Date of Award

2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology

Department

Speech Pathology and Audiology

First Advisor

Cox, Violet

Subject Headings

Music, Music Education, Performing Arts, Speech Therapy

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate differences in vocal fold (VF) closure patterns in singers of varying genres with use of videostroboscopy. Three participants were selected to be in groups of different singing genres including classical, musical theatre, and pop/rock. A control group of non-singers were also included. Vocal tasks were assessed through acoustic, subjective, and stroboscopic analysis.

Significant differences were observed between the classical group of singers and the pop/rock group. The VF closure patterns were relatively normal for the classical singers in comparison to the abnormal patterns in pop/rock singers. The musical theatre group had both normal and abnormal patterns. There was no significant differences between groups when analyzing the acoustic data through descriptive means. The acoustic data indicated all participants within relatively normal limits for the parameters assessed, except some inconsistencies with maximum phonation time (MPT). The subjective analysis showed differences between the classical and pop/rock groups in terms of vocal health and hygiene. The classical group showed the best vocal health and hygiene practices compared to the fair practices of the pop/rock group.

The results between the classical and pop/rock group indicates that the lack of vocal training and competing with loud instrumentation in noisy environments may contribute to the recruitment of laryngeal musculature to achieve VF closure. These findings may indicate the need of vocal training and education in vocal health and hygiene for pop/rock singers.

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