All Tied Up: The Effect of Wearing a Necktie on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of Male Solo Singing.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess acoustically (long-term average spectra and multidimensional voice profile) and perceptually (participant perceived phonatory ease and expert listening panel) the effect of wearing a necktie on male singing in a solo setting. No study to date has assessed the potential effects of wearing neckties in a solo vocal setting. Among primary results: (a) statistically significant differences in spectral energy (0-10 kHz) between performances with and without a necktie, (b) increases in mean jitter and shimmer percentage measurements of singers with a necktie, (c) significant reduction in perceived phonatory ease when singing while wearing a necktie, and (d) listener preferences for singing without a necktie. Results were discussed in terms of limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and implications for voice pedagogy.