Variation of voice quality features and aspects of voice training in males and females.

The aim of this study is to assess information on voice quality features and to ascertain the variability of these features in specified groups. Groups were created based on gender and status of vocal training, in order to study the influence of these grouping variables on selected voice quality features. Gender was chosen as a grouping variable, because previous investigations clearly demonstrated differences in voice quality characteristics between men and women. These differences have implications for the creation of a normative database, concerning its proposed function as a frame of reference. Vocal training was intentionally introduced to give direction to what might be regarded as good vocal characteristics, as compared to characteristics of subjects without vocal training. Characteristics of the vocal apparatus and voice quality features can be acquired in many ways. Four practicable methods, easily employed in a clinical environment and extensively outlining the vocal apparatus and voice function, are used in this study. Results of these investigations are described in the following chapters.