Summary
Objectives
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion in which performers imitate drum sounds,
interspersed with vocalization and other sounds, using their vocal tracts. Although
similarities between beatboxing and singing are expected because of the anatomy involved,
the medical literature has a wealth of information on singing and minimal studies
on beatboxing. The objective of our study was to report on a case series of functional
endoscopic evaluation of the anatomy involved in beatboxing and determine whether
beatboxing may be a risk factor for phonotrauma or if this form of vocalization might
be protective of the vocal folds.
Methods
We reviewed the flexible fiberoptic data collected from four beatbox artists who were
evaluated at an outpatient Laryngology clinic. These records included videos of a
standard flexible laryngoscopic evaluation during which the beatboxers performed beatbox
sounds in isolation and in various combinations (“beats”), both standardized and improvised.
Results
All four participants were males aged 22–32 years. We found that voicing during beatboxing
was not the same as full voice to have sustained phonation interlaced with percussive
sounds. Performers overall demonstrated similarities in delivery of the same beatbox
sounds, although subtle differences were noted between performers.
Conclusions
Beatboxing is a complex form of vocal percussion using the entire vocal tract. Although
similarities with singing in the anatomical structures and positioning are noted in
beatboxing, there are several unique and interesting anatomical processes occurring.
Use of the entire vocal tract, including the pharyngeal constrictors, may actually
protect against glottic injury.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 23, 2013
Accepted:
November 15,
2013
Footnotes
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
