Search

Background: Beatboxers are elite vocal performers who modify their voice to mimic drum and other instrumental sounds. It requires a lot of modification and manipulation at the level of vocal folds in terms of laryngeal muscles and/or cartilages which may have adverse effect on their vocal profile. As per current literature, there is not much research on the vocal profile of beatboxers. Aim: This study aims to explore the acoustical and perceptual characteristics of beatboxers. Methodology: Ten beatboxers participated in the study. Acoustical and perceptual analyses were done using Praat and Buffalo III voice profile. VRQOL was also performed to assess the voice-related quality of life. Results: The results of the present study revealed significant difference in jitter, shimmer, and harmonic-to-noise ratio values. Rigorous and prolonged practices of beatboxing adversely affect voice. Conclusion: Beatboxing is a vocal phenomenon and may have an adverse effect on vocal musculature due to overloading and manipulation of vocal fold to produce different sounds. This is a preliminary study and further it can be done at larger level with bigger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]