Vocal mechanics in untrained professional singers

Acoustic, electroglottographic, videoendoscopic/stroboscopic studies, and analyses of vocal technique were made on 30 untrained professional singers. For the purpose of this study, singers with less than 2 years formal vocal training were classified as “untrained.” All subjects exhibited deficits in vocal technique; principal among them was poor respiratory support and control. Descriptions of dysphonia and subject perceptions of their voice problems are presented. Acoustic and physiologic characteristics of the singers' voices are described. These measures were found to correlate well with ratings of vocal technique. Untrained singers need professional career guidance and counseling, information about the mechanics of speech and voice production, and instruction about vocal hygiene.