Use of the DoctorVox Device for Basic Vocal Exercises Contribution to Performance
Seta Kürkçüoğlu, N. Özgül Turgay, M. Akif Kılıç, M. Güney ÖzelkanIn this study, a preliminary comparative study was conducted for the first time using the DoctorVox device by instructor–performer participants using two different formant patterns in Turkish and Western music. The participants used the DoctorVox device before recordings to practice the selected tonal exercises ascending and descending; they recorded glissando exercises and [a], [e], [i], [o] vocals in a constant studio setting at Week 0 at the start of the study and Week 8 at the end of the study. The data obtained from the measurements were evaluated in the Customized Praat Program in line with the determined parameters, and thus, the results were revealed. In this study, the measured values of fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonic noise ratio, pitch values, maximum phonation time, and voice range improved in all objective measurements. The subjective measurement outcomes indicated that participants’ vocal and breathing health was good, their conditions improved, voices warmed rapidly, felt comfortable in high notes, physical and mental bonding grew gradually, and their confidence increased. In addition, participants’ motivation and professional goals improved, such as delivering performances and adding new pieces to their repertoire. Because of the athletic achievements obtained using the selected tonal vocal exercises as a vocal training method in the study, it is believed that it will help to eliminate existing negative thoughts about the use of (Western) vocal exercises that are methodologically supported by scientific data and will contribute to the present literature for vocal studies.
DoctorVox Aleti ile Uygulanan Temel Ses Egzersizlerinin Performansa Katkısı
Seta Kürkçüoğlu, N. Özgül Turgay, M. Akif Kılıç, M. Güney ÖzelkanBu çalışmada, ilk kez DoctorVox aletiyle Türk ve Batı müziği alanlarında farklı formant örüntülerini kullanan eğitmen-icracı katılımcılar tarafından karşılaştırmalı bir araştırma uygulanmıştır. DoctorVox aleti kullanılarak çıkıcı-inici seçilmiş tonal egzersizleri uygulamış, çalışmadan önce 0. haftada ve çalışma sonunda 8. haftada değişmeyen stüdyo ortamındaki glissando egzersizi ve [a], [e], [i], [o] vokalleri kayıt altına alınmıştır. Ölçümlerinden elde edilen veriler belirlenen parametreler doğrultusunda Özelleştirilmiş Praat Programında analiz edilmiş böylece sonuçlar ortaya konulmuştur. Çalışmada; ölçülen Temel Frekans(F0), Jitter, Shimmer, Harmonik Gürültü Oranı, perde değerlerinin ve maksimum fonasyon süresi ile ses genişliği, objektif ölçüm değerlerinin tümünde ses kalitesinde olumlu gelişmeyi işaret eden değişiklikler saptanmıştır. Sübjektif ölçüm sonuçlarındaysa, katılımcıların ses ve nefes sağlıklarının yerinde olduğu, kondisyonlarının geliştiği, seslerinin hızla açıldığı, tiz notalarda kendilerini konforlu hissettikleri, bedensel ve mental bağ kurmanın kolaylaştığı ve güvenlerinin arttığı görülmüştür. Katılımcılarda motivasyon yükselmiş, konser verme ve repertuvarlarına yeni parça ekleme gibi mesleki hedefler artmıştır. Çalışmada seçilen tonal ses egzersizlerinin, ses eğitim yöntemi olarak kullanılmasıyla elde edilen sportif kazanımların özellikle Türk makam müziği ses eğitiminde, bilimsel verilerle yöntemsel olarak desteklenen (Batı) ses egzersizlerinin kullanımı yönünde var olan olumsuz düşüncelerin ortadan kalkmasına yardımcı olacağı ve yapılacak ses çalışmaları için güncel literatüre katkı sağlanacağı düşünülmektedir.
The positive contributions of tonal voice exercises, thought to be aimed at Western vocal training techniques, for the vocal muscle are emphasized in vocal education lessons, which are still debated in Turkish music conservatories. In this context, the DoctorVox device, assumed to warm and pose the voice quickly, is used in Western and Turkish music fields. for voice development. It was aimed to provide a favorable outcome for the participants. The study used a mixed method that included objective and subjective research methods.
In this study, selected vocal exercises were applied using the DoctorVox device, and two instructors and performers who were experts in Turkish and Western music, using different formant patterns, participated. Quantitative data were presented in the context of objective and subjective analysis of data obtained in the Customized Praat Program by recording voice in a constant studio setting.
In addition, the literature review was divided into four sections: (a) determination of the basic vocal exercises to be used based on the movement properties imparted to the muscle, (b) existing resources on the Laxvox tube, (c) existing resources on the DoctorVox device, (d) qualitative research by examining the literature on measurement and evaluation. The rules have been included in the study.
The features of the ascending and descending exercises performed with piano accompaniment have been considered to improve the participants’ performance as a sport. Tonal exercises are used in the training program and chosen with the aim of developing the vocal muscle. In this context, comas that can realize the Turkish music style are not available in the musical structure of the exercises. While participant BTM01, a Western music performer and instructor, practiced the exercises with the opera singing formant, participant TSM01, a Turkish music performer and instructor, performed the exercises using the chest voice register using nasal support (in Turkish music, some vocal users could not sing with nasal support due to their different techniques; this problem is the main topic in the field of Turkish music singing and still needs to be studied).
Before the study, the “Turkish Singing Voice Handicap Index” was answered by the participants, their physical and vocal health were validated, and the exercises began. In the 0th week, recordings were collected before the selected vocal exercises were applied using the DoctorVox device. After the selected exercises were practiced regularly 1 day a week, the last measurements were made in the eighth week, and voice/sample recordings of the two instructors were obtained.
Selected exercises practiced using the DoctorVox device were performed outside (outside the mask) and inside (inside the mask) the DoctorVox device to ensure accurate implementation and vocal position. Only voice samples of the “glissando” exercises were recorded among the exercises studied. Apart from “glissando,” [a], [e], [i], [o] vocals (BTM01 participant A5/TSM01 participant F5) were recorded at the start of the study (0th week) and at the end of the study (8th week). The data obtained from their measurements were analyzed in line with the determined parameters, and the results were revealed.
The values of fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonic noise ratio, pitch, and maximum phonation time measured in the Customized Praat Program, as well as the objective measurement values of voice range, improved in this 8-week sample study with two participants.
The subjective measurements of the “Turkish Voice Handicap Index” revealed that the participants’ vocal health and breathing support were adequate. Their condition improved, and their voices warmed and improved rapidly using the DoctorVox device without excessive effort; they felt more comfortable. They improved on high notes, physical and mental bonding became easier, and confidence grew. It was observed that the participants’ motivation and professional goals improved, such as delivering performances and adding new pieces to their repertoire.
The use of the selected vocal exercises as a vocal training method will help eliminate the existing negative claims and literature, particularly in the use of Western vocal exercises in Turkish makam music.
