Frequency jumps are a common phenomenon in voice production. They are perceived as discontinuities in voice pitch caused by smooth changes of physiological parameters, and may be observed in transitions between chest and falsetto vocal registers. Here, a recent model of birdsong production is used to model an oscillator source for the vocal folds coupled to an acoustic waveguide for the vocal t...

A non-audible murmur (NAM), a very weak whisper sound produced without vocal fold vibration, has been researched in the development of a silent-speech communication tool for functional speech disorders as well as human-to-human/machine interfaces with inaudible voice input. The NAM can be detected using a specially designed microphone, called a NAM microphone, attached to the neck. However, the...

This thesis deals with the occupational voice. In modern society, there is an increasing demand for oral communication in many professions. The label ‘occupational voice’ refers to those occupations where voice is the major tool. Employees in these occupations often suffer from voice symptoms to varying extents. In this thesis, the telephone customer service advisors are the target group of pro...

December 13-15, 2007: Firenze, Italy, ed. by C. Manfredi, ISBN 978 88-8453-673-3 (print) ISBN 978-88-8453-674-7 (online) © Firenze university press, 2007. Abstract: Acoustic analysis of voice is potentially useful for objective assessment and characterization of voice disorders. However, before extracting acoustic measures of voice it is firstly pertinent to ask; what do we mean by voice? In de...

Abs t r ac t . It is well known that many neurological diseases leave a fingerprint in voice and speech production. The dramatic impact of these pathologies in life quality is a growing concert. Many techniques have been designed for the detection, diagnose and monitoring the neurological disease. Most of them are costly or difncult to extend to primary services. The present paper shows that so...

Many vocal practitioners have strong beliefs regarding the age at which singing training of a child should begin, and the different ways in which male and female children should be treated. These beliefs are not substantiated by any scientific research, leading to considerable dispute between vocal coaches and choral directors. The singing voices of over 127 child singers and non-singers aged 8...