Three Professional Singers’ Vocal Tract Dimensions in Operatic Singing, Kulning, and Edge—A Multiple Case Study Examining Loud Singing

Abstract

Objective: A comprehensive understanding of how vocal tract dimensions vary among different types of loud voice productions has not yet been fully formed. This study aims to expand the existing knowledge on the topic. Methods: Three trained professional singers together practiced the vocal techniques underlying Opera and Kulning singing styles for one hour and, afterwards, phonated using these techniques on vowel [iː] at pitch C5 (523 Hz), while their vocal tracts were scanned via MRI. One of the participants also produced the samples in the Edge vocal mode using [ɛː]. Several dimensional vocal tract measurements were calculated from the MRIs. Spectral analysis was conducted on the filtered audio recorded during the MRI. Results: The Operatic technique demonstrated a lower larynx, a larger tongue–palate distance, and larger epilaryngeal and pharyngeal tube diameters compared to Kulning. Edge showed the highest laryngeal position, narrowest pharynx and epilarynx tubes, and the least forward-tilted larynx out of the styles studied. The spectra of Opera and Kulning showed a dominant first harmonic, while in Edge, the second harmonic was the strongest. Conclusions: The results shed light on the magnitude of vocal tract changes necessary for genre-typical vocal projection. This information can be pedagogically helpful.