateur singers, the opposite trend was noticed. Little empirical evidence in this regard is available concerning undergraduate vocal performance majors. This study was aimed at investigating the resonance tendencies of individuals from the latter target group, as evidenced when singing in two performance modes: ensemble and solo. Eight voice students (two per SATB voice part) were selected to participate. Subjects were recorded singing their parts individually, as well as in full ensemble. By mixing the solo recordings together, comparisons of the spectral content could be drawn between the solo and ensemble performance modes. Samples (n=4) were extracted from each piece for spectral analyses. STER and SPR means were highly proportional for both pieces. Results indicate that the singers produce significantly higher levels of spectral energy in the Fs region in ensemble mode than in solo mode for one piece (p<0.05), whereas findings for the other piece were insignificant. The findings of this study could inform the pedagogical approach to voice-training, and provides empirical bases for discussions about voice students’ participation in ensemble ventures.