Maximum speed of pitch changes in singers and untrained subjects

Abstract: The maximal speed of voice pitch changes is measured in singers and untrained subjects of both sexes. Typical differences are observed between each of these four groups. On the average, singers change pitch more quickly as compared with untrained subjects. The same observation is made regarding female subjects as compared with male subjects. Unlike singers, untrained subjects perform pitch drops considerably faster than pitch elevations. Implications with respect to the properties of pitch changing mechanisms are discussed.