Voice Acoustics

Speech science has a long history.This site introduces our research in the acoustics of speech and singing. It also gives links to explanations of voice acoustics and the science of singing, aimed at a general audience.

• Human Sound is a multimedia introduction to the physics of the voice and the ear.

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

• Sounds of World English: compare accents, make a 'map' of your own and contribute to this global project.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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