Voice Acoustics

Speech science and voice acoustics have a long history. This site gives an introduction to voice acoustics and the science of singing, aimed at a general audience. It also links to introductions to some of our research in the acoustics of speech and singing.

Introduction to voice acoustics is a broad introduction, written at two levels: a brief, less-technical overview, followed by a more detailed account with references.

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• Measuring the vocal tract resonances using broad band excitation at the mouth: a technique developed in this lab.
• Formants: what are they? A discussion of the three different meanings of this term.
• Sopranos often tune the vocal tract to the note they are singing (reported in Nature.) We also show how Wagner makes it easier.
• We give an explanation of some of the acoustics of harmonic singing.
• Helium speech: an explanation with sound files.

• Our formal publications in voice and music acoustics.

Some explanatory notes

• What is a decibel?
• What is a sound spectrum
• What is acoustic impedance and why is it important?
• FAQ in music and voice acoustics