Comparison of fundamental frequency nasalance between trained singers and nonsingers for sung vowels

from Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vocal training on fundamental frequency nasalance measures under selected vowel and frequency conditions. METHODS: Fundamental frequency nasalance measures were reported for 2 groups of women: 36 trained singers and 36 nonsingers. Each group sang and sustained the vowels (/i/, /ae/, /u/, /a/) for 6 seconds’ duration at 3 frequency levels. A 3-second segment from the middle of each vowel was measured to generate fundamental frequency nasalance scores. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the mean fundamental frequency nasalance scores between the trained singers and the nonsingers. The fundamental frequency nasalance scores were significantly higher for front vowels for both groups. Additionally, both groups displayed a pattern of producing significantly higher fundamental frequency nasalance scores at lower fundamental frequencies than at higher fundamental frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the practice of training singers to elevate the velum when singing at high frequencies but not when singing at low ones.