Development of an electrolabiograph embedded in a trombone mouthpiece for the study of lip oscillation mechanisms in brass instrument performance

Authors

  • Vincent Freour Computational Acoustic Modeling Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
  • Gary Scavone Computational Acoustic Modeling Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

Keywords:

Contact areas, Degree of contact, In-vivo, Instrument performance, Lip motions, Oscillation mechanism

Abstract

A study that examines a method for analyzing lip motion in trombone players based on the measurement of lip conductivity is presented. For the purpose of in-vivo investigations on brass players' lips we developed an electrolabiograph (ELG) based on the principle electroglottography (EGG) as first presented by Fabre in 1956. The two electrodes are located across the lips with one electrode located on the upper lip and the other one on the lower lip. Therefore, the ELG signal is assumed to be proportional to the degree of contact of the lips. Since ELG amplitude is proportional to the degree of contact between the lips, the contact area at the lip interface decreases and the lips tend to open when the ELG amplitude decreases. Phase values obtained for the French horn are clearly lower than those obtained for the trombone and trumpet, possibility because of the specific geometry of the French horn bore and mouthpiece.

Additional Files

Published

2011-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Freour V, Scavone G. Development of an electrolabiograph embedded in a trombone mouthpiece for the study of lip oscillation mechanisms in brass instrument performance. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2011 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 Oct. 7];39(3):130-1. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2445

Issue

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada