LOVE 2013 Programme with Abstracts (PDF) - Judith M Shedden ...

SPEAKERSPETER PFORDRESHER“I can talk, why can’t I sing?”Mechanisms and (possible)domain-specific constraints forpoor-pitch singingAbstract: In contrast to the large amount of research concerning theimitation of gestures that are transmitted through vision, less is knownabout vocal imitation of auditory patterns in humans. I will discuss recentresearch concerning the vocal imitation of pitch. This research focusesboth on individual differences in the ability to imitate both sung andspoken pitch patterns (including the basis of “tone deaf” singers). Thecontrol of vocal pitch is critical to communication via music and language.At the same time, the role of pitch and constraints on acceptablepitch content differs considerably across these domains, causing someto propose that music and language comprise functionally independentsystems. Results across several studies argue for the use of a commoninternal model of the audio-vocal system during vocal imitation, as opposedto the use of domain-specific modules. At the same time, differencesin the salience of pitch information within music and languagelead to domain-specific differences that may not accord with modelsthat propose either complete integration or independence.4