Novel Sensing Methods for Vocal Technique Analysis: Evaluation on Electromyography and Ultrasonography
Kanyu Chen, Erwin Wu, Daichi Saito, Yichen Peng, Chen-Chieh Liao, Akira Kato, Hideki Koike, Kai S. Kunze · 2024
Controlling vocal cord muscles is crucial for vocal performance and training, yet it is challenging to measure. This paper introduces electromyography (EMG) and ultrasonography to detect vocal muscle activity and assess pitch training skills. A pre-experiment with 16 participants analyzed muscle control discrepancies among singers of different skill levels. A subsequent user study with 12 participants evaluated EMG and ultrasonography feedback effectiveness. Findings indicate that EMG offers better temporal stability representation, while ultrasonography provides intuitive visual feedback on vocal cord activity. Both methods show potential in enhancing vocal control, offering insights for designing effective and non-invasive vocal training systems.