Dimensionality in Voice Quality

Influence of Singing Activity, Age, and Sex on Voice Performance Parameters, on Subjects' Perception and Use of Their Voice in Childhood and Adolescence

“…11 The classification was used to investigate how the extent of voice strain and vocal training affect the parameters of voice performance, the perception of the subjects' own voices, and how they use 12 Other studies have investigated which vocal achievement and quality parameters differ the normal from the ''supranormal'' speaking voice (eg, that of teachers and actors). 13 Consequently, scientifically validated appraisals of the correlations between the voice strain of a young choir singer and voice training have not been possible up to now. Detailed recommendations are available for the treatment of voice disorders in this age group.…”

Empirical Criteria for Establishing a Classification of Singing Activity in Children and Adolescents

“…31 Other studies investigated the parameters of vocal performance and quality that distinguish the normal from the ''supranormal'' speaking voice (eg, of teachers and actors). 32 It is hence necessary to classify the singing voice especially in children and adolescents (ie, for the phase of the ''voice in growth''). In a second step, the suitability of the classification for practical clinical purposes and for its use in comparative studies was investigated.…”

Perceptual and Acoustic Analyses of Good Voice Quality in Male Radio Performers

“…Although good voice quality in performers has been investigated in a number of previous studies (eg, Refs. 11,30 ), the present study differed from these as it made no attempt to predefine good voice quality for radio. A method of paired-comparisons approach was used, 31 which meant that listeners made preferences based on their internal standards, but always in reference to another stimulus.…”

“…This is because normal and supranormal (ie, good or better-than-normal) voices have no common or validated descriptors in the literature. Good or supranormal speaking voices have been evaluated using many descriptors, such as "projected," 10 "sonority," "variable in loudness," and "ringing voice quality," 11,12 as well as "continuity" and "emphasis." 13 In addition, definitions and listener judgments of good voice quality may vary in different situations and occupations, presumably because of differing voice requirements.…”

“…21 Given that some of these features may not be present in the voices of vocally healthy controls, 13,22 most radio performers may be considered as supranormal (better-than-normal) voice users. 11 Although radio employers and educators usually control the occupational parameters for radio performers, radio listeners are the performers' intended audience and have assumed significance in the performers' continuing employment. Radio performers may manipulate their communication style to appeal to the target audience's age, gender, level of education, socioeconomic status, and interests.…”