Comparison of Nasalance Between Trained Singers and Non-Singers

• Other Authors: Fowler, Linda P. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Communication
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4411

Nasalance measures were reported for two groups, 36 trained female singers and 36 female non-singers. Each group sang and sustained the point vowels (/i/, /ae/, /u/, /a/) for six seconds duration across three frequency levels. Three seconds from the middle of each vowel was measured to generate nasalance scores. No significant differences were found in the mean nasalance scores between the trained singers and the non-singers. The nasalance scores were significantly higher for front vowels as compared to back vowels for both groups. Additionally, both groups displayed a pattern of producing significantly higher nasalance scores at lower frequencies than at higher frequencies. The implication of these results is that most singers spontaneously raise the velum on high frequencies and depress it on lower frequencies. These findings put into question the need to train velar movement in Western classical singing. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Communication Disorders in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Fall Semester, 2004. === September 30, 2004. === Frequency, Non-Singers, Trained Singers, Vowels, Velopharyngeal Port, Soft Palate, Nasalance === Includes bibliographical references. === Richard J. Morris, Professor Directing Dissertation; André Thomas, Outside Committee Member; Julie A. G. Stierwalt, Committee Member; Leonard L. LaPointe, Committee Member; Virginia Walker, Committee Member.