Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Abstract
Facial expressions are used in music performance to communicate structural and emotional intentions. Exposure to emotional facial expressions also may lead to subtle facial movements that mirror those expres- sions. Seven participants were recorded with motion capture as they watched and imitated phrases of emo- tional singing. Four different participants were recorded using facial electromyography (EMG) while performing the same task. Participants saw and heard recordings of musical phrases sung with happy, sad, and neutral emotional connotations. They then imi- tated the target stimulus, paying close attention to the emotion expressed. Facial expressions were monitored during four epochs: (a) during the target; (b) prior to their imitation; (c) during their imitation; and (d) after their imitation. Expressive activity was observed in all epochs, implicating a role of facial expressions in the perception, planning, production, and post-production of emotional singing.
Recommended Citation
Russo, Frank A.; Livingstone, Steven R.; and Forde Thompson, William, "Facial Expressions and Emotional Singing: A Study of Perception and Production with Motion Capture and Electromyography" (2009). Psychology Publications and Research. Paper 15.
http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/psych/15