The art and science of singing Dr Helena Daffern, Department of Electronic Engineering and Dr Hauke Egermann, Department of Music, University of York

Event details

With live demonstrations from a singing quartet, Helena Daffern and Hauke Egermann reveal the science behind singing. Join them as they illustrate how scientific methods can be used to understand what happens while people sing together and what constitutes ‘emotive performance’.

The human voice is a remarkable instrument capable of nuanced communication through speech and music. Singing is a fully physical and emotional activity which involves the coordination of many physiological and psychological processes. Singing together also requires performers to communicate with one another without words, and often without overt physical gestures, to ensure that they adapt to each other and create a unified performance. But how does all this work?

Through this interactive talk, Helena and Hauke will lift the lid on singing research.  They will demonstrate live how different areas of expertise provide various insights into the many layers that constitute singing performance, and how they might be measured using scientific tools.

Performers

Our YorNight performers are all members of the University of York Solo Ensemble Singing MA course:

Valentine Ford (soprano)
Lewis Cullen (alto)
Robin Datta (tenor)
Tim Reader (bass)