Research Interests
Professor David M Howard's main research interests include the analysis and synthesis of singing, speech and music. David also has a number of published papers, articles and books available within this research section.
- Physical modelling for speech and music synthesis
- Computers are useful to support singing lessons
- New software to support singing lessons
- Dynamic voice source analysis
- Physical modelling music synthesis: a new musical instrument
- Can listeners tell if boy or girl choristers are singing
- Pitching ability can be developed in primary school children using computers
- Anechoic room
Physical modelling for speech and music synthesis
Physical modelling allows the user to think in terms of the underlying physical shape and construction of the acoustic instrument, whether it be a musical instrument or a singing/speaking human. Read more about physical modelling and a gesture controlled musical instrument.
Computers are useful to support singing lessons
See the VOX website for more details of this project to investigate the usefulness of real-time visual feedback technology in the singing studio.
New software to support singing lessons
The Winsingad website can give you more information about software to provide visual feedback for singing students and teachers. Available as a free windows download, or as a professional research tool.
Dynamic voice source analysis
A number of adult singers have been investigated to identify whether or not there are voice source features that vary as a function of singing training and experience. Read more on the dynamic voice source analysis pages.
Physical modelling music synthesis: a new musical instrument
The virtual world is a playground in which physical concepts can be investigated and extended, enabling us to understand and achieve things which may or may not be possible in nature. The computer has enabled musicians to push back creative boundaries but despite enjoying the freedom from physical constraints that this brings, musicians are still searching for virtual instruments that are in many ways more like their physical counterparts. Read more about the work Professor David Howard is doing with the tactile control of physical modelling.
Can listeners tell if boy or girl choristers are singing
A perceptual experiment designed to establish whether or not listeners can tell the difference between trained girl and boy English cathedral choristers when they are singing the top lines in samples of professionally recorded sacred choral music from one cathedral choir. Read more about Professor Howard's examination of listener perception of boy and girl choristers.
Pitching ability can be developed in primary school children using computers
Find out more about how assessment of singing abilities in primary school children can provide insights into the pitching strategies employed by young school children.
Anechoic room
Find out more about the acoustic anechoic room at the Department of Electronics, University of York