Addressing Vocalregister Discrepancies: an Alternative, Science-based Theory of Register Phenomena

This paper analyzes and evaluates several explicit and implicit assumptions that are embedded in the concepts, terminologies, and practices related to vocal registers. A reconciliation of the varied and conflicting register concepts, terminologies, and practices is proposed, including: 1. a brief historical context of vocal registers, 2. a documented science-based theory that accounts for vocal register phenomena from perceptual, physiological, and acoustical perspectives, 3. criteria for selection of science-based categorical word labels for register phenomena and suggested colloquial English terms that meet the criteria, 4. how the theory can be beneficially applied to the learning of efficient, skilled singing and speaking when guided by music educators, choral conductors, singing teachers, speech teachers, theatre directors, and when applied to therapeutic clinical settings.