The Vocal Tract and Singing: A Research Overview

Fine control of the vocal tract shape is important for producing acoustic characteristics that may be targeted in singing. The pattern of acoustic resonances generated by a given vocal tract shape influences vowel identity, voice quality (timbre), and, to some degree, the spectral characteristics of the voice excitation source itself.

This presentation will be focused on how the vocal tract shape can be tuned (i.e. modified) in both large and subtle ways to enhance the signal radiated from a singer to an audience. This will include the vocal tract shape contributions to the ‘singing formant’, enhancement of vibrato, and harmonic/formant alignment.