Phonatory vibrations in singers. A critical review

Most Westem opera singers report feeling phonatory vibrations, i.e., vibrations caused by phonation, in different parts of their bodies while singing. As one perceives one's own voice quite differently from one's listeners, it has been hypothesized that phonatory vibrations may be useful as a feedback signal for the control of phonation. These vibrations have been examined in some articles which are reviewed. It is concluded that in singing at fundamental frequencies lower than about 350 Hz (pitch F4). the amplitudes of the vibrations in the chest wall may be easy to use as a feedback signal, as they reflect an aspect of phonation which is relevant to singers. However, vibrations in the face and the skull seem to vary considerably between different vowels and can, therefore, be assumed to be more difficult to use for controlling phonation which is basically independent of vowel quality.