Proposal

Narrative

The following is a proposal for the implementation of a Voice Science Laboratory, including state-of-the-art data collection audio software and 3-dimensional printing capabilities, designed to adequately equip all music students, especially those who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Music or Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, Commercial Music, Music Education, and Choral Conducting. It will directly impact the newly proposed Master of Music in Music Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature. This lab will help to serve as a hub for student-led interdisciplinary research within FAU's College of Education’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Medicine, as well as with outside scholars including Dr. Jonathan Stone, a pioneer of 3-dimensional computer-aided design models for medical applications, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. The purpose of the lab is to increase quality of the voice program in the Department of Music with an emphasis on gaining a national reputation through ground-breaking student-led vocal science interdisciplinary research utilizing technologies openly available to student scholars. It is the long-term goal to help students create both lifelike and rigid 3-dimensional larynx models (helping to better understand physical aspects, leading to optimizing specific speech and singing patterns) and also capture extensive dynamic acoustic data. Specific Research Short-Term Goals for students: 1. MRI students in different positions and review MRI to demonstrate their anatomy. 2. Perform segmentation to convert MRI into 3D virtual models (CAD). This will further help students understand their own anatomy and tongue positioning. 3. 3D print 5 examples of common difficulties students have that were identified on the MRI/CAD. These examples will be hard plastic reusable classroom models (midsagittal sections) that can be used for years to come and more can be added overtime with the resource.

Facilities

The lab can be accommodated in the College of Arts and Letters Department of Music. The high definition 3-Dimensional printer would be located in the current 3D printer lab housed within Visual Art and Art History. All hardware, aside from the 3D printer, can be accommodated in AL235.

Hardware Requirements

The Florida Atlantic University Voice Laboratory would consist of the following Hardware for student access: Stratasys OBJET30 PRO 3D High Resolution Printer (packaged with water jet system, stand and installation/setup) - $34,156 -Machine capable of printing detailed models with a minimum layer height of 16 µm (0.016 mm). This equipment is required to render the fine details of human anatomy, specifically the muscles and cartilages of the larynx. Using 3D printing technology, FAU can create lifelike models of various organs, muscles, and cartilages. Mentored by researchers at the University of Rochester, through a process revolutionized by Drs. Jonathan Stone and Ahmed Ghazi, the Voice Science Laboratory at Florida Atlantic University will be a center for voice research. There will also be opportunities for collaboration with the College of Medicine at FAU. 2 Shure Beta 58a Microphones and various supplemental audio capturing equipment including cables and adapters - $509.02 -For audio capture Apple Computer - $2,877 -To run Visi-Pitch and Computerized Speech Lab, a computer will be needed. Apple iPad - $1,099 -To run Human Anatomy Atlas 2019

Software Requirements

Objet CPU Controller with software - $3,500 -This software is utilized with the Objet30 Pro 3D printer (described under Hardware Reqs). VoceVista - $3369 (with 5-year renewal) -VoceVista (“visible voice”) a unique software package which incorporates the two electronic signals most revealing of the singing voice (real-time spectrum analysis and electroglottograph) into an integrated, user-friendly package for PCs and Apple computers running Windows. Simple to operate, it is non-invasive and intended for use by those whose expertise concerns the singing voice, rather than signal processing. VoceVista displays the signals in combinations of three basic formats: spectrogram, power spectrum, and high time-resolution waveforms Human Anatomy Atlas Software 2019 - $62.96 (for complete software package) -The go-to anatomy reference app for healthcare professionals, students, and professors. Human Anatomy Atlas Software offers limitless views inside the human body. Comprehensive 3D gross anatomy of the male and female. Students are able to select microanatomy of the senses and tissue types. Included in the program are cadaver slices and MRIs that are paired with 3D models. 3D moving models of muscles and bones. One may select any model to access definitions, pronunciations, and disease descriptions. Students can create views into the human body, rotate and zoom into body regions, and dissect anatomy.

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

Price quotes were created with the help of Greg Topple and Sean Cunningham.

Timeline

The short-term research goals listed under "Narrative" will conclude after a year. Due to the nature of the procured technology equipment, future long-term projects would be ongoing.

Sustainability

Financial sustainability for this project would primarily involve the cost of maintaining the equipment over a period of time. Printing materials would be the main cost, however initial start-up funds would sustain this aspect of the project for multiple years.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

N/A