Vocal economy in contemporary commercial music singers: A pilot study on twang-like voices

Abstract

Modelling studies suggest that twang-like voice production with supralaryngeal constriction increases vocal economy. This has not been studied in contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers. This study explores the vocal economy of twang-like voices in CCM singers using the “quasi-output-cost ratio” (QOCR). Ten CCM singers sang the syllable [pa:] loudly, using neutral and twang-like voices at low and high pitches. QOCR, electroglottografic contact quotient, sound pressure level, air pressure, and inverse filtering measures were obtained. QOCR showed no significant differences between the voice types. Air pressure measures were significantly higher in twang-like voices, suggesting increased aerodynamic effort to compensate for supralaryngeal constriction. New tools for studying vocal economy in singing are warranted.