Fundamental Frequency Characteristics of Adolescent Females

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to obtain data descriptive of the vocal pitch characteristics of adolescent females. The speaking voices of females at ages 11, 13 and 15 years were recorded and measured using standard phonellescopic procedures. Data are presented describing the average fundamental frequency of the speaking voice, variability of pitch usage and incidence of frequency breaks (voice breaks) for the three age levels studied. Observations are made of the relationship between menarche and changing fundamental frequency levels. These data are compared with similar data on males and females of other age levels from previous studies. The data are reviewed and discussed as to their implication for a description of female voice change.