Abstract
The variations in voice fundamental frequency (F0) that occur during vibrato production may be produced, at least in part, by modulation of laryngeal muscle activity. We have quantified this relation by using a cross-correlation analysis of the changes in F0 during vibrato, and the changes either in motor unit firing rate or in gross electromyographic activity from the cricothyroid (CT) and the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles. Two trained amateur tenors provided the data. Correlations were generally quite strong, thus providing support for previous evidence that fundamental frequency modulation in vibrato involves active modulation of the laryngeal motoneuron pools, especially by the cricothyroid muscle. In addition, phase delays between muscle modulation and changes in fundamental frequency were substantial. This finding may help provide insight regarding the mechanisms responsible for the production of vibrato.

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