Relationships of a Circular Singer Arm Gesture to Acoustical and Perceptual Measures of Singing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate previous research that suggests using movement in conjunction with singing tasks can affect intonation and perception of the task. Singers ( N = 49) were video and audio recorded, using a motion capture system, while singing a phrase from a familiar song, first with no motion, and then while doing a low, circular arm gesture. Analysis of relationships between a circular singer arm gesture and changes in intonation indicated most singers (67.3%, n = 33) were closer to the target pitch when doing the low, circular gesture. Additionally, significant correlations were found between motion of the hand and face. Participant perceptions of singing with motion included “fuller tone” and “more breath” with the lower motion and singing without motion viewed as “easy” and “comfortable.” Results of this study suggest that singing with motion can affect intonation, other bodily movements, and perception of singing.